Eve Inquires About Her Hair Dye:
Beauty Brains, I love your blog and am an avid reader. I hope you can help me with my problem: I have my hair colored, and get a touch-up every 3 weeks to cover my grey. I’ve recently switched hair colorists, and while I love the new color, seem to be having a bad reaction to the product. After about a week, my scalp gets itchy and a little flaky, and actually hurts a little if I run my fingers through my hair (I know it sounds odd, but it really does feel like that). The salon that I’m now going to uses Redken products. I think that my old salon used Goldwell products. Am I having a reaction to this new brand of hair dye? Is there anywhere to research which brands are better for your scalp/hair than others? Thank you for your help!!
The Right Brain Responds:
As we’ve written before, hair dyes can cause allergic reactions. The typical reaction is redness and irritation – which you didn’t mention. The flaking and itching you did mention may be a symptom of something else. Perhaps they used a different shampoo or conditioner? From what you’ve described, your change in stylists certainly could be causing the problem but without more data it’s hard to tell exactly what’s wrong. You could try a couple of things to see if the problem goes away:
1) Go back to your old colorist.
2) Tell the new colorist to try a different dye but use the same shampoo and conditioner.
3) Tell the new colorist to use the same dye but use a different shampoo and conditioner.
Hopefully this helps – write back and let The Beauty Brains know what happens.
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{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I’m glad someone asked this question because that happens to me too! The thing is, I’m allergic to pretty much everything (seafood, dust, pollen, and the list goes on).
I did notice that the rash is worse when I color it red than when I color it brown. Oh well, it’s not too unbearable so I can live with it.
I love having red hair!
This post is really interesting to me because I can relate to it. My mom actually found out about two years ago that she is allergic to pheynelendiamine, which is in a lot of hair dyes. The interesting thing is that no changes in her “routine” or products or stylists products were made.
Morale of the story, your body can also change the way it reacts to hair color.
I recently used JOHN FRIEDA luminouscolour GLAZE and had a similar reaction, but it was worse after using the product and lessened as days went on. My scalp felt a bit ichy and if I moved my fingers through my hair this feeling increased. The product did make my hair look more vibrant in colour and also glossy. But I am now afraid to use it. Should I be? I’d put up with the itching if I knew it would not get worse.
I just colored my hair last week and now I’m having the same symptoms as you: my scalp gets itchy and hurts a little if I run my fingers through my hair (I can feel a little (red) swelling on the back of my heads). I want to know if this is dangerous what can I do to stop it.
For the record, I did the allergic reaction test on my hand and nothing happen. Also, several years ago I have allergic reaction to tattoo, so I’m pretty sure the cause of my allergy is PPD.
I’ve had this problem at both colorists past and present but it seems to be getting progressively worse. I think it might be a hormonal imbalance that’s causing me to react. I itch terribly the first 2 or 3 days and it gradually goes away, but my scalp stays very dry and flaky. I’m going to ask her to try another brand of dye and see if that helps.
Just be careful of so called natural permanent hairdyes because anything that actually penetrates the hair to make the color permanent has to contain a chemical of some sort and most have PPD listed in the ingredients.
I do not agree with the advice you gave on this. Its exactly what I did and the condition got worse each and every time I dyed my hair. Once you become sensitive there is nothing you can do to change that fact. All permanant hair color contain PPD- or a derivitive of it. They will all damage your scalp.
I use henna in my hair now (you can get in different colors – I order mine online from Mountain Rose Herbs). Its messy as anything BUT it sure beats the alternative. I can also use Loving Care – it washes out pretty quick though)
If you are allergic to hair dye do yourself a favor and accept the fact now before you cause yourself a lot of discomfort.
GL
Ellie
I talked to my colorist and she didn’t have an alternative solution, so I wen to my local Ulta store and they suggested Redken Scalp Relief and it’s made a huge difference. No more itchy, scaly scalp.
