Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the general population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding hair dye (HD) usage and its adverse effects in the Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 months in the general population of Ras Al Khaimah. Information was collected by administering a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire related to HDs. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to correlate HD use with various sociodemographic variables. Results with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 333 of the 405 distributed questionnaires completed the study, with a response rate of 82.20%. Most (52.85%) participants used natural HDs, and most (30.59%) admitted that their motivation to use HD was to remove gray hair. Of the total sample, nearly 75% agreed that they had never performed an allergic test before using the HD, and almost 70% believed that providing advice regarding the HD would be beneficial. Sex (p < 0.0001), age (in years) (p= 0.032), and occupation (p= 0.042) were associated with the frequency of HD use, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In the present study, HD was common among students, employees, and middle-aged students. Approaches such as educational awareness programs with special attention to the safe and effective use of HDs may help individuals select appropriate HDs and avoid preventable adverse effects.