Here’s What to Know If Your Kid Wants to Dye Their Hair

It’s totally normal for kids to start experimenting with their personal style as they get older. Picking out their own clothes or painting their nails with non-toxic polish are easy ways to express themselves, but more permanent changes—like changing the color of their hair—can lead to a real conundrum for parents. Put another way, how early is too early to let your kid dye their hair? 

“From my perspective, I encourage people to put it off as long as possible,” says Dr. Nanette Silverberg, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology at Mount Sinai Health Systems. “A little streak here and there isn’t really something I worry about, but once you get to really changing your color, you use a lot of hair dye over time.” And naturally, that comes with risk. 

So we asked the experts to break down exactly what those risks are, what age they recommend introducing hair dye (if at all) to their kids, and some alternative options for parents looking to hold off just a little longer. 

The Appropriate Age to Start Hair Dye

If you’re wondering, “How soon is too soon to let my kid dye their hair?” The truth is, there is no definitive age guideline for dyeing hair. However, most experts recommend waiting as long as possible and describe it as something to definitely avoid with young children.

“In my opinion, it’s best to wait until they’re a teenager so they can understand the maintenance of hair coloring,” says Victoria O’Donnell, a hairstylist at La Belle Vous Salon in Waterloo, Illinois. “Also, before puberty, their scalp and hair tends to still be more fragile.”

Dr. Silverberg also strongly encourages parents to wait before introducing hair dye, though she acknowledges that it’s common for teens to want to experiment. “We love our teens, and they have their style that they follow,” she says. “And so, be mindful that if they are going to dye their hair, they should choose the safest route and a more limited styling so it’s not a big exposure.” 

Is Hair Dye Safe for Kids?

So, what is the safest route? First, you’ll need to know the different kinds of hair dyes. Dr. Silverberg breaks them down:

Temporary Dyes

Temporary dyes typically come in a spray, powder, or chalk form and will usually wash out with one shampoo. “You can experiment a little bit, but you’re not stuck with long-term consequences,” Dr. Silverberg says. “Most of them are fairly safe in small quantities, like a Halloween costume.”

However, the expert adds that there is little FDA regulation of these agents and so reading ingredients is important.

Semi-Permanent Dyes

Semi-permanent dyes deposit color onto the surface of the hair enough to change the tone or add some shine, but it’s not as long-lasting as a permanent dye. “These come out after a few washings,” Dr. Silverberg explains, though she warns that semi-permanent dyes don’t always come out and can penetrate the hair shaft.

Permanent Dyes

Unlike temporary dyes, these permanently alter your hair structure in order to change the color. Another thing to know: “They contain substances that are considered potentially carcinogenic, which include aromatic amines and aminophenols, depending on the hair dye,” says Dr. Silverberg.

In addition to being potentially carcinogenic, permanent dyes—even ones that are considered natural alternatives—often have ingredients that can be allergenic.

Things to Consider

Dr. Silverberg recommends looking out for dyes that contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and para-toluenediamine sulfate (PTDS). “They are agents that give more permanence to the hair dyes,” she explains. “They may enhance the color, but they are potentially allergenic.” Dr. Silverberg also recommends families with a history of vitiligo avoid certain dyes, as coloring the hair may trigger or intensify onset.  

“There’s always some risk with hair dyes,” the expert says. So, as with all health concerns, she recommends talking to a medical professional first. For parents who’d like more information on the cancer risks of hair dye, she suggests reading the American Cancer Society’s research as well as checking out The Environmental Working Group’s website, which has data on all the chemicals present in hair dye ingredients. 

Tips for Your Child’s First Hair Dye Appointment

Despite the risks, Dr. Silverberg acknowledges that many people will dye their hair. “Choosing hair dyes that are PPD free, don’t have phenols, and are more natural is always going to be a little bit better,” she says. 

Before your child’s first hair dye appointment, Dr. Silverberg and O’Donnell both recommend trying a skin test to see if they have any allergic reactions. This involves testing a small area around the hairline, typically along the neck, and then waiting 48 to 72 hours to see if there’s an allergic reaction before dying the hair more fully. 

If you decide to move forward after that, O’Donnell suggests giving the stylist some pictures for inspiration and making sure you’re all on the same page. For younger clients, especially those dyeing their hair for the first time, she says that “it’s better to think less is more.” For example, she suggests doing a few money-piece highlights—that is, the strands that frame the face—rather than the whole head of hair. Or dye just the ends of the hair as a way to protect the scalp from exposure to chemicals.

Alternatives to Hair Dye

There are several ways for your child to be creative with their look that doesn’t involve permanently dyeing the hair—in fact, they might prefer the freedom that comes with more temporary solutions. Testing a color out via a wig or other alternatives is also a good way to make sure it’s the right choice before committing to a long-lasting change. “Some alternatives include temporary color that washes out, hair chalk or sprays, and clip-in extension pieces,” O’Donnell recommends.