Some people ignore the instructions included in home hair color kits on how to test themselves for an allergic reaction because they think it is a waste of time. However, failing to complete a patch test before dyeing your hair can lead to swelling, redness and itchiness of the scalp and nearby areas. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may not appear until days after you have already dyed your hair.
Allergens
The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, regulates the safety of cosmetics, including hair dyes, and will ban the sale of any cosmetics it finds harmful. While hair dyes are regulated and generally safe, you can still suffer an allergic reaction to an ingredient. An allergen is a substance that causes you to have an allergic reaction. Para-phenylenediamine, an ingredient used in many permanent hair dyes, is a known allergen for some people. You can be allergic to para-phenylenediamine or any other substance found in hair dyes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to hair dye can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may just involve discomfort or tingling of the scalp after using the dye. A severe allergic reaction causes pain beyond the scalp. There can be swelling and redness of the forehead, ears, eyelids and neck. Blisters may also form on the skin. Symptoms usually occur within 10 days after your first application. Subsequent contact will cause symptoms to reappear within 24 to 48 hours.
Diagnoses and Treatment
A dermatologist will perform an examination and discuss your hair dye usage to diagnose the allergy. He may also do a patch test to isolate the specific allergen. During a patch test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is applied. Your skin will be checked two days later for a reaction and then again in another two days for a delayed reaction. In most cases, the allergic reaction clears itself up within two to three weeks, if there is no further contact with the hair dye. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over-the-counter cortisone creams, calamine lotion and antihistamines can relieve some of the discomfort of an allergic reaction. Severe allergic reactions may require corticosteroids via injection or pills.
Prevention
If a dermatologist has determined you are allergic to para-phenylenediamine, avoid hair dyes that list it as an ingredient. Before applying any dye, do a patch test to check for allergic reactions. Home hair color kits will include instructions on how to do a patch test. According to the FDA., you do a patch test by putting a small amount of the dye behind your ear or the inside of your elbow and leave it on for two days. If you do not develop any allergy symptoms in that area, you will usually not develop a reaction to the dye when applied to your hair. If you do have a reaction, find a different brand or color and repeat the patch test. Leave the hair dye only as long as the directions dictate and rinse your scalp with water afterwards. Hair salon personnel should also do a patch test before applying dye to your hair.
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