The Shanghai Commission of Consumers' Rights and Interests Protection is warning people to be aware of the potential harm hair coloring could do to their health, Shanghai Daily reported on Thursday.

"Most hair dyeing fluids are complicated chemicals. Improper use could hurt users' health and even endanger their lives," the commission said in a statement released yesterday.

Substandard dyeing fluid could cause immediate symptoms like skin rashes and loss of hair.

Its dangerous elements, absorbed by the scalp, can gradually damage the liver and kidney, said the statement.

The warning is based on the increased number of complaints about hair coloring this year.

By August, the commission has heard 29 consumer grievances about hair coloring, compared with only six last year.

"Most complaints are from girls or young women, who try to look more beautiful and fashionable by coloring their hair," said Lao Jianhong, spokeswoman for the commission.

Although most of the complaints are about colors that didn't match requirements, a number of people have been hurt by inferior dyeing fluids.

In one case, a local young woman surnamed Qi spent about 300 yuan (US$36) dyeing her hair at a salon in Yangpu District in June.

Soon after the hair was done, a rash broke out on her head, her hair began to fall out, and the remaining hair all turned white.

The hair salon agreed to compensate her 7,000 yuan for medical treatment.

The commission advises those with skin disorders, high blood pressure and heart diseases not to color their hair.

(Shanghai Daily October 22, 2004)