You are here:

Hairstyling/Horrible allergic reaction to hair dye; help!

Advertisement

Expert: Hairman - 3/27/2007


Question
I just used an at home permanent hair dye (Loreal Feria in the Bronze Shimmer color). Starting the next day, my scalp, around my ears and my neck began to itch; by late evening sores and scabs are popping up and spreading across my entire scalp and neck - as well as onto the sides of my face.

Is there anything that I can use to neutralize the dyes and help the allergic skin reaction to clear up?

Thank you in advance for your time and your advice!
~Kristina~

Answer
Kristina,
 Many people take Benedryl for allergies. It'a an antihistamine that makes you less reactive to the allergy. It can help reduce the symptoms.
 The itching could have been caused not only by allergy, but also by not being rinsed or shampooed well enough after the colour. The sores and scabs are most likely the result of excessive scratcing and rubbing. If you have not yet shampooed your hair again, do that. It's not necessary to scrub, just a matter of getting any traces of chemical out. Then condition. The conditioner can also help soothe the scalp by lowering the PH a bit.
 What I would suggest either way, is to go to your doctor to get it checked out before the sores get infected, just to be safe.
Best of luck to you.
Stephe (Hairman)

Hairstyling

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Hairman

Expertise

I have been a Licensed cosmetologist in New York state for over 26 years, and am well versed in many areas of the cosmetology and appearance enhancement profession.Specialties however, are hair colour, corrective colour and permanent waving,including the chemical and technical aspects of these services and their effects on the hair.I`m glad to consult on any problems you are having concerning your hair.If I don`t have the answer, I`ll try to get it for you.

Experience

I've been licensed for cosmetology in New York State since 1974.I am a salon owner, and very active with the National Cosmetology Association and New York State Cosmetology Associaiton.I am one of only a few hundred people in the United States to be certi

For the field of cosmetology, to become acredited as a state educator for the New York State Education Committee or HairAmerica, you must submit to a full day exam, encompassing written exam, practical segments, lesson plans and presentations to prove our knowledge and teaching skills.The same applies for HAirAmerica.I also becam board certified as a coulourist in the same way, by submitting to a full day exam process.I am also antionally certified for cosmetology by the National Cosmetology Ass

I have received several educational awards from New York State for my educational work on a state and national level.
My web site, still under construction, in www.hairman.net

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.