I have also been having this problem. I decided to turn colour from red to black, which came out very nicely, and I used a dye from the same brand name that I’ve always used. Even though I’ve been dying my own hair at home for a few years, I have always done the test beforehand and have never had a skin reaction to it before. However, all of a sudden I started to notice that my head was incredibly itchy. I was almost convinced that I had lice, and upon closer inspection it was difficult to pick out flakes of dry skin from nits, but then I realized that it started after I had dyed my hair black. If there’s something that can be done about the itching and pain, let me know! My scalp is terribly sensitive to the point that I avoid brushing my hair because it hurts to have the teeth touch my scalp.
I don’t think my itchiness comes from the product used to highlight my hair as I have been doing this for years. I started using a root lifter (Matrix) and a hair straightner (Beyond the Zone)not simualtaneously, but it seemed once I started using both my scalp started itching and I mean bad. I have tried cutting out hairspray and backing off using two of the mentioned products above at the same time, but it is very irregular when my scalp itches. I do not even notice that much flaking like it is building. It just plain itches and once I start scratching it just gets worse.
The reaction that I’m getting to color is getting progressively WORSE — and I NEVER had a problem before. I’m wondering if it could have something to do with my hormones?? I had it done TODAY — and am in AGONY — and ALSO am having an abnormally heavy period, do to the onset of menopause….anyone??
I have always suspected that I am allergic to Redken products. Recently, I switched from heavily hi-lighted blonde Goldwell product to a 4g Redken base. I switched in February. Each time I get my hair done, my scalp is sensitive to touch and brushing for days, and then when I scratch it, it feels like a hot match across my scalp. The most recent and seriously disturbing side effect is MASSIVE hair loss. It is coming out by the handfuls. 13 years ago, I used Redken Terra Cotta (a red shades) and noticed hair loss, and stopped using the product. Since I am now brunette, I figured I was safe staying away from the reds (I am also allergic to red dyes in lipsticks. It causes my lips to peel for days after wearing). Seems not. I have been to a dermatologist AND my gyno, have had blood work done, and that has come back normal. I have asked several hairdressers if my hair loss could be a result of the Redken color, and they all say I would have burn marks and patches of scalp showing. But if I am placing this product ALL OVER my scalp and having burning and sensitivity, wouldn’t it make sense that I am losing hair all over, and not just in patches? It is falling out at the roots. I took a baggy with one days worth of hair loss to my doctor. Her eyes widened and she confirmed that it is not breakage, that it was massively falling out of my head. As a result of this site, I am going to have myself tested by an allergist for PPD, and now I am more convinced than ever to stop using this product. thank you.
Hi, I have been using Garnier Nutrisse Cream for many years with great success. (I colour my hair approx every 4 – 5 weeks, dark brown colour) For the past 6 months or so I have been experiencing an itchy scalp when I colour my hair. It’s not severe but noticable all the same. Once I wash my hair again it’s ok. I do occassionally change my shampoo & conditioner but this has never been a problem in the past. Like some of your previous writers I am wondering has it anything to do with my hormones and onset of menopause? (I am 48) Has anyone any suggestion?
You can have your colorist use 4 packets of Sweet-n-low mixed in with the color before it’s applied to your hair and that will greatly reduce scalp itching and irritation. Also, when shampooing off the color, have them rinse all the color out first, then mix another 4 packs of the pink stuff in with the shampoo and shampoo the hair, followed by conditioner. We do it quite often at our Salon.
I have just recentally started to color my own hair (well a friend does it) since I was 17 I had my hair dresser do it, but then it got too expensive. I started using box color about a year ago, but the last 4 times I have colored my hair, about a week later, it becomes, VERY itchy and sore…. This last time my friends mother (who is a hairdresser) suggested to get the “real stuff” from the beauty supply store, so we did, and she suggested a developer for sensitive scalp, and it worked a little bit but one week later, i feel like i am scratching holes in my head.
Like someone had mentioned before I was convinced it may be lice, but I had about 10 people check my head including my mother (a lice expert…school nurse) and I was clean…VERY!
Im not sure if it has to do with hormones im still fairly young to have those kind of problems but its happend…. If anyone has any suggestions….Im 27 and have a little grey and getting married in 13 months and I can’t have grey hair, but I can’t be scratching my head at the alter either…. HELP!
I have had my hair dyed for years to remove grey. I am confused about either hormones or hair dye causing both the scalp itching and hair thinning. I am 42 yrs old and I am now seeking professional advice from anyone who might know.
