Hair dye is a secret weapon for millions of women across America, but it doesn't always work well with sensitive skin. If you're sensitive to certain chemicals, allowing hair dye to linger on your scalp often results in an itchy, red and peeling rash. Paraphenylenediamine, the chemical found in most hair dyes, is the usual suspect for allergic reactions. By understanding why your skin becomes itchy and irritated, it becomes easier to prevent the reaction from occurring so you don't have to sacrifice your hair color for healthy skin.
Cause
When you're left with an irritated scalp after using hair dye, it's likely an allergic reaction, sometimes called contact dermatitis, on your skin. This reaction is especially prevalent when using at-home dyes that tend to sit on the scalp, rather than being applied to just the strands in a more professional manner. Most chemical hair dyes contain both paraphenylenediamine and ammonia, known for irritating the skin. When the chemicals come in contact with your skin, they essentially burn the surface, resulting in an itchy rash.
Treatment
Unfortunately, after the hair dye has done damage to your scalp, there's not much you can do to relieve the itch until the rash heals. In the interim, avoid using heavy hair products that could exacerbate the issue by causing further irritation. Avoid scratching your scalp, as it could introduce bacteria into the broken skin, leading to infection. The best course of action is to ensure all traces of hair dye are rinsed from the hair and scalp. If the rash is especially bothersome or gets worse, contact your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist.
Prevention
Knowing that you have an allergy to hair dye puts you in control of the situation to avoid further rashes and itchy skin. Before you apply hair dye to your skin, always complete a spot test on a less visible area of your body, such as the inside of your arm. Apply the hair dye and rinse according to the directions, then wait 24 hours. This gives a chance to see whether your skin is irritable to the ingredients in the hair dye. Having your hair dyed by a professional also helps; just mention that you're allergic to typical dyes and she can choose another brand or ensure the dye only touches your hair.
Alternatives
Traditional hair dye isn't the only way to brighten up your hair color. Natural dyes, such as those made from henna, don't contain chemicals and are therefore less likely to irritate your scalp or cause an allergic reaction. If permanent hair dyes are the culprit, try using semipermanent formulas for the same color but fewer chemicals. Finally, enlisting the help of a stylist and asking for scattered highlights to hide grays limits the amount of hair dye you use, while protecting the sensitive skin on your scalp.
