Why Does Hair Dye Make My Scalp Itch

January

Why Does Hair Dye Make My Scalp Itch

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.

24 Responses to “Why Does Hair Dye Make My Scalp Itch”

Gloria Says:

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!
ab Says:

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.
Ann Says:

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.
lisa Says:

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.
Sallie Says:

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.
bev Says:

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.
Ellie Says:

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
Sallie Says:

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.
Maggan Says:

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.
Vicki DeArmey Says:

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.
Sindy Says:

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??
Debbie Says:

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.
Barbara Says:

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?
Donna King Says:

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.
Shelley Says:

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!
Shelby Says:

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.
Charity Says:

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!
Nancy Says:

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?
emily Says:

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 !!!!
lauren Says:

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.
Ivonne Says:

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?
Megan Says:

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.
Trish Says:

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.
Myra Says:

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.