I am with you ladies – but I have found the problem for my reaction! I am allergic, SEVERELY, to the chemical PPD (para-phenylenediamine), it is in ALL hair dyes that deposit colour (so that means bleach does not have it)! I have spoke with my hair dresser and many higher-ups at the large manufacturers(Redken, Goldwell, and Aveda) and ALL of there products contain this – yes even Aveda who’s products are 90-98% natural. Also, some henna’s contain this ingredient…if they are not the normal natural henna red-ish colour, and are blacks or browns they most likely have this additive in them. It is the colour molecule I was told I am allergic to and I was warned to be aware of any foods, nail polishes, etc that I use that may contain this chemical. Tattoo’s also can cause this reaction, if your allergy is severe enough, but then the ink is in your skin and nothing can be done for it! I am only 25 years old, but have been dying my hair for about 10 years, I now have no choice but to remail au-naturel and not dye my hair. This reaction is severe and only gets worse over time – nothing can be done about it!!! If you are noticing a reaction that is getting worse, stop dying your hair as the consequences can be dire….some people say it can lead to kidney failure, etc if your body is exposed too much! My reaction progressively got worse each time I dyed my hair over the last 4 years, and this last time the reaction lasted over a month with blisters all over my head and ears that were seeping fluid and pus, as well as pitting edema ovr my entire head – front and back – and into my face! Thankfully this last time I had the ridiculously horrid reaction, I had dyed my hair very close to my natural hair colour and it faded and grew out with me not looking too ridiculous!
I have been coloring my hair for over 35 years and never had a problem. 2 years ago I went to a professional and colored my hair from blonde to dark brown. That is when my reaction started. My scalp itched the first night and felt like I had a helmut on my head. It continued for over a week. I spoke with the stylist and they had no suggestion. I switched salons and found that the product they used had lower amounts of peroxide. My scalp still itched but nothing I couldn’t handle. When I moved I started using the box color again and I not only had the itchy scalp but also my forehead and eyes swelled up. I ordered a product from Canada that did not contain (PPD) but still had the same reaction with an itchy scalp. I then ordered a Henna Product and needless to say I am up right now because my scalp itches so bad that I can not sleep. I have tried everything – I do believe that it could be hormones. I am 54 years old and pre-menopause. Isn’t there any help out there?
i think that hair dye is safe if you use it in the right way. i have dyed my hair a couple of times but have never had a problem. being a hair student in college i have learnt to always do a skin test before usig hair dye otherwise there will be concequences !!!!
i think hair color only effects your hair when you put it to your scalp for a long period of time. cause i have streaks in my hair but they are not touching my hair. and you can not put a flat iron to your hair every day cause you will break it off. if you do tin to use it do it every two to three days.
I seem to be allergic to Henna. I swell up and am very uncomfortable. When I use to use store bought hair dye, my reactions got worse over time. It would take about 7 hours before my reaction to set in. With henna, it was almost right away. I got the henna from HennaKing.com. I thought that I would not be allergic to it because it is not suppose to have the PPD in it. Does anyone know what i can use to dye my hair if I can’t even use henna? Or perhaps I am using the wrong type of henna. Does anyone have any advice?
I’ve had a lot of trouble with hair dye reactions, so here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Redken hair color = Ouch! I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never had as bad of a reaction as I did with their products. I loved my stylist, but I finally had to switch salons. I made it very clear when I met my new stylist that we needed to find a way to relieve the reactions or I would have to stop coloring my hair. He wanted my business, so we’ve worked together to come up with these techniques. If your stylist doesn’t know what to do or isn’t willing to find a solution, it’s time to look elsewhere.
2. This may seem obvious, but if your scalp starts burning while the dye’s on there, RINSE IT OFF. Yes, you might not get the color you wanted, but you’ll avoid a lot of pain. A little tingling is normal, but burning is not.
3. Seek out ways to dye less frequently. There are a lot of great shampoos and conditioners designed to protect color. I love Pureology, though it’s pretty expensive. Use cooler water when you wash your hair. This keeps the color from fading as quickly and soothes any irritation to your scalp. If you’ve had a reaction, hot water will make it much worse. You shouldn’t wash your hair daily if you can avoid it. Every other day is best. If your hair gets greasy in between washings, try one of the new dry shampoos.
