Allergic on patch test - how else to dye hair?

[Zorra]

Just that, really. I had an allergic reaction to black henna a few years back, this is the first time since I have tested a normal hair dye (in a salon). I'm desperate to dye my hair as I look dreadful! Any ideas on alternative dyes or ideas?

Black henna can contain PPD which is really nasty, if it did I'm not surprised you had a reaction.

You could try semi-permanent colours, the activating chemicals aren't as concentrated in those so they can be less reactive.

Or organic colours, like organic colour systems or aveda colours.

I used loreal casting Creme gloss which has no ammonia and has done really well for me.

I am allergic to a lot of stuff, but this was fine and easy to apply (first time ever) and people were commenting on how good it looks

I also had a black henna tattoo years back and my reaction to my first attempt at dying my hair was horrific! Trip to A&E with a blistering scalp oozing puss and blood plus I looked like something out of planet of the apes with all the swelling, if you patch test also make it a small amount as the due can react quickly, my last patch test came up in 15 mins and that was suppose to be 90% natural!! Be careful xx

I also can't use any semi permanent as you don't just react to the PPD it sensitises you to other ingredients as well.

sorry but i have a ppd allergy and all above mentioned dyes contain ppd so please do not use them, i currently use one called the beautiful collection (used to be clairol loving care) available only on amazon, it works really well but you have to leave it on for at least an hour, i have really dark hair and going gray fast so have tried everything. it is a wash out so sometimes goes strange shades when needing done :)

If you went to an experienced colourist, could you have some highlights or slices of colour that were wrapped in foil and didn't touch your scalp? I read somewhere that Sali Hughes has her hair coloured using ppd free colours at a place in London, but now of course I can't find it! She wrote a very interesting article on allergic reactions to hair dye.

thats a brilliant article hetaera, such little is known about this, the worst misconception is the natural hair colourants, many people including hairdressers have told me to use this, it contains just as much ppd as regular hair dyes.

Not sure what colour you want, but what about henna from Lush? I have been using it for about 18 months now and it's great.

Thanks for the ideas, looks like its going to be tricky :( Will try some of th suggestions and let you know how it works out!