Opawz
One of the goals of the NAPCG is to promote safety in creative grooming , which is why the organization does not condone the use of hair bleach on pets — as outlined in “ On the Topic of Bleach .”*
Much to the disappointment of the organization , Chinese-based company Opawz is now marketing and selling a hair bleach solution for use on dogs . Do not be misled by the name of the product : the “ Lightening Cream ,” according to the ingredient list given for the products , contains both ammonium persulfate and potassium persulfate while the developer contains hydrogen peroxide . Pesulfates catalyze hydrogen peroxide as it oxidizes hair , which is the characteristic reaction of hair bleach . Whether a company claims their product lightens or gently lifts color , the ingredients speak for themselves .
The NAPCG remains of the opinion that the ingredients contained in the Opawz “ Lightening Cream ” and “ Developer ” are not suitable for use on dogs . The health and safety risks raised by using such a product are discussed in “ On the Topic of Bleach .”
Additional safety and health risks are raised by another Opawz product : their “ Dog Hair Dye ( Super Black )” for dogs . This product comes as “ Dye 1 ” and “ Dye 2 ” that are mixed together prior to application , which is a defining characteristic of an oxidizing dye . Oxidizing dyes consist of a developer that contains an oxidizing agent and of a color gel that contains dye
Lightening Cream & Super Black Dog Hair Dye
precursors and alkalizing agents ; the oxidizing agent opens the cuticle and oxidizes the dye precursors , forming dye molecules in the hair shaft , while “ melanin pigments are bleached by alkaline hydrogen peroxide ” 1 . For the product being discussed , “ No . 1 ” is the color gel , and “ No . 2 ” is the developer .
For ethical reasons , the NAPCG does not condone the use of any oxidizing dye , as the very mechanism by which they work permanently alters and damages the structure of the hair . As professional groomers , it is our responsibility to promote healthy skin and coat . However , aside from the ethical discussion of intentionally damaging hair for cosmetic purposes , this product poses a number of alarming health concerns .
To begin , there are numerous potent skin sensitizers present in this product . Note that MSDS defines a skin sensitizer as follows : “ A substance that will induce an allergic response following skin contact . The definition for “ skin sensitizer ” is equivalent to ‘ contact sensitizer ’”. 2 The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals further defines a skin sensitizer as “ a substance that will induce an allergic response following skin contact ”. 3 Thus , while nearly any product we use could cause a reaction in a small number of animals , a skin sensitizer poses a substantial risk of allergic response and this risk increases with subsequent exposure .
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Expert Ad ice : NAPCG Opinion on
By Kelcie Brown
In 2014 , Hamann et al assessed consumer exposure to allergens in hair dye products in the US . In this study , a list of hair dye substances “ categorized as strong or extreme sensitizers by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and the
* http :// www . thenapcg . com / apps / blog / show / 43273935-on-the-topic-of-bleach