Allergic Reactions to hair color and PPD Dyes (Paraphenylenediamine)
24-48 hours prior to any color application, the FDA requires that you perform a simple patch test to determine if the person is allergic to the color dye. The skin test must be performed each time before the hair is to be colored, regardless of whether a patch test has been previously performed. One can develop an allergy to the color even after years of using the same color without an issue.
In a salon class or demo environment, it becomes impossible to perform a patch test 24-48 hours prior to the color application. In these situations, it is imperative the model is informed that no patch test was performed and that a model release form is signed in the rare event an allergic reaction does occur. During the consultation process with all models, the following questions must be asked:
- Have you ever colored your hair before?
- Have you ever experienced sensitivity or allergic reactions to haircolor?
- Do you suffer from any allergies?
Along with the increased use of hair color at an earlier age and the increase of skin tattoos (that use PPD dyes), there has been an increase in sensitivities and allergic reactions to hair color. As a stylist, it is important you recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. If one should occur, the product must be removed from the hair immediately.
Whether the allergy is from penicillin, insect stings, certain foods like milk, nuts, and shellfish or PPD dyes, the symptoms are similar and can range from mild skin irritation to swelling of the throat and difficulty in breathing, to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Although severe cases of anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure, many reactions like those experienced with PPD dyes are milder and can be ended with prompt medical attention.
Please become familiar with recognizing the following signs of an allergic reaction:
♦ mild reaction: hives, itching, redness, mild dandruff
♦ serious reaction: swelling of the scalp and face, rash increases in severity and becomes painful and spreads, sneezing, coughing and nausea
♦ severe reaction (anaphylaxis): shortness of breath, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, shock
As with any allergy, whether to milk, nuts, shellfish or PPD dyes, in the rare event you experience a severe allergic reaction, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Please be assured that hair dyes continue to be one of the most thoroughly studied products on the market today. These products have been used for many years and have a strong safety record supported by the existing body of extensive scientific and medical research.