What you need to know

Many people resort to hair dye to change their appearance or cover gray hair, which has made the process a popular habit in many homes and beauty salons. However, the use of these products can lead to allergic reactions in a significant portion of the population, requiring attention to the chemical components present in the formulas. Recognizing the signs of an allergy to dyes is essential to avoid health risks and ensure a safer experience while coloring hair.

Hair dye allergy can affect individuals of all ages, whether from products purchased for home use or from procedures performed by professionals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and appear in different areas exposed to the dye, making it essential to know how to recognize them quickly in order to seek appropriate medical advice when necessary.

What are the common symptoms of hair dye allergy?

Frequent contact with some substances found in hair dyes, such as Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), can trigger an immune response in the body. Among the most frequent manifestations are the following:

• itch A burning sensation in the scalp, back of the neck, face, or ears.
• redness Irritation at the application site.
• The appearance of small blisters or a rash.
• swelling Around the eyes, eyelids, lips and neck.
• Skin peeling and crust formation.
• Severe burning.

In more serious cases, the condition can develop into systemic symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest or abdominal pain, which are signs that require immediate medical intervention.

Can hair dye allergy symptoms pose health risks?

In addition to local discomfort, some allergic responses caused by the use of dyes can pose significant health risks. For example, allergic reactions are rare but can be life-threatening and require emergency care. Repeated contact with the allergen can lead to the development of chronic contact dermatitis, causing skin changes beyond the first symptoms.

It is important to note that once a person becomes sensitive to a particular substance contained in the dye, the person may develop an allergic reaction even upon future contact, including with other products containing similar ingredients. Taking precautions, such as performing a strand test before applying the entire product, can reduce the risk of unexpected reactions.

When is it recommended to seek medical help when symptoms appear?

Evaluation by a health care professional should be sought immediately if severe or persistent symptoms occur, such as:

1. Swelling of the face, eyes, or bronchi.
2. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
3. A widespread skin rash accompanied by fever or general malaise.
4. Persistent itching or redness even after washing the hair.
5. Suspecting an infection at the site of the injury.

In mild cases, measures such as washing the scalp and skin thoroughly with cool water and neutral soap can relieve discomfort. However, if symptoms persist or become more severe, guidance from a dermatologist is essential for correct diagnosis and indication for treatment.

How to reduce the risk of allergies while coloring hair?

Some simple precautions can help reduce the chances of developing allergies associated with the use of dyes. Among the recommendations are the following:

• Always do an allergy test before applying the product to your entire head;
• Choose dyes that are free of ammonia, PPD, and other ingredients known to cause allergies;
• Use gloves during application to avoid direct skin contact;
• Choose products that have been dermatologically tested or products intended for people with allergies;
• Pay attention to any sign of irritation and discontinue use if discomfort occurs.

Knowing the substances contained in the dye formulations and carefully observing any strange symptoms after coloring are essential positions to ensure skin health care and prevent unwanted allergic reactions.