Hair Dye Allergy

hair_dye_allergy Allergy Today magazine is reporting a rise in hair dye related allergies. Hair dye use is no longer reserved for the old but its become a fashion trend among younger people to use permanent and semi permanent hair dye. Many of hair dye allergic reactions are blamed on Para-phenylenediamin.

While I must admit that I will occasionally use hair dye a few times a year. In recent years I will dye my hair on my birthday and at Christmas. I have been a little troubled by reports of hair dye and possible cancer links. You can google it for yourself (hair dye+cancer) and decide but I think the hair dye companies are doing a good job on the hair dye allergy front as far warning people about them.

On a recent package of hair dye that I purchased I found allergy warnings in no less than 4 different spots on the package and contents. Ironically it took me about 10 minutes to find a list of ingredients that the hair dye contained, unfortunately most of the ingredients where chemicals which I had never heard of. They were printed on a small part on the bottom of the box and far more concealed than the multiple hair dye allergy warnings. The instructions also advised that a 48 hour patch test be done every time before using hair dye.

Hair Dye Allergy Patch Test

Wash a area on fold of elbow

Applying color base to a spot about the size of a quarter

Examine the area for any allergy symptoms and only apply the dye if there is no reaction

The instructions also advised not to use hair dye if there is skin damage where the hair dye is to be used and warned that those who have tattoos could be at a higher risk to suffering hair dye allergy symptoms.

Hair Dye Allergy Symptoms

A stinging or burning feeling shortly after being applied

Skin rash, hives, blisters and itchy scalp

Shortness of breath, tight chest and dizziness

Swelling of face

One thing I was guilty of is not reading the instructions fully before using hair dye products in the past. After reading about hair dye allergies and seeing just how much information is provided in the instructions I can see how important it really is. If you do experience any hair dye allergy symptoms you should seek medical attention and of course discontinue the use of the product.

There are some natural hair dye products on the market that I plan on looking into but the other alternative is to just live with the salt and pepper look.

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