Allergy to hair dye

[chockbic]

After using a well known brand, I've ended up with weeping sores on my scalp and redness around the hairline.

Have never reacted to a dye before.

Does this mean I'm destined to be grey? :(

Yes unless you can handle the faff that is henna. Do not attempt to do it again as you could have a fatal reaction next time.

Going gray looking great has a talk forum for those transitioning which may be some help to you.x

I was thinking of a more natural colour.

Thing is, I've got really bright grey/white hair, which sticks out at
funny angles. The dye used to tame it.

This is my situation as well. Apparently the allergy is related to black henna so do a patch test if trying a henna product.

Thanks both, I will definitely do a patch test in future.

Strange how this allergy has shown itself after quite a few years of
colouring.

I contacted the manufacturer, who was pleasant enough. Although a bit dismissive, saying reactions are rare.

IIRC (from a Sali Hughes article in The Guardian, I think) it's possible to have problems with dark dyes but not blonde ones as it's a specific ingredient which causes most problems. I remember it as I started to get what I think was an irritant reaction to home dyes, but am ok with T-section highlights done at the hairdresser with proper patch tests. Could you maybe consult a decent colourist at a reasonable salon for some advice?

Personally I wouldn't risk another home dye as, like a pp said, anaphylaxis is a possible though rare reaction.

boots, do you get a colour between the foils?

No. My own hair colour is still underneath the coloured bits, I get three different blonde/ light brown shades woven through. It doesn't cover all of my grey when you're looking closely, but from a distance it does, and it definitely brightens me up. I prefer it now as regrowth is less harsh, and it works out cheaper than a whole head of foils.

Read this:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/28/could-hair-dye-kill-you

Lily, that's the article I read, too.

Ok thanks, I will perhaps consider that for my lovely badger stripe :D

Bloody hell, that is scary

Maybe give henna a go? I use Lush henna. Brilliant stuff. Soft hair, great colour and covers the grey really well. I use a mix of 2 cubes of marron and 1 cube of noir and it comes out a darkish red/brown. Takes a bit of getting used to using, after hair dyes, but it is definitely worth it.

Yes it does seem a faff to use.

The caca brun looks a nice shade.

I'm a bit nervous about getting an orange streak on my badger stripe

The trick to making it easier is to use more water than you think necessary and to keep the bowl you are using hot by placing it over a pan with boiling water in. It just kind of slops onto your hair then. Oh, and starting at the back and working forward too.

You won't get an orange streak. It tends to lightly cover grey the first time you use it, then it goes darker then next time. My hair looks like it has dark gold highlights through it. Tis great stuff.

funny, I had this after years of using perfect 10 it reacted. I have used others with various reactions from slight itching to spotty rash at back of neck. funnily enough salon dye had no reaction at all. they say patch test for a very good reason. good luck with the henna, have you looked at the natural dyes that some health food shops sell?

I'm going to have a look tomorrow and see what's around.

Last time I was in Boots, I saw their Botanics dye. Don't know if it's as natural as it sounds.

Also, I've seen Daniel Field's website. Does anyone know how their colours run and if they cover stubborn grey?

My head's still sore and the grey isn't too visible at the moment, so can have a break for a while.

Thanks for your replies and advice

I can't have all over hair dyes as my skin has always reacted. So I have highlights with foils instead. This covers/blends the grey enough for now.

Just a word of warning to anyone considering using a natural, PPD free dye. I tried one of these a couple of years ago. A few days later we were staying in a rather nice hotel - white bedding, white towels - but not any longer once I'd washed my hair and coloured them all red!! It was Naturtint Reflex colour.

Never again.

I've had a reaction to a permanent hair dye before now (just on a test patch, thank goodness I tested first). I found that semi-permanent dye was OK though. So all might not be lost. :)

AgathaF, don't worry I never stay in nice hotels

MrsTittleMouse, which colour do you use?

Despite a patch test at the hairdressers I get this with salon done hair dye but I don't seem to get it on perfect 10 or nice and easy dyes at home.

No idea why but it goes after a day and a further hair washing.

If you reacted to ammonia then Vegetal and Herbatint should be safer
www.herbatint.co.uk/herbatint/using/herbatint-faq.php

L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss. I used to use the one advertised by Davina, and it was always fine, but then I changed to a different colour and reacted badly. I switched to a different type out of caution, but I'm happy to stick with Casting Creme, as I'm getting good results.

I became allergic to hair dye, and so began to henna, had wonderful, shiny, mahogany hair for a few years and then early this year became allergic to that too.

So I have finally gone grey, I have ashy, mouse-y hair, with a good amount of salt and some grey streaks at my temples.

I have NEVER had so many compliments about my hair, I look like I have had a facelift the colour suits me so much and as a result look younger, which is kind of bizarre.

Best hair decision I ever made

Grey hair or light hair from highlights doesn't suit me.

I end up looking like a ghost.

Might see about getting some lowlights put through.