Coal-tar colors are also called “synthetic-organic” colors. That’s because, to a chemist, a “synthetic” compound is one formed from simpler compounds and an “organic” compound is one that contains carbon atoms. What the Law Says About Coal-tar Hair Dyes Keep hair dyes away from your eyes, and do not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. This can hurt your eyes and may even cause blindness. Certain textile dyes, ballpoint pen inks, some color additives used in foods and drugs, and other dyes used in semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes Root touch-ups are a cost-effective way to help seamlessly blend your roots into the rest of your hair. "These products, in formulas like sprays, powders, creams and dyes, are applied directly to roots and act as hair color extenders," says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Temporary root touch-ups "can be applied in a moment’s notice, and are often compact enough for a purse or bag," she says. There are also permanent, semi-permanent and demi-permanent root touch-up products that consist of hair dye created to be applied specifically to roots.

When it comes to hair dye alternatives, there are several options you can consider before resorting to using pen ink. One popular alternative is henna, a natural hair dye derived from the leaves of the henna plant. Henna not only provides a vibrant, long-lasting color but also nourishes and strengthens hair. It is also a great option for people who are allergic to chemical hair dyes.Then, please tell FDA. The law doesn’t require cosmetic companies, including hair dye manufacturers, to share their safety data or consumer complaints with FDA. So, the information you report is very important to help FDA monitor the safety of cosmetics on the market.

If you’re still determined to dye your hair with pen ink, here’s how you can do it. Firstly, determine the area of hair you want to color and gather the necessary supplies, including a fine-tipped gel pen and a comb. You may also need a bowl of warm water, shampoo, and conditioner. Put a towel or cover-up on your shoulders so the color doesn't transfer onto your clothes. Use the applicator to dab the chalk on your strands (and, if there's no applicator, make sure you use plastic gloves, so your hands don't stain). It helps to twist the strands as you go because that will cover more surface area. If you don't do this, remember not only to paint the top of your hair; Paint the other side, too, for a fuller look. Hit it with a hairdryerPermanent color fully covers regrowth and grays and also has the ability to lift your natural hair color. It lasts four to six weeks. However, it is important to note that using pen ink as hair dye poses significant risks. The chemical compounds in pen ink can cause severe allergic reactions, chemical burns, and hair damage. Additionally, since pen ink is not formulated for hair, it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the dye accurately. Thus, it’s always advisable to use hair dyes that are formulated for hair dyeing rather than experimenting on your hair with pen ink. Risks and Side Effects of Dying Hair with Pen Ink If you've been coveting a ~new hair color~ like the rainbow hair trend you've seen on your favorite influencers lately, you're absolutely not alone. But, if you're new to the whole hair color situation (or if, like me, you used at-home kits to dye your hair a bunch in college but haven't done it since), fear not because hair chalk is the answer. This temporary coloring solution can come in pen, spray, pomade, or even cream form and lets you have glorious color—for a few days. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), a law passed by Congress, color additives must be approved by FDA for their intended use before they are used in FDA-regulated products, including cosmetics. Other cosmetic ingredients do not need FDA approval. FDA can take action against a cosmetic on the market if it contains a poisonous or deleterious ingredient that may make the cosmetic harmful to consumers when used in the customary or expected way and used according to labeled directions. Hair coloring materials made from plant or mineral sources are regulated the same as other color additives. They must be approved by FDA and listed in the color additive regulations.