Everybody gets old and that is a very natural process and as we grow old something that appears as a first sign is our gray hairs. Almost all of the people use hair dye to hide the gray. Unfortunately, to hide the gray is not the only purpose what we use this for but also to change our hair colour. In todays world, we are in a stage where fashion gets more importance. It is funny as well as sad to declare that it is gains more importance or may be even prioritized than our own health. There are many health associated problems that comes along with this and out of which is the one called the hair dye allergy. Let’s get deep into hair dye allergy. What is it and other things that should be concerned about.
WHAT IS HAIR DYE ALLERGY?
Allergy to the hair dye is called as hair dye allergy. Not everyone who uses can have an allergy to the hair dye but some may experience this. Some chemicals in the hair dye is acting as an allergen to trigger this allergic response in you. It can range from being minor like an irritation to a severe one, an anaphylactoid reaction.
Image Source: https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PRI_212112750.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=600%2C314
TYPES OF HAIR DYES
Three types of hair dyes are available in market: semi- permanent, permanent and temporary. Among these the most commonly used are the permanent and the semi-permanent due to the lasting effect of the colour. This lasting effect is not seen with temporary ones. The colour starts to wash off after 1-2 hair washes. The number of washes is 5-6 with semi-permanent and the permanent hair dyes can withstand many more washes.
CAUSES OF HAIR DYE ALLERGY
The main villain in the scene that cooks up this hair dye allergy is a chemical called PPD (paraphenylenediamine). Other chemicals that can cause allergies are:
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen peroxide
- PTD (para-toluenediamine)
- Sulfates
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Resorcinol
- Propylene glycol
PPD AND HAIR DYE ALLERGY
PPD is a colourless liquid. Usually, mixing contents of 2 tubes together, 1 with PPD and other having chemical like hydrogen peroxide, ammonia…, so as to form a colour. PPD is colourless and it gets colour upon oxidisation. It is oxidized with the help of hydrogen peroxide and such other chemicals. Oxidising PPD completely makes it way less dangerous. So at the time of mixing when the PPD is not completely oxidized, then chances for developing hair dye allergy is increased. Mixing it thoroughly allows complete oxidization. Never leave the hair dye for longer than the recommended time mostly being 30-40 min. If left longer then the contact time with the allergen is increasing which again increases the chance for getting a hair dye allergy.
TYPES OF HAIR DYE ALLERGIES WITH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Mild allergy: Irritated or inflamed scalp, eyelids, ears, neck or forehead. Red, inflamed, blistered, dry and cracked skin. Burning or stinging sensation
- Irritant contact dermatitis: Develops immediately (within minutes) after using the dye. Itching, swelling, redness are some of the symptoms that we will be observing in this type.
- Delayed hypersensitivity reaction: It is also known as contact dermatitis. It not need to develop immediately rather it is developed after days, months or even years of using it.
- Anaphylactic reaction: A severe life threatening condition that develops almost immediately and must seek immediate medical help. Symptoms include itchy skin, raised red skin rash, very swollen eyes, lips, hands, feet. Light headedness, fainting, swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue causing breathing and swallowing difficulty.
HOW TO FIND OUT YOU ARE ALLERGIC OR NOT?
- Open patch test: Mix the dye well and apply a small amount of dye in your forearm or on the back of your neck (sensitive skin). Leave it there for 48 hrs and observe for any signs of allergy. If there is any itching, redness, swelling or any other kinds of discomfort then you are not to use the tested product, it is likely that you are allergic to it.
Image Source: https://hairbybrian.us/beauty_blog/hair-to-dye-for-allergic-reaction-saves-girls-life
2. Closed patch test: A dermatologist is the one who performs it. In this test not only PPD but other ingredients also undergo testing. Sometimes the fragrance used in the dye is what might be allergic to you. It spots the exact chemical that you are allergic to.
If no signs are showing in the patch test then it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are free of hair dye allergy. There still exist a chance of having a delayed reaction. Check for the contents used in the dye and if you find anything that you are allergic to do not use it.
A positive reaction to patch test for 13 types of hair dye. (1) component 1, (2) component 2, (M) mixed agent
PREVENTION
- Avoiding hair dye is the ultimate solution to prevent hair dye allergies.
- Can use PPD free hair dyes.
- Switch to a natural/ herbal hair dyes (henna, indigo, amla, black tea, coffee, false daisy, walnut shells…).
- Avoid direct contact with the hair dye. Use gloves.
- Mix it properly. Do not leave it longer than the recommended time on hair.
- Take care to apply it only to hair not on your skin.
TREATMENT
- You are having a reaction but is not an emergency then wash out the dye from hair and scalp with a mild shampoo.
- Applying an emollient cream to the affected skin.
- Topical steroid cream for red, swollen, irritated skin. Use only for the shortest amount of time possible as it can accuse some potential side effects like skin thinning.
- Antihistamines can be used for inflammation and itching.
Written by Gayathri Gopinadh