4. Try a demi-permanent color. I’ve had a lot of luck with this. You generally can’t go much lighter, so this won’t work for everyone. It lasts me about six weeks.
5. Switch from all-over color to highlights and lowlights. With foils, the dye doesn’t sit on the scalp the way it does with all-over color. And don’t think that this change has to be too subtle. I’ve done this with three different shades blended with my natural color, and it looked great.
6. Use a shampoo made for sensitive scalps or dandruff. This will help relieve the itching and sensitivity, but make sure whatever you get is safe on color-treated hair. Again, Pureology’s great with this, but I’m confident you can find a cheaper alternative.
7. My stylist has started using a product designed to restore the pH balance after each coloring. He leaves it on my hair for at least 10 minutes. I can’t tell you what the specific product is, but it really soothes my scalp. Sally Beauty has a product called “Wella Regenal Instant pH Normalizing Lotion” that looks like it does about the same thing.
I’m by no means a professional, but I’ve been dying my hair for 10 years, and I’ve ranged from just having a little scalp sensitivity afterward to huge scabs and massive chunks of peeling skin. This is what works for me; perhaps it’ll help someone else.
I always used the same boxed color for years on my hair with no problem,then I went to a hairdressers and had my hair colored with their own brand.It has now been 11 months of itching and scratching and crying and it’s only just starting to ease a little.I had small itchy red pimples in the base of my hairline that drove me crazy.Mainly it would be worse at night when I went to bed.Yes, it’s just like your alive with nits.I went back to the hairdressers after my head continued to itch and burn and she bluntly denied it was their product she tried to convince me it was a nerve reaction that I must have been stressed.Unfortunately there was no test done before they did it,as it could have saved me all this misery.I no longer dye my hair out of fear.
I’m having the same problem as everyone else here – itchy dry scalp that feels like lice and gets worse when I touch it and (gulp) suddenly thinning hair. I don’t see strands falling out, but suddenly I can see my scalp when I part my hair, which I never did before. Yes, I have baby fine hair but it’s always been thick until now. I’ve worked with people who study environmental toxins and allergic reactions and the fact is overuse or repeated use of chemicals can lead to developing an allergy to said substance(s) later in life. Neutrogena’s T/Gel shampoo is the only thing I’ve found which brings immediate relief. And I’ve switched to Organix South’s Thera Neem hair products available at Whole Foods or online as well as swearing off hair dye altogether. Even no ammonia/peroxide dyes are irritating and I figure it probably is the PPD I’m allergic to. And I’m swearing off hair dye all together. I figure concentrating on a healthy diet, exercise and a really great haircut will have to make up for not having the freedom to color my hair since it is likely the PPD that’s doing it.
I have had all the symptoms of the scalp itch and I have dyed and permed my hair for years. I tried everything under the sun my colorist suggested and spent tons of money on the expensive stuff. I was at a drugstore one day, looking for anti-itch cream or lotion for my scalp and there it was — it’s called SCALPICIN.. and IT IS WONDERFUL!!! And you can use it any time of day — all you do is tilt the little bottle upside down and it squeezes out a little bit — I put it on the most intense itchy spots and then massage it in…. oh it feels soooo good!! GOOD LUCK, everybody….No, I’m not selling this stuff — I’m a homemaker with a scalp that used to bleed because I scratched it so much!! I’m sooo glad there’s relief out there!!
I am having the same problems as above, I have hair loss. My hair use to me thick and then all of a sudden it starting falling our by the hand fulls. My scalp is itching and burning. What did you do to stop the hair loss and burning? I haven’t changed products, but I do color my hair.
I have read with great interest all the posts on hair color problems, but I hope all of you will stop coloring your hair after reading my post. I have colored my hair for years, but six years ago I switched from L’Oreal to Garnier Nutrisse. My head started itching, I had severe headache, ear ache and then my right eyelid started to twitch. Severasl hours later my mouth pulled so severely to the left side, I couldn’t speak. I was rushed to the hospital and underwent every test there was for stroke. All the tests came back negative. In the ER I had a grandamal seizure and was left with permanent facial disfigurement. My eye droops shut, my face is numb and my mouth is still pulled. It damaged permanently destroyed my neves that control facial expression.
