Hair dye reactions
What to do
Dial 999 for an ambulance if you think anaphylaxis is happening, and give an adrenaline injection if you have one.
If you think you're experiencing a reaction to hair dye, but it's not an emergency,follow this advice:
Relieving mild symptoms
- Wash your hair and scalp thoroughly with mild shampoo to remove any excess dye
- Try gently applying an emollient (moisturising treatment) such as aqueous cream to the affected skin
Steroid cream
If your skin is very red, sore and inflamed, you may need to try a steroid cream ( topical corticosteroid ). You can buy mild steroid cream over the counter (speak to your pharmacist for advice) or your GP can prescribe you one.
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Avoiding PPD
If you develop a reaction to hair dye, even if it's just a mild one, you should stop using products containing PPDaltogether, as there's a risk you could develop amore severe reaction in the future.
Try switching to a safer alternative, such as a non-permanent PPD-free hair dye, although it's still possible to develop a reaction to this.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Reactions to hair dye are avoidable if you follow some simple safety advice. This page offers advice to anyone who uses permanent or semi-permanent hair dye, especially the darker-coloured dyes.
Why some peopleare sensitive to hair dye
Some people are prone to a skin reaction called contact dermatitis . This means their skin becomes inflamed (red, dryand irritated) when they come into contact with a particular substance. The subst
How to avoid a reaction to hair dye
Patch test Always carry out a patch test before using a permanent or semi-permanenthair dye, even if you are using your regular brand. This usually involves dabbing a small amount of the dye solutio
Signs and symptoms of a hair dye reaction
Reactions to PPD canrange from mild irritation in the scalp to an allergic reaction that can potentially trigger serious symptoms throughout the body. Mild irritation If you'remildly irritated to PP
What to do
Dial 999 for an ambulance if you think anaphylaxis is happening, and give an adrenaline injection if you have one. If you think you're experiencing a reaction to hair dye, but it's not an emergency,
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