Reacted to a hair dye patch test, AIBU to be confused about my hairdresser’s response was wrong?

[justwantnicehair]

My previous hair stylist has moved to Australia, so I had my first appointment with another stylist at the same salon who is highly recommended. I had a consultation and had a patch test done behind my ear. The next day the whole area behind my ear was red with dry, itchy and flakey skin which is something I’ve not experienced before. I rang the hairdressers to ask for their advice and they said I could still go ahead with it but it’s ‘my decision’. I feel lost as I’m not sure if a bit of redness and skin dryness is ‘normal’ and to be expected (I do generally have sensitive skin and can get eczema), or whether it’s a sign of an allergy which puts me at risk of anaphylaxis.

I told the hairdresser I didn’t want to risk going ahead with it and I then asked if there any any alternative formulas I could be patch tested for which I am. My hairdresser didn’t really explain much about whether ths kind of thing is common and whether any other formulas may be suitable or whether it’s likely I’ll react to all of them, they just kept reiterating it was my decision. I’m now quite nervous about trusting them.

I am allergic to hair dye.

I would be switching hair salons as she isn’t taking it seriously.

I became allergic to hair dye after years of using it and I'm allergic to all semi and permanent dyes as they all contain PPDs, in my case I believe it was due to having a black henna tattoo done while on holiday, apparently it's a known side effect.

Unfortunately you cannot know how bad your reaction will be, it could be that your skin test is just a bit itchy but then when you get the full head application you end up with hives, I've had everything from mild itchiness to open sores that needed steroid lotion. I now home dye because I don't think it's fair to put a hairdresser in this position. I take anti-histamines before applying and I take great care to avoid getting any dye on my skin. Generous layer of Vaseline on forehead, ears, nape of neck, then apply dye with a brush leaving a small amount of root uncovered.

Ultimately some hairdressers will take the risk as long as you sign a waiver acknowledging you're going into it knowing you've had a reaction.

Depending on your style, you might want to try bleach and crazy colours, bleach doesn't contain PPDs and neither do the temporary dyes like Manic Panic/Directions.

This reminds me of when my cat received an optional vaccine (distemper) and he had a terrible reaction and almost died. The next year when he was due for a rabies shot again, I had to remind the vet that the distemper shot almost killed him, and she said it could be because he received distemper at the same time as the rabies shot, and it’s possible if they are given apart the distemper won’t affect him, and IT’S UP TO ME. Well, I found a new vet and never went back. Some people just don’t give a f*ck about anything but personal liability.

How much do you want your whole head to hurt?
Don't do

At the end of the day it is up to you. But if you’ve had a reaction I personally wouldn’t have the rest of my head done.

I mean, what exactly are you confused about?

I've recently developed a ppd allergy. I am beyond gutted because my hair is dark.

My plan is to have balayage and baby lights on the root to try and blend greys then just use a ppd free toner.

I am really scared about this allergy though, people have literally died

Think bleach toners do maybe? Some of them?

are there any other things that being allergic to PPDs will impact? Like not hair dyes but other products?

I started getting reactions a couple of hours after having mine coloured so decided I couldn't risk it anymore.
My hairdresser moved away so I found a new salon. On my first cut I explained I was going to grow out the colour and why, the new hairdresser couldn't believe I'd suddenly started reacting and didn't think it would be an issue at all.
She said she'd never heard of anyone suddenly becoming allergic to it. I'm not a hairdresser but I know you can develop this type of allergy at any time.
Surely that's why they do the test? Sounds crazy to do it and then ignore the result.
Op I would not be risking it personally. There's some horrific stories out there of bad reactions.

I am confused. There should be notes stating what brand of product and colour the old stylist used. Didn’t the stylist look these up? If they did, why the need for the patch test? I would be wanting to find this out first, then to make sure I hadn’t recently become allergic, patch test the product the old stylist used.

If it is the same product as before, maybe go to another hairdresser.

This. She could kill you

You are supposed to have a patch test if you last colour appointment was longer than 6 months ago. Also if the stylist was self-employed renting a chair, she is technically a separate business and needs to have her own test records.

@Devonshiregal the only thing I've been allergic to is dyes, that does include the ones used for brows and lashes as well so I don't use those, risking an itchy head is one thing, risking blindness is a whole other ball game and mascara works fine. You do have to be very careful to read the packaging on dyes though, lots say things like 'gentle', 'organic', 'all natural ingredients' but they're as full of PPDs as the ones that say 'vibrant', 'intense' and 'shocking colour'.

Your hairdresser is dangerously wrong. What's the point of doing a patch test if you're going to ignore the results? allergic reactions to hair dye get worse with each consecutive use so do not go ahead with this. Your entire face could swell up and you'd need steroids and anti histamines.

I cant believe they are advising this- it's awful. My hair stylist tested my hair for bleach and refused to give me highlights because the patch test on a sample of my hair showed my hair couldn't take it- it broke apart. They cared more about my hair and health than the money they'd get from highlights- that shows true care and I trust them. Never get your hair done by someone who you don't trust.

You might not react to all dyes OP. I had a bad reaction to a patch test and the hairdresser was similarly blasé about it, even though my skin was raw! I still have the scar behind my ear and it was over 2 years ago now. I did not go back. I found a new hairdresser and she uses Kevin Murphy products which do not contain PPD. No problems at all.

Yes you can certainly react !
Had a client for years who had dark dye monthly and all of a sudden a reaction !
Did lists of patch tests to different brands and reaction everytime !
Never did her hair again !
I would step away from this stylist she obviously has never experienced someone reacting to colour she obviously not that interested in that part of being a hairdresser !
A good hairdresser will be knowledgeable about these things and only want the best for their clients !
Goodluck it’s a minefield! I myself have struggled to find a hairdresser as a hairdresser with the same intregrity as myself !!

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Thanks all, it was a patch test for the root colour which is light brown. I was also due to get a full head of highlights and low lights.

I’m wondering if bleach and toners are safe?

You'll need to patch test the bleach and toners.

I'd hazard a guess that bleach you'd be ok with but that you may react to the toner. That then leaves you with the decision of whether the bleach alone will get you the colour you want.

Bleach is ok because it will be in the foil but again she should patch test the toner as well x

I was dying my hair for years before I developed the ppd allergy, the first time it was a mild itchy scalp which I didn’t realise was an allergic reaction, the next time my whole scalp and neck were burning and itching for days. I was able to use another dye which was ppd free but I then became sensitive to another ingredient (toluenediamine).

In all the years of going to the hairdresser, many different ones in different cities, they NEVER did a patch test.

all of you who use these dyes, you can develop the allergy at any time even if you have been using the same dye. It is so important to patch test every time.

I am stuck using non permanent dyes now so if anyone knows of a good ppd free permanent dye, please let me know! My greys are showing!!

@TempName247 Josh Wood colour is PPD free and also excellent! Obviously you would still need to do a patch test but worth a try!

joshwoodcolour.com/collections/ppd-free-hair-colour

Aw thank you, this was actually one that I used for a while but then reacted to as it has toluenediamine, it is used instead of PPD as is less aggressive but unfortunately I can’t use anything now with either chemical.

Kevin Murphy has toluenediamine as well 🙁

I don't think it's up to the hairdresser to give advice about the reaction you had. She didn't even see the reaction for herself. I'm not sure why you now don't trust her.

I’m wondering if bleach and toners are safe?

You'll need a patch test for the toner for sure. Regarding bleach for highlights- that usually doesn't touch the scalp (in foils) so should be ok but if your hair is fine or fragile, I'd get a strand test done to see how your hair takes it. It can be quite damaging so test it first.