By nature, we have inherited black hair. Over time, these black hairs turn white. Various reasons affect it and the color of the hair can change due to aging, hair loss, etc. Graying or graying of hair is normal with aging. But, defeating that naturalness, various dyes have invaded the market to turn white hair black. These dyes are now being used by men as well as women.
Considering the composition of hair dyes, many harmful chemical ingredients are included. That is, especially ammonia and PPD 02 components are mainly used. These are major causes of skin allergies. Among the dyes released in the market, permanent and semi-permanent dyes have mostly caused health problems. Allergies caused by the use of dyes can be classified under 02 main categories.
♦ Irritant Dermatitis
This allergy occurs as soon as the chemicals are touched. Complications such as redness, itching, crusting, and swelling may also appear. This complication can arise due to the chemical ammonia contained in the dyes.
♦ Allergic Dermatitis
This allergy is caused by a chemical called PPD. The severity of this allergy can vary from person to person. Even if the dye does not cause an allergic reaction the first time it is used, it can cause an allergic reaction after the second or third use. Otherwise, even within 48 hours or a week after applying the dye, you may suffer from allergies.
In this allergy, complications such as itchiness, redness, crusting, and swelling of the skin related to the scalp occur. Blisters filled with water occur on the back of the neck as well as on the forehead and neck. If the allergic condition worsens, swelling of the eyes, eyes, and ears may also occur.
The worst side effect of using dyes is the possibility of even loss of life. It is a hyperallergic condition in the use of dye. This allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Here the blood pressure decreases and the heart stops beating and the person may even die.
Side Effects of using dyes
Even if you use the same type of dye for a long time, skin itching, blackening of the skin on the face, and changes in the color of the skin on both sides of the forehead may occur. Dyes can be applied to the head or face. Also, areas of the body exposed to the sun will become itchy and black, and black bumps will appear on the hands and feet.
The impact of PPD chemical
This chemical is contained not only in dyes but also in the things we wear and the materials we use. Accordingly, this PPD is widely contained in black fabrics, handbags, purses, watches with black bands, and black rubber sandals. The chemical PPD is mostly used to impart a dark black color to these materials. If a person develops an allergy due to the dye, such people are advised to avoid the use of these black items.
Why are legs allergic due to head dye?
PPD is widely used in the production of black rubber slippers. When a person with allergies wears black rubber sandals, itchy legs and black bumps appear on the feet. It is imperative that such people identify the things that cause them allergies and stay away from them.
Is the patch test successful?
Usually, the first time a person uses the dye used to make hair black, a little of it is applied behind the ear and left for a while to see if any allergies occur. Care should be taken not to apply the dye if any allergic reaction occurs within a few minutes. But usually, it is not advisable to do a patch test only once and this should be done every time the dye is used.
In case of an allergy to dyes, medical advice should be sought immediately. You may also be referred to skin or allergy clinics.
Follow the directions given when using dyes
Even if a person does not develop any allergic reaction to the PPD chemical, it is very important to follow the instructions given when using the dye. Basically, the dye is applied to the hair, not the scalp. Under no circumstances should dyes be applied to the scalp.
Also, dry hair surface free of oil, dust, and dirt should be cleaned at the same time when the dye is applied and removed.
Does an allergy to one type also exist for other dyes?
Changing the product alone will not eliminate the dye allergy. All dyes contain too many chemicals. Therefore, if one type of dye causes an allergy in a person, it is not even possible to advise switching to another product. For all other dyes, such people are only at risk for an allergic reaction.
Even though new dyes are introduced in today’s market labeled as PPD-free and ammonia-free, other chemical components can cause allergies. Therefore, the advice that can be given to people who are allergic to dyes is to avoid the use of dyes that contain chemical compounds as much as possible.
Is henna suitable instead of dye?
Although henna is taken, red and brown colors are considered natural henna colors. Black henna is not naturally pigmented and also contains PPD and ammonia. While there is no natural black henna, it should be remembered that black henna is also not hygienic.
General advice for dye users
♦ Immediately stop using the dye when allergic reactions occur while using one type of dye.
Do not switch to another dye product instead. Because the composition of all dyes is common. Know that there is no other substitute. Allergic reactions can even lead to death. Even dye shampoos are highly allergenic.
♦ People who are allergic to black clothes, and black watch bands mentioned above should switch to brown colors.
♦ Exposure to the sun is also not recommended for people who have dyed their white hair black. Due to the reaction of the applied dye with the sun, various complications such as itching, redness, and swelling may arise.
♦ Also, people who have dyed their hair for a long time may also develop white spots on the scalp. It also causes severe damage to the hair. Hair quickly breaks, becomes damaged, and loses its strength. So be very careful when using dyes to darken white hair. Avoid using dyes with caution and common sense so as not to endanger your health.
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