However, at the time, I did not realize the cause, or connect it to my hair color. Nobody knew the casue or the cure. It was a medical mystery. Six weeks later, the very sme thing happened to me and I was admitted to the hospital for eight days while they ran more of the same tests over and once again no signs of anything that would cause a stroke. I underwent months of physical therapy to try and restore my facial expression, but nothing helped.
Finally realizing that this was happening about the same time I dyed my hair. I stopped and I never had another problem.
Well, just last week (after six years of not using Garnier products) I once again decided I couldn’t stand any more grey and used the product again after doing the 48 hour sikn test and nothing happened to cause me to think I couldn’t use it. My skin test was fine.
One week later I was back in the hospital with the same symptoms. It is without a doubt. Garnier Nutrisse hair color that is causing this nerve damage.
If any of you out there have had similar problems beyond the itchy scalp, I would love to hear from you.
You may have been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, or a stroke. Please let me hear for you.
Thanks for your time!
Dee
DEAR DEE: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT!!!!!!!!!! … I HAD SEEN SO SO MANY DOCTORS AND EVRYBODY TOLD ME THAT SOMETHING CAUSE NERVE DAMAGES, FINALLY I DID THE SKIN PATCH TEST AND IM ALLERGIC TO FORMALDEHYDE, SO THIS IN IN THE HAIR COLOUR, SHAMPOOS ,FRAGANCE,PERFUM, NOW READING YOUR COMMENT I THINK THIS IS MY PROBLEM AND IM TAKING MEDICATION FOR NEURALGIA BECAUSE THE ITCH AND PAIN ON THE SCALP STILL THERE, BUT NOW READING ALL THIS COMMENTS I WILL STOP USING HAIR COLOUR AND GARNIER WAS THE LAST ONE THAT I USED AND I REALLY HAD A BAD REACTION LOTS AND LOTS OF BURNING PAIN. I WILL TRY SELSUN BLUE AND ORGANIS PRODUCTS FOR NOW ON. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE COMMENTS IN THIS BLOG, THEY ARE REALLY IMPORTANT. MONICA CARO.
dear dee: Ive have had your same exact symptoms. The doctors could not figure out what it could be. I knew the moment i smelled the chemical formaldehyde in the kit thats when i went numb. Was there any legal action on your part? Did you notify the FDA or the FTC? This demands an investigation.
My little sister just dyed her hair and it stated burning and itchy. The next day her head blistered, then her scalp started peeling from blisters. 3rd day the back of head swelled and then her forhead, so she went to emergency room and they gave her steroids, take 3 a day for 5 days. Then 6 hours later her eyes swelled shut, face completely swollen, 4th day thier is so much pressure on her eyes and they are starting to split at the corners. She doesn’t have any insurance. So we are wondering will the steroids work and she just has to wait this out? Or does she need to go back to emergency room? Please help
We are not doctors and do not give medical advice but personally, I think you should go back to the emergency room.
I have read all of these questions\comments about scalp irritation\itchy scalp\ sensitive scalp after haircolor…
I am a hairdresser\ salon owner of 22 year… The biggest mistake I have found so many people making is doing any color in excess… hair color bought in a drug store are full of cheap matallic chemicals that do cause all of the above… as you all know a womans chemistry can be thrown by just about anything… Yes, the sweet and low thing helps… My advice, go to a pro.. listen to them, wait until you have at least a half inch regrowth before you retouch… use a professional colorline, and a high end shampoo and condioner… but most of all don’t over react, and don’t do anything excessive… if you find that still have problems with color, consult an MD, or save some money with a benadril… no likes the truth, grey hair makes you look old!! and who the hell wants that… also consiter what your scalp has going on prior to chemicals… do not irritate it with heavy brushing 24hrs before color!! good luck!! now quit searching the web for ways to linch your stylist!! Alec Tenace gods&heros salon CA.
Shaina, that’s major… sounds like the worst of the worst… benadril, ER, then stay as far away from haircolor as possible!! I hate to say that color can do this… but it can! most of the time people with these types of reactions are allergic to alot of things… (100%of the time they know it..) I hope everything works out… all i can say is nothing is prettier then natural color on her!!
