Allergic reactions to hair dye: Signs and remedies
For many, the desire to change hair colour is a common pursuit, but for some, this simple act can lead to an allergic reaction, often caused by a chemical called PPD (para-phenylenediamine). However, understanding the alternative names for PPD in hair dyes can help individuals find allergy-friendly options.
PPD is the most common cause of hair dye allergies, and it is often found in commercially produced hair dyes under various names such as PPDA, 1,4-Benzenediamine, and Phenylenediamine base. But did you know that PPD might be hidden under alternative chemical names on commercial hair dye packaging, especially in permanent dyes?
One such alternative is Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate (TDS), which is structurally related but considered a different and milder ingredient tolerated by many people sensitive to PPD. Another related chemical name is N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate, which can appear on ingredient lists.
More generally, PPD belongs to the phenylenediamine family, and regulations may require labeling under this family name instead of specifically "PPD." Other related names or derivatives based on phenylenediamine chemistry may also be present but less commonly named explicitly as PPD.
In summary, common alternative names for PPD in hair dyes include:
| Common Name | Chemical Name | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | PPD | para-Phenylenediamine | | Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate | TDS | | N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate | N-Phenyl-p-PD sulfate | | Phenylenediamine family name | General family label for related compounds |
These alternatives help manufacturers comply with labeling laws and sometimes reduce allergenicity while providing permanent hair color.
Fortunately, many alternatives to PPD-containing hair dyes are available. For instance, hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (HPPS) and dyes that do not contain PPD at all are options for those seeking to avoid PPD.
Henna is another option for people looking to avoid PPD, though it is crucial to ensure the henna is true henna and not a product containing PPD or its derivatives. A range of henna hair dyes is available for purchase online.
To avoid a reaction to hair dyes, it's essential to follow a few steps. Patch tests can be done by a doctor or at home to check for allergic reactions to hair dyes. General precautions for using hair dye include following the instructions closely, wearing gloves, and washing and rinsing the hair thoroughly after application to prevent irritation.
In cases of stronger allergic reactions, steroid creams may be used to reduce inflammation. For less severe symptoms, over-the-counter steroid creams may work, while more severe reactions may require prescription steroid creams or oral steroid therapy.
Symptoms of a hair dye allergy may include red, inflamed skin on the scalp, ears, beard, or neck, itchy eyes, and swollen eyelids. Hives may also show up after a hair dye application, causing red, raised, and itchy patches on the body. In rare cases, anaphylactic shock, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, shortness of breath, and a drop in blood pressure, can occur.
Symptoms of hypersensitivity to hair dye may last anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the severity of the reaction. Contact dermatitis is the most common symptom of a hair dye allergy.
Allergy clinics can perform patch tests to help determine what chemicals a person is intolerant of or allergic to, to find the best hair dye for their use. If symptoms of a hair dye allergy appear, the hair should be washed immediately, and excess dye removed with gentle washes and rinses. Rinsing the hair with a solution of 2% hydrogen peroxide after washing may help oxidize the PPD and make it non-reactive.
In natural cases, simple remedies such as natural creams or simple wet compresses of olive oil and lime may help relieve symptoms of dry or itchy skin.
By being aware of the alternative names for PPD in hair dyes and taking necessary precautions, individuals can enjoy changing their hair colour without worrying about potential allergic reactions.
- The most common cause of hair dye allergies is PPD, which is found in various names like PPDA, 1,4-Benzenediamine, and Phenylenediamine base in hair dyes.
- Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate (TDS) is an alternative to PPD, structurally related yet considered milder and tolerated by many sensitive to PPD.
- N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate is another related chemical name that may appear on ingredient lists.
- Regulations may require labeling under the family name Phenylenediamine instead of specifically "PPD".
- Other related names or derivatives based on phenylenediamine chemistry may also be present but less commonly named explicitly as PPD.
- Hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (HPPS) and PPD-free dyes are options for those seeking to avoid PPD.
- Henna, when authentic, can be a PPD-free alternative for hair dyeing.
- To avoid a reaction to hair dyes, patch tests can be done to check for allergic reactions, and general precautions include following instructions, wearing gloves, and thorough washing and rinsing after application.
- In stronger allergic reactions, steroid creams may be used to reduce inflammation, with over-the-counter and prescription options available.
- Symptoms of a hair dye allergy can include red, inflamed skin, itchy eyes, hives, anaphylactic shock, and symptoms lasting anywhere from a few days to over a week.
- Allergy clinics can perform patch tests to help determine what chemicals a person is intolerant or allergic to, finding the best hair dye for their use, and simple remedies such as natural creams or wet compresses of olive oil and lime may help relieve symptoms of dry or itchy skin.
