doodlehairsalon00WHAT THE NHS AND HSE SAY
Hair dye reactions are fairly common, and usually mild.
Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called PPD, which can irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction. A test 48 hours ahead, gloves and a little history-taking help keep colouring safe.
Check your situation01Principles
02THE SHORT ANSWER
Most reactions are mild and treatable.
Severe reactions are rare but need emergency help.
THE CHEMICAL
Many permanent and some semi-permanent dyes contain PPD (paraphenylenediamine), known to irritate skin or cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear.
See the numbersTHE TEST
The NHS suggests testing the dye on a strand of hair at least 48 hours before using it, following the packet, and not going ahead if you react.
Check your situationTHE HAIRDRESSER
HSE advises disposable non-latex gloves for shampooing, colouring and bleaching, changed between clients, plus drying and moisturising hands.
Safer colouringGeneral information only, not medical advice. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
03A QUICK SITUATION CHECK
Pick a situation to see what NHS and other guidance suggests. The bar shows how much extra caution is advised.
General information from the NHS, the British Skin Foundation and HSE. Call 999 for swelling of the lips, mouth or throat or difficulty breathing.
04TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
One number for how long a reaction can take,
one for how few people know the henna risk.
72 hours
Time hair dye symptoms can take to appear
Stinging, burning, an itchy rash, dryness or blisters may not show straight away, which is why tests are done well in advance.
DELAY · NHS
¾
People unaware black henna contains PPD
In a 2018 survey, three quarters did not know so-called black henna tattoos contain PPD or that they raise the risk of a reaction to hair dye.
AWARENESS · BRITISH SKIN FOUNDATION
The British Skin Foundation says PPD is allowed in hair dye, but its use in skin contact products such as temporary tattoos is illegal in the European Union.
05FOUR HABITS FOR SAFER COLOUR
These habits come from NHS advice for anyone using hair dye.
Use gloves when applying hair dye, and follow the instructions that come with the product.
Do not leave hair dye on for longer than the recommended time.
If you feel you are having a reaction, wash your hair and scalp straight away with mild shampoo.
A pharmacist can suggest emollients or antihistamines for mild symptoms. See a GP if symptoms get worse.
06BLACK HENNA
The British Skin Foundation says real henna is orange-brown, while most so-called black henna temporary tattoos are based on PPD. On skin, PPD can cause blistering and painful burns and may even lead to scarring.
It can also leave a lifelong sensitivity to PPD, increasing the risk of a severe reaction to hair dye in future. In a 2015 survey, about two-thirds of dermatologists asked had seen more patients reacting to hair dyes, many of whom had previously had a black henna tattoo.
07Questions
Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which can irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction.
The NHS suggests testing the dye on a strand of hair at least 48 hours beforehand, following the instructions on the packet.
Stinging and burning, an itchy rash, dryness, tightness, soreness or blisters, which can take up to 72 hours to appear. Swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing, needs a 999 call.
The NHS says most research shows it is safe, as exposure is very low. Do a strand test, wear gloves, and tell your hairdresser so they can do a patch test.
Yes. They often contain high levels of PPD, which can increase the risk of an allergic reaction when you next use a product containing PPD, including hair dye.
08Sources
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