For years I have had my hair foiled with blonde colours even though it is dark however about 4 months ago I decided to cover the ever increasing number of grey hair with a red/brown colour. In between going to the hairdresser I have put on a box colour. Now my head is itchy and sensitive and my hair has thinned dramatically! I have only just realised how much when I rinsed it off in the sink after dyeing at home and saw how much hair was in the sink! This has never happened before and besides the obvious, like never dyeing my hair dark again what can you suggest to stop the hair thinning and stop the itch?
I have not colored my own hair in 7 years. I have a lot of gray and have only been going to professional and very expensive stylist since. Now, I will say this—each time that I went I got a little more damaged my hair! Whether I had blond streaks put in my dark brown hair or converted back to dark brown. They did not give me any warnings, even put perm and a demi-color in on the same day…These are people I thought I could trust because I saw them all the time. I could not. Certain products, as stated above will cause allergic reactions that will leave you itchy and burning,have bumps and all kinds of serious problems. My hair is falling out right now not because of my over brushing etc ( didn’t brush at all) but because of incompetent stylists that don’t care about you, just getting paid.
Now, my hair that was once 19 in is only 8. And BTW, I wanted to share my exp with all of you and esp:Alec Tenace gods&heros salon CA.
Oh, also- Scalpitin does work and if you go to the doctors ask for a similar treatment (think it comes in a red box..sorry). Neutrogena t-gel works as well.
UGH! Went back to salon (Like a dummy) and they would’nt refund my money…just try to “fix” it. WELL…they sure did! Had to go to the ER have 2nd/3rd degree burns and I feel for all of you who are even worse off. I pray for all of you.
I thought I was going crazy, Im 51 just had a hysterictomy, But I have been fighting the ichy burning scalp for 3 years,I use to dye my hair blond every 5 weeks. I dont want to be gray either, So I changed shampoos,conditiones,tryed medicated shampoo, put Hydrocortizone cream all over my roots and went to sleep, tryed athlete feet cream, baby shampoo.tar shampoo. Im driving my husband crazy too, he is sick of hearing about it. I now know that it has to be the hair dye, So Im not going to dye my hair any more…Thank You everyone…
I’ve had the itchy scalp reaction to hair dye off and on for the last 15 years. Usually I can switch to “temporary color” and not have a reaction and after about 6 months go back to the permanent without a problem for a year then switch again. But now even the temporary causes itching.
Just tried the sweet and low approach decribed in an earlier post. My stylist mixed it into the dye. I had very little itching. Also Scalpicin works well.
I highlighted my hair to a light blonde for the past 8 months and just attempted to “go back” to my natural medium warm brown color. Not only is my hair practically black now, but it looks like it has red highlights. My stylist was sure she would get me back to my natural color-and that did not happen! The worst part is my scalp is INSANELY itchy now-it started about 24 hours after leaving the salon. I’ve been using Desert Essense Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner, a natural product, and that provides relief for at least a few hours following a shower. The product does say not to use on color treated hair but it has not affected my color (although I actually hope it does!) Does anyone know how long this “itchy scalp” reaction typically lasts?
I just feel I have to tell you all about Ovarian Cancer and dark hair dye. For approx. a year before being diagnosed with advanced aggressive ovarian cancer I had the exact same scalp symptoms as all of you. One time REALLY severe. I also had heavy periods. I will be 50 this month. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on 3-3-08. Surgery to remove very large tumors on ovaries then chemo for 6 months. Lost every hair on my body. Finished chemo Aug. 08. In March of next year I will be a 2 yr. survivor! YAY Jesus! Anyway, I had a few other symptoms but these were the symptoms pertaining to all of you. There is no cure for ovarian cancer. Striving to live cancer free for 4 yrs. Dark hair dye is one of the possible causes of Ovarian Cancer beleive it or not. Do your research girls. I don’t want any other mommy, sister, wife, friend to go through this. It is called the “Silent Killer” because symptoms don’t arise until very late in the game. Please take this seriously. There are many of us. The youngest in our support group is only 17! God Bless all of you!