Allergy to Dark Hair Dye

[valc]

Hi


After years of blonde / copper highlights without any problems, I decided about 6 months ago to get a semi permanent hair colour close to my own dark brown colour. The intention being to let the highlights grow out without it being too obvious! I went to my regular hairdresser for this.

My scalp broke out in a rash which after a visit to a dermatologist & some research I believe is an allergy to paraphenylenediamine - commonly known as PPD. 3 months ago when I needed another semi perm colour, I went to the health store and purchased a natural henna hair colour which my hairdresser applied for me. I was told this would not cause a reaction to my scalp but alas it did.

I need to do something again!! Vanity etc, etc. The grey hairs are begining to show & I'm still in my 30's! Has anyone come across this before? Do I go back to blonde highlights? any advice much appreciated!

Rgds.,

valc

 

[Lauren]

Not sure how bad your reaction was....I have fairly sensitive skin and have had mild/medium reactions to hair colour in the past....Symptoms include a stinging/itching during application and a slight rash in places afterwards...On a number of occasions a hair dresser added something to the colour mix that calmed things down and meant the reaction was very limited...It was something that soothed/calmed and protected the scalp during application. However I must admit that now I've gone back to highlights as they are less damaging to the scalp overall...Might be worth going to some alternative hair dressers and seeking advice...There are varying standards of training out there and some may be able to offer better advice than your current hairdresser...

 

[Sue Ellen]

Hi Valc,

I've been colouring my hair for nearly 30 years now and over the years have developed eczema which I'm convinced is closely related to the use of hair colour. I would use the permanent ones though as the semi-permanent does not cover my amount of grey.

I've experienced dreadful burning, itching and flaking for a long time and have only been able to ease these by using a desensitiser. As Lauren says above good hairdressers should be able to supply them or the hairdresser supply shop opposite Easons in Abbey St. might be able to give you some advice about buying one yourself.