Many of you may have never experienced hair allergies (thankfully), and others might have been using different names for hair allergies. Some people may not have heard of hair allergies at all. Regardless of your current case, hair allergies exist, and you have to be extra careful nowadays as most of the products have chemicals. That is why hair experts advise you to watch out for labels that have certain ingredients that can damage tresses and cause hair allergies. 

In this article, I will share details about hair allergies, specifically hair dye allergies, as they are the most significant ones that most people express concerns about.

How do hair allergies happen? 

The excess moisture and sweat can lead to a problem on your scalp that can make your scalp itchy and oily. Sometimes the use of external chemicals like cosmetics, shampoo, hair dye, extensions, etc. can cause allergies. Allergies and itching are signs that your hair strands act as a layer of protection against harsh environmental aggressors.

The food you eat, the amount of water you drink, the products you apply, and the way you treat your hair also determine the quality of your hair, just like skin. Among several chemicals in hair products, experts warn to watch out for labels containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in hair dyes, or para-toluenediamine (PTD).

That is, Jay, we need to be watchful of our routine and make necessary modifications, not just to beat the scorching summer heat by integrating some simple habits that can boost one’s hair health and may result in shiny and healthy hair all year around. It is also important to keep allergies at bay. 

Connection of hair color, hair type, or dye type

The type of hair dye has a connection with the level of damage that can happen to your hair. Hair damage is possible in any hair type as hair dye affects both the inner and outer structure and makeup of the hair. 

Temporary dyes, especially for gray hair, also have an impact on hair. Temporary dyes only reach the outer layer and can be washed away even in a single shampoo. 

Semi-permanent dyes are also available that remove natural coloring from the hair shaft, but they are weaker than permanent dyes. In other words, they cause less hair damage. Semi-permanent usually takes 4–12 shampoo washes in a complete washout. 

The difference between natural hair color and the color people want to dye their hair is that this color may cause serious damage to your hair. As the difference between dye color and natural hair color increases, the level of damage also escalates. Research shows protein loss increases with how severe the bleaching is with peroxide hair dye.

Natural dyes can also have a damaging impact on your hair. Research has shown that using goat hair in place of human hair, henna dye damages the hair cuticle.

Hair dye allergy 

Chemicals in the hair dye can cause allergies. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is the most common cause of allergic reactions.

Symptoms of Hair Dye Allergy 

Sensitivity and an allergy to PPD or other hair dye ingredients are two different things. A sensitivity may cause contact dermatitis symptoms, showing symptoms like burning and stinging or red, dry skin.

Conversely, if you are allergic to hair dye, symptoms can range from mild to serious. Symptoms can occur immediately or may take 48 hours to manifest. 

Symptoms of a hair dye allergy include:

• Blisters or welts
• The scalp, face, or neck feel a stinging or burning sensation. 
• Swollen eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• An angry, red rash anywhere on the body
• The scalp and face feel itchy or swollen.

Hair dye can also cause anaphylaxis to occur. This is a fatal medical condition. 

Anaphylaxis symptoms may include:

• Trouble breathing
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the throat and tongue
• Stinging, burning, swelling, and rash-like skin reactions

If anyone around us is going into anaphylactic shock, call the emergency help number.

Ingredients in hair dyes that often cause reactions

Hair dyes containing the most PPD can most likely cause allergic reactions. Hair dye names can be deceiving, such as “natural” or “herbal” on their boxes. 

The ingredient label is the major thing that can help you navigate what is used in the production of that specific product. Common terms to look out for on boxes of hair dyes are:

• p-diaminobenzene
• p-phenylenediamine
• 4-phenylenediamine
• 4-aminoaniline
• 1,4-diaminobenzene
• 1,4-benzenediamine
• phenylenediamine
• paraphenylenediamine
• PPD
• PPDA

Black and dark brown dye colors are likely to contain high concentrations of PPD. If you are allergic to or sensitive to PPD, don’t use such products. 

PPD is not the only ingredient that can cause allergic reactions; some people also show contact allergic dermatitis or other symptoms from ingredients like ammonia, resorcinol, and peroxide.

Treat an Allergic Reaction at Home

Some home remedies for hair dye allergies to soothing your symptoms are typically available if you have a mild reaction, such as an itchy scalp after hair dye, redness, or dryness. These home remedies include:

• Avoid scratching or touching any inflamed areas.
• Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly to remove any excess dye. Preferably use mild soap or Shampoo, and warm water. 
• Apply a potassium permanganate solution to the afflicted area to completely oxidize PPD and lessen inflammation.
• Use a cold compress or aloe vera gel on the affected area so you can calm the skin and reduce irritation and blistering. 
• To reduce inflammation and itching, take an oral antihistamine for hair dye allergies, such as Benadryl.
• Use a gentle moisturizer or conditioner to hydrate and nourish hair and scalp. 
• A topical corticosteroid cream or lotion to the affected area is a good treatment to reduce itching and swelling if previous treatments aren’t working. Only use corticosteroid cream if the scalp isn’t infected. 

Seek medical assistant ASAP if you have contact dermatitis from hair dye, blisters, hives, or anaphylaxis

Antihistamines, painkillers, or anti-inflammatory drugs are also good to ease your discomfort.

Allergy Clinic 

If home patch testing or hair dyeing becomes a regular necessity, you should choose to visit an allergy clinic, and many people do this too. Allergy clinics can do their patch test to determine what chemicals that person is allergic to or intolerant of. This list can help you avoid products that contain those chemicals in hair dyes.

FAQs about People for Those with Allergies

How long can a hair dye reaction last?

An allergic reaction to hair dye can last for a few days or a few weeks. It depends on how severe the reaction was and how you approached it for treatment. The type, amount, how long the dye was left in, and how thoroughly it was rinsed out can cause more severity, which can further increase the duration of the reaction. Seeking professional help and getting it treated quickly can help you cure it quickly and avoid more complications.

Can hair dyes cause hair loss?

Permanent hair dye is known to promote hair loss as it strips the hair of the cuticle, which is the outer protective layer that surrounds our hair. The cuticle tends to prevent color from leaching out during bleaching and from leaching when you dye hair. Inflammation of the hair shaft coupled with the removal of the cuticle can cause hair loss after a hair dye allergy occurs. It causes the whole hair to split in two and become brittle.

What are the fun facts about hair dye allergies? 

Fast facts on hair dye allergies

• Contact dermatitis is the most common symptom of a hair dye allergy. 
• A quick reaction to the first signs of a hair dye allergy can be a real difference-maker. 
• Dry or itchy skin-like symptoms can be relieved with gentle moisturizers.

How do I prevent hair loss?

You can treat hair loss by:

• Apply shampoo to the scalp and not the length of the hair, and rinse through the lengths. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower or while swimming, wearing a swimming cap. 
• Leave the hair to air dry. Don’t use a towel, as it can cause further hair loss because wet hair can be more vulnerable to breakage. Don’t brush your hair, either.
• Use looser hair accessories to avoid pulling hair tightly.

Final Thoughts 

Hair allergies are real and need special attention as chemicals are excessively used in hair products. Whether it is about hair products or dying your hair, concerns are always there, especially since permanent dyes can severely alter the structure and makeup of the hair. Many hair dyes can even cause serious damage to both the inner and outer parts of the hair shaft. Both natural and permanent dyes can cause symptoms, but severity increases with permanent dyes as they penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.

To minimize damage from hair dye or help replenish hair, use those hair dyes that contain conditioners. Additionally, using shampoos containing lipids and proteins may also be of huge help in repairing damage. People can also take general health care measures like avoiding heat, tension, and other chemicals to keep their hair in optimal health.