Allergic to Hair Dye?
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How many of you really read the hair dye box warnings? The box alerts us to do a skin patch test 48 hours before using the product. However, if you are like me, you may only wait 24 hours before dying your hair or you may not do the test at all if you have used that hair dye before. The trouble is an allergic reaction to hair dye can occur even if you have used the same product before. That is what happened to a lady in Manchester, England and she ended up going to the hospital.
In 2009, Susan Taylor used a Garnier hair dye product. She had done a skin test but only waited 24 hours before going ahead and dying her hair since she had used this brand hair dye before. She dyed her hair at 4 p.m. but by 10 p.m. she developed a burning sensation, itching and redness on her scalp. She woke up at 1 a.m. having difficulty swallowing and saw increased swelling around her ears. Her husband had to rush her to the hospital where an I.V. was started and she was given antihistamines. Still in pain two days later, her doctor prescribed oral steroids and a week later she was started on antibiotics as her symptoms continued.
Allergic skin reactions, also called allergic contact dermatitis, can occur even after having had contact to a substance for many years. Susan had been dying her hair for over 35 years but it was this last time that gave her the skin reaction. Frequently women have less obvious reactions to their hair dye of mild itching or redness and it isn’t clear at first that they are developing an allergy. However, continued exposure to the dye may develop into a more severe reaction later.
What is in hair dye that causes the allergy?
A chemical called PPD, para-phenylenediamine, which is in over 60 percent of commercial hair dye products is the culprit. PPD allows the dye to adhere better to the hair shaft. Hair dye typically comes as two bottles that are mixed together. The one that is clear has the PPD in it and is in a non-oxidized state. The other is the developer, which has hydrogen peroxide in it. When the two are mixed together, the one with the PPD turns color and becomes partially oxidized from contact with the peroxide.
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Great article, Michele! I have my hair colored/highlighted by a hair professional. We used to do all-over color, which was terribly itchy on my scalp. I could definitely tell if I hadn't taken an anti-histamine before heading to the hair salon. My stylist would even call me before an appointment to remind me to take it. After having this reaction on a couple visits, we decided to change the process. I definitely have a lower reaction to the coloring she does now.
August 19, 2010 - 9:30amThis article is a good call to action for those who color at home or get it professionally done. If you do use a professional, work with them to find a process that isn't harmful to you (natural hair coloring?), or (gasp!) give up coloring.
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Thanks Christine. Until I read about this woman's reaction, I used to just do a 24 hr test thinking that was enough time to wait. Now I wait the entire 48 hrs. I skin test my skin on my neck area near my ear so it doesn't get on my clothes. Glad you were able to find a better solution for your hair color needs. Sounds like your stylist is really great to watch out for this in her clients.
August 19, 2010 - 3:19pm