Knowledge and Behaviors on Hair Dying among the Students of Rajabhat Mahasarakham University

Abstract

Objective: To survey knowledge on hairs and hair dye products (the knowledge), hair dying behaviors and adverse reaction due to use of hair dye products among students of Rajabhat Mahasarakham University; and to study the factors contributing to knowledge and use of hair dye products. Methods: This survey study collected data with online questionnaires. The subjects were 415 students of Rajabhat Mahasarakham University. Accidental sampling was employed to select the subjects sampling during November – December 2021. Results: Mean score of knowledge on hair dye products was 7.64 ± 3.11 points out of the full score of 15. The item with smallest proportion of subjects with correct answer was the concentration of paraphenylenediamine in hair dye products should not be more than 2% (42.2 % of subjects correctly answered). The most common reason for hair dying was aesthetic purpose. Brown is the most popular color. The desired hair color was the reason for choosing hair dye products. The most common recommendation from the producers of hair dye products being ignored by the subjects were keeping the contact time of  chemicals and hair as recommended by the products (68.9%). The most common adverse effect was hair loss (52.2%). The majority of those with adverse effect sought no treatment. After the adverse effect disappeared, proportions of subjects who resumed or avoided the use of hair dye were similar (48.9% and 51.1%, respectively). Female was more knowledgeable on hairs and hair dye products and having appropriate behavior of using hair dye compared to male (P<0.001 in both variables). Knowledge was significantly correlated with the use of hair dye (P<0.001). Conclusion:  Most of the subjects had inadequate knowledge and behavior regarding hair dyeing. Additionally, they continued to use hair dye even when experiencing adverse reactions. This affected the safety in using hair dye products.