People dye their hair all the time without anything going wrong, so why should you have to worry when you dye your hair? Usually you won’t, but some of us suffer from allergic reactions. The real problem is that we might not recognize the symptoms or know the treatment! If you’ve gotten an allergic reaction, here’s the hair dye allergy treatment you need.
Causes of Hair Dye Allergy
Your friend used the same brand and they were absolutely fine. Why in the world are you the one getting an allergic reaction then? There are a lot of factors that can lead to it, and looking out for them can save you a lot of trouble.
Do You Have Sensitive Skin?
If your skin is a little more sensitive, it’s possible that you can suffer from these allergies more often than people with normal skin. The chemicals like ammonia or glycol in the dye are bound to irritate your skin faster than usual.
Darker Dyes
Using permanent hair dye, usually in darker colors, increases the chance that the user will suffer from an allergic reaction. These darker colors contain chemicals like Paraphenylenediamine and resorcinol to vary the dye color, and ammonia and peroxide to get the proper reaction while fixing up the oxygen. These chemicals increase sensitivity to other chemicals, so if you usually have no problem with azo dyes for instance, which are in some medications, you might find there’s a problem in the future.
Symptoms
Sure, symptoms can affect the area you used the dye on, but they can also present in other areas of the body. Allergies affecting the area you’ve used the hair dye on will generally show on your scalp, forehead, hairline, neck, eyelids, or ears. There might be itching or a tingly sensation, nettlerash, inflamed patches, flaky red rashes, lesions, generally feeling ill, or even anaphylaxis in very serious cases. If they present in other areas, your hands are most likely to be affected. These symptoms vary from one person to another, but they usually show within 2-3 days after you dye your hair. How long they last is up to how you treat it.
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How to Treat Hair Dye Allergy
This allergy isn’t only painful, but annoying too. It’ll show in 2-3 days, but if you want the symptoms to last only a few days rather than a few weeks, it’s best to understand the proper way to treat it. Luckily, there are many options out there for you.
Wash Your Hair
As soon as you’ve figured out your allergy, pick up the best clarifying shampoo you can find. Wash off all the dye on your hair to try and prevent the worsening of your allergy and the associated symptoms.
Mild Allergies
A mild reaction may only need over the counter hydrocortisone cream. Pick some up for a week, and if you see no change, go to your dermatologist. This cream should soothe the area. Rashes on the face should be treated with safer tropical creams like Protopic and Elidel, which may not have as many side effects when used for a while.
Severe Allergies
Reactions involving serious rashes and severe reactions need a dermatologist to help. You’ll need systematic corticosteroids as pills or injection. Antihistamines like Benadryl for instance can help you contain the allergy in the meantime.
Natural Oils
Creams and medications are great, but there are tons of at-home remedies too. Oils are one of them, such as jojoba oil, which moisturizes and treats scalp redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Just massage a small amount on the scalp before bed. Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation properties that can alleviate the same symptoms. Applying coconut oil for 15 minutes before washing fixes up hair dye allergies too. Finally, sesame seed oil provides relief from itchiness and discomfort. Warm it before applying and within a few days, you’ll be good as new!
From Your Kitchen?
Yes, you can get good remedies right from your kitchen! Grab that lemon juice that’ll use its antiseptic properties to relieve the scalp. Mix it with water or with yogurt to treat allergies. Baking soda with water is a great option too. When this paste is applied for around 10-15 minutes and rinsed well, you’ll feel a lot better. Finally, simple chamomile tea mixed in with ice cubes make for a good rinse. Wash your hair twice a day with this to alleviate symptoms.
Gels and Other Remedies
Creams come from the doctors, but you can pick up other gels right at the store. Aloe Vera is one of the best remedies for inflammation and itchiness as long as you apply it evenly to your scalp. A gentle wash with some shampoo after around 15 minutes cleans it all up. Witch Hazel is from a herb that acts as a natural astringent to relieve allergic reactions in general, and can be used like Aloe Vera. Apple Cider Vinegar has many uses, including for digestive issues, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve scalp dryness and itchiness.
Alternatives to Hair Dyes
If you’re suffering from a hair dye allergy, stop using that dye. Avoid those chemicals that make you ill and try some alternative products. Dyes which are not as dark or deep in color contain safer chemicals and create less sensitivity. Using vegetable based or henna dyes are also a valid option, since they usually do not cause allergies reactions. Hypoallergenic hair dyes and natural dyes, along with any temporary dyes should be perfect as long as you can find the best brand.
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Conclusion
Hair dye allergy treatment shouldn’t be too hard when you’ve got so many options. The actual allergy is much more difficult to handle, but just pay attention to the symptoms and look for the right treatment to get it fixed up. Just because your friend dyed their hair doesn’t mean it’ll be as easy for you, but there are always other options to try.