Hair Dyeing, Hair Washing, and Hair Cortisol Concentrations Among Women From the Healthy Start Study

January 2017 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology ”

Sheila K. Kristensen, Sofus C. Larsen, Nanna Julie Olsen, Jan Fahrenkrug, Berit L. Heitmann

hair dyeing hair washing hair cortisol concentrations HCC chronic stress cortisol

TLDR Hair dyeing and washing frequency do not affect hair cortisol levels.

This study investigated the impact of hair dyeing and hair washing frequency on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) among 266 Danish women. The results showed no statistically significant difference in HCC between women who dyed their hair and those with natural hair color. Additionally, the frequency of hair washing, ranging from 1 to 15 times per week, was not associated with changes in HCC. The study concluded that neither hair dyeing nor hair washing frequency influenced HCC, suggesting these factors did not affect chronic stress measurement through hair cortisol. Future research was recommended to consider details about hair dyeing products.

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