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What Causes Allergic Reactions to Hair Dye?

Here's everything you need to know about allergies to hair dye and what to do about it

If you've ever had or seen an allergic reaction to hair dye, you know how scary it can be. An allergic reaction can cause serious injury and damage your hair. Knowing what causes these reactions and how to spot the signs and symptoms can save you a lot of stress.

An allergic reaction to hair dye can be mild or severe
An allergic reaction to hair dye can be mild or severe
What Is an Allergic Reaction to Hair Dye?
An allergic reaction to hair dye is when a person has a bad response to the chemicals contained in hair dye. Approximately 5 percent of all people who use hair dye have an allergic reaction. Of course, some responses are worse than others; symptoms can range from mild itching or burning on the scalp to difficulty breathing and pain.

What Ingredients in Hair Dye Cause Reactions?
PPD, or paraphenylenediamine, is the most common substance contained in hair dye that people have an allergic reaction to. PPD is also commonly used in textiles, dyed furs, temporary tattoos and dark-colored cosmetics. PPD is used in hair dyes because it is a permanent, natural color that can be shampooed without changing the color.

Other common allergens contained in hair dye include ammonia, peroxide, resorcinol and artificial ingredients. If you are unsure if you may be allergic to any hair dye ingredients, it is a good to do a test section of hair, maybe with a highlight or lowlight, before exposing all your head and scalp to potentially dangerous allergens. You could also do some research online about the ingredients of your brand.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms to Look For?
Usually, you will first notice swelling, burning or itching on your scalp. These signs and symptoms will usually appear shortly after applying the hair dye, but it is possible in rare cases that symptoms will not present until days after the hair dye is applied. A severe reaction can result in blister, hives and difficulty breathing.

What Should I Do If I have an Allergic Reaction to Hair Dye?
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction to hair dye, you should use a clarifying shampoo to wash out any remaining hair dye. If you feel like the symptoms are worsening, such as if you're in pain, experiencing facial swelling or having any difficulties breathing, see a doctor immediately.

Lush Henna hair color and Original&Mineral CCT hair color are free from harsh chemicals
Lush Henna hair color and Original&Mineral CCT hair color are free from harsh chemicals
Are There Alternative Hair Dyes That Are Safer?
The good news is that even if you have an allergic reaction, there are some PPD-free dyes that you can try. Lush Cosmetics offers henna-based hair dyes, $27.95, that are PPD free and contains no artificial ingredients, peroxide, ammonia, preservatives or petrochemicals. If you are looking for even more color options, check out Original & Mineral CCT color, $11.99. These products are PPD, ammonia and resorcinol free.


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