Hair dye allergy: how to deal with the problem?

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

Allergic reactions to hair dye are very common today. This may seem odd since most women dye their hair regularly. It is rather difficult to predict the individual reaction of each individual person to a particular paint component, which is why even the most expensive and well-established brand should be treated with caution.

And don't count on hair coloring experience. Even those girls who have dyed their hair in different colors for many years have no one hundred percent guarantee that the allergy will not appear suddenly.

The best solution if you suspect an allergy is to visit a qualified professional. The doctor will examine the characteristic signs on the scalp, advise on treatment options and tell you how to choose a hair dye that is safe for allergy sufferers.

Reasons for the manifestation of an allergic reaction

If you have never experienced any allergic reactions to cosmetics before, then do not be too sure that such a fate will pass you in the future.

People of all ages complain about the unexpected occurrence of allergies, but such manifestations may well be the result of age-related changes in the body. On almost all color packages you can find a recommendation where you are advised to test for an allergic reaction before coloring. Such a test, although it will show an instant reaction of the skin to paint, will not warn you about possible surprises some time after the procedure.

Even if you dye your hair not with something new, but with a paint proven over the years, you are not immune from allergies.

The cause of allergies, as a rule, is the components that make up the coloring agent:

• paraphenylenediamine or PPD. This compound is the most dangerous causative agent of allergic reactions. The substance is included in expensive dyes due to the fact that it provides a persistent and long-lasting effect. Foreign manufacturers try to keep track of the PDD level in paints, especially for dark shades;
• P-Methylaminophenol. The chemical compound is found not only in coloring, but also in other cosmetics;
• Isatin and 6-hydroxyindole. Substances are often included in colorants with a short dyeing effect.

The most allergenic is paraphenylenediamine. That is why, if you decide to purchase paint with a permanent staining effect, pay attention that the concentration of this substance does not exceed 6%. Ideally, less is more.

It should be noted that allergic reactions can also be caused by other components of dyes, but the above compounds are known as the most common allergens in modern dyes.

Symptoms

It is possible that the disease does not appear immediately after staining, but after a certain period of time. Surely you have seen a photo of an allergy to cosmetics. Hair dye causes very similar symptoms, which are important to recognize in time.

Cosmetologists distinguish the following manifestations of allergies:

• itching in places of staining;
• the appearance of irritation;
• red spots;
• swelling of the skin;
• burning;
• flaky surface;
• rashes and blisters;
• hives;
• the appearance of a runny nose and cramps in the eyes.

In someone, allergies can proceed almost imperceptibly, and it is difficult to look at the photos of some neglected cases without fear. One way or another, in the process of dyeing hair, you should pay attention to your own feelings. If a certain brand or shade even causes you a slight burning or itching sensation, it's best to find an alternative before the situation gets worse.

How to treat hair dye allergy?

Coloring is a constant companion of many women. And girls will not give up such a true means of creating beauty. Allergic reactions are difficult to predict, which means that all ladies who periodically change their hair color are at risk. And if the ailment nevertheless struck you, do not despair - the achievements of medicine will not leave you to the mercy of fate.

Usually, allergies are treated with medications, including:

• antihistamines;
• antibacterial ointments;
• phytotherapeutic hair rinses;
• medicated shampoos.

The most optimal set of drugs will help you choose an allergist or trichologist, who will first examine you and establish the exact causes of the symptoms.

Among the traditional methods of treating the disease, one can single out a decoction of chamomile. The tool has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

After brewing and infusing the herb, use it to rinse your hair and scalp.

Naturally, subsequent staining should be abandoned until the allergic manifestations disappear completely.