Can You Develop An Allergy To Hair Dye?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you develop an allergy to hair dye?

The substance may either be an irritant, directly damaging the skin, or an allergen, triggering an allergic reaction that affects the skin

. Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known irritant and allergen.

Can you suddenly become allergic to hair dye?


You can become allergic to a product or substance at any time, even if you've used it before

. That's why it's important to do a patch test prior to using hair dye, even if it's a tried-and-true brand.

Why have I become allergic to hair dye?

The main culprit of this reaction is

a chemical called p-Phenylenediamine, also known as PPDA

. This is the best chemical to cover the greys, so it's found commonly in hair dyes.

How long does it take for allergic reaction to hair dye?

Most people will find that their skin may become dry, stretched, or cracked. The scalp may tighten or feel as if it is burning. Symptoms of irritation will usually appear

within 48 hours

. At the same time, many people with a hair dye intolerance may have an almost immediate reaction to PPD or other hair dye components.

How do you get rid of an allergic reaction to hair dye?

  1. Honey. If you are experiencing contact dermatitis symptoms, you can use honey as a remedy. …
  2. Aloe Vera. Aloe vera gel possesses wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. …
  3. Coconut Oil. …
  4. Olive Oil. …
  5. Tea Tree Oil. …
  6. Sesame Oil.

How do I know if I'm allergic to hair dye?


itchy skin or a raised, red skin rash

. swollen eyes, lips, hands and feet – the eyelids can swell so much that the eyes close. feeling lightheaded or faint. swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue, which can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties.

Why does my head itch after getting my hair colored?

Skin reactions to the chemicals in hair dye are really common.

Some hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp, especially if it is already sensitive

. When the dye sits on the scalp for any length of time, the chemicals can actually burn the surface, leaving you with an itchy rash.

How can I cover my GREY hair if I am allergic to hair dye?

Coffee. For those looking to go darker, cover greys, or add dimension. All you do is

brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a bit of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds

. Apply on clean hair and allow to sit for about an hour.

What hair dye can you use if you are allergic?

The safest options are

natural botanical colors

, which use henna, cassia, beetroot, coffee, indigo and other plant extracts to impart color. These are unlikely to trigger allergies in their pure forms, although a few contain added essential oils which some people may react to.

Why is my scalp weeping after hair dye?

When you are left with an irritated scalp after using hair dye,

it's likely an allergic reaction, sometimes called contact dermatitis, on your skin

. This reaction is especially prevalent when using at-home dyes that tend to sit on the scalp, rather than being applied to just the strands in a more professional manner.

Can you have a delayed allergic reaction to hair dye?

Immediate irritation or rash within minutes or a few hours is more likely to be irritant contact dermatitis than allergic contact dermatitis.

A delayed reaction with redness, swelling, blistering or dryness at the site of the test indicates that dermatitis will develop if the mixture is used to dye the hair

.

Which hair dyes do not contain PPD?

  • Goldwell Color Chic (permanent)
  • Goldwell ReShade for Men (demipermanent)
  • L'Oréal Paris Excellence To-Go 10-Minute Creme Colorant (demipermanent)
  • Sanotint Light (demipermanent)
  • Schwarzkopf Igora Royal (permanent)
  • Wella Koleston Perfect (permanent dye)
  • Wella Color Charm (demipermanent)

Does L Oreal hair color contain PPD?

If you're on the hunt for PPD-free alternative hair dyes, consider types of hair color that have a lower risk of causing reaction. Though semi-permanent hair color can still contain PPD,

there are many on the market that are safe and void of PPD

, like the L'Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color.

How long does an allergic reaction last?

It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment, symptoms can last

2 to 4 weeks

.

Can hair dye make you sick?


Temporary hair dyes, like the kind used at Halloween, should only cause minor irritation to the mouth, some nausea, and maybe some vomiting

. Toxicity is increased with semi-permanent and permanent dyes because of their alkalizing and oxidizing agents.

What is the best hair dye for sensitive scalp?

  • Good Dye Young Semi-Permanent Hair Color: $18. …
  • Overtone Color Conditioner: $32. …
  • Clairol Natural Instincts: $7.59. …
  • Manic Panic Classic High Voltage Color: $13.99. …
  • Garnier Olia No Ammonia Permanent Hair Color: $8.49. …
  • Madison Reed Radiant Creme Color: $25.

What ingredient in hair dye causes allergic reactions?

Dr.

With the help of

ammonia

, PPD reacts with the air and deposits pigment inside the hair shaft at the cortex – a process that creates long-lasting results. to PPD range from mild – a rash on the top of the ears and eyelids – to severe with swelling of the eyes and even the face.

How do you make your head stop itching after dying it?

  1. Always do a patch test. …
  2. Gently wash your hair and avoid harsh products. …
  3. Hydrate your hair. …
  4. Lay off the heat. …
  5. Give it time.

Will antihistamines help itchy scalp?

Antihistamines. There are over-the-counter products that are best for treating an itchy scalp.

Antihistamine medications taken by mouth can also help at times

. There are two main categories of antihistamines that relieve itchy scalp.

How do I get my head to stop itching?

  1. Apple cider vinegar. …
  2. Organic coconut oil. …
  3. Peppermint oil. …
  4. Meditation. …
  5. Tea tree oil. …
  6. Zinc pyrithione shampoo. …
  7. Salicylic acid. …
  8. Ketoconazole shampoo.

How can I color my GREY hair naturally?

  1. Use of coffee. Using coffee is one among the conventional and unconditional ways to cover gray hair easily. …
  2. Henna. …
  3. Amla powder. …
  4. Black pepper remedy. …
  5. Apple cider vinegar. …
  6. Potato skin. …
  7. Onion juice.

Do salons use PPD free hair dye?

PPD in hair color is most often used in dark shades; hair color companies use PPD pervasively because it provides long-lasting hair color that has a natural look.

PPD hair dye is used in both salon and at-home color

because it is an effective ingredient in coloring dark hair.

Do all hair dyes have PPD?


Even many semipermanent dyes, lasting through 8-12 shampooings, contain PPD

. The only dyes that do not reliably contain PPD are the temporary hair dyes that only last through one shampooing, which most women do not find satisfactorily as the hair needs to be redyed each time it is cleaned.

How can I dye my hair with a sensitive scalp?


Herb Speedy Permanent Color Cream

is suitable for people with extremely sensitive scalp and has been specially formulated to be free of allergy. This product does not contain PPD (P-Phenylenediamine), a commonly found ingredient for permanent hair dyes called oxidative dyes which leads to allergic reactions.

What is the most harmful ingredient in hair dye?


Ammonia

is one of the most commonly known toxic ingredients in hair dye. It's what gives it that powerful, unpleasant smell. It's used in hair color because it allows the color to penetrate the hair cuticle.

What are the healthiest hair dyes?

  • Simply Color Permanent Hair Color. Schwarzkopf. …
  • Radiant Hair Color Kit. Madison Reed. …
  • Root Touch-up Kit. dpHUE. …
  • Temporary Color Gel. Christophe Robin. …
  • Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Clairol. …
  • Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Manic Panic. …
  • Permanent Hair Color.

Is there a hair dye without chemicals?

Sorry,

hair dye without any chemicals is just not a thing

(again, unless you're working with henna or straight-up plant juice). Dye will always require some chemical-based ingredients to help deposit pigment onto your hair.

How long does an allergic reaction last?

It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment, symptoms can last

2 to 4 weeks

.

How can I cover my GREY hair if I am allergic to hair dye?

What hair dye can you use if you are allergic?

The safest options are

natural botanical colors

, which use henna, cassia, beetroot, coffee, indigo and other plant extracts to impart color. These are unlikely to trigger allergies in their pure forms, although a few contain added essential oils which some people may react to.

Which hair dyes do not contain PPD?

  • Goldwell Color Chic (permanent)
  • Goldwell ReShade for Men (demipermanent)
  • L'Oréal Paris Excellence To-Go 10-Minute Creme Colorant (demipermanent)
  • Sanotint Light (demipermanent)
  • Schwarzkopf Igora Royal (permanent)
  • Wella Koleston Perfect (permanent dye)
  • Wella Color Charm (demipermanent)
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.