Fact checkedExpert's opinion

Expert's opinion

The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.

Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.

The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.

Hair Dye Allergy Treatment At Home: Useful Ways To Try 2024

Pete Martin

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

hair dye allergy treatment at home
Many hair dyes contain ingredients that can cause allergies. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

Whether it’s to switch things up or cover those greys, hair dye does it all. But for some people, it can also lead to an unexpected allergic reaction. Many commercial hair dyes have ingredients like paraphenylenediamine,[1] hydrogen peroxide, and lead acetate that can cause allergies.

If you notice itching, redness, or swelling after using hair dye, you might be having an allergic reaction. Sometimes, it can even lead to stunted hair growth and hair loss.[2]

Fortunately, there are ways to treat hair dye allergies at home that you can try before seeking professional help.

As you explore hair dye allergy treatments, remember to listen to your body. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or persist. In some cases, an allergy to hair dye can lead to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency care. 

Home Remedies For Hair Dye Allergy

If you suspect an allergy while dyeing your hair, immediately follow these steps:

  1. Stop the application and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Apply a cold compress (to relieve itching, pain, or swelling).
  3. Try over-the-counter antihistamines.
  4. Use topical corticosteroids (if symptoms are severe).
  5. Apply aloe vera gel (soothes and acts as an anti-inflammatory).

And of course, seek professional medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist for any length of time.

Hair Dye Allergy Treatment At Home

Here are some useful ways to try hair dye allergy treatment at home:

Stop The Application And Rinse Thoroughly

The first step in treating a hair dye allergy is to stop the application immediately. Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining dye from your hair. You can use a sulfate-free mild shampoo to ensure all traces of the dye are gone.

Cold Compress

To help alleviate itching, pain, or swelling caused by the allergy, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. You can use a clean towel soaked in cold water, an ice bag, or a bag of frozen peas. Repeat this process several times a day to relieve symptoms.

Over-The-Counter Antihistamines

Diphenhydramine,[3] also known as Benadryl, can help relieve itching and swelling associated with hair dye allergy symptoms. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label. 

Topical Corticosteroids

If your symptoms are severe, you can try using topical corticosteroids,[1] such as cortisone cream, on the affected areas. Just make sure to use these products in moderation and according to the directions on the product label. 

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is beneficial for soothing irritated skin. Photo: LN team/Shutterstock

A natural remedy to soothe irritated skin is aloe vera gel. Apply a generous amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected areas to help soothe and moisturize your skin. Aloe vera is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties[4] and is commonly used for skin conditions. 

Symptoms Of Hair Dye Allergy

These are some of the most common signs of an allergic reaction to chemical hair dyes:

  • Itching and redness: Intense itching and redness on your scalp, face, or neck. The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to extremely uncomfortable.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the face, neck, or eyelids. The skin inflammation may be so severe that you develop airway obstruction, and this is a medical emergency. 
  • Rash or hives: Rashes or hives may develop on the scalp and surrounding areas, such as the face or neck. These raised, itchy welts can occur hours or days after using the hair dye.
  • Blisters or oozing sores: In more severe cases, you may experience blisters or oozing sores on your scalp, face, or neck. This might be a severe contact dermatitis reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Hair dye allergies are typically caused by paraphenylenediamine, otherwise known as PDD. This chemical is found in many permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes. Always do a patch test on another small area of your skin before using a new hair coloring, especially if you’ve had an allergic reaction in the past or have sensitive skin.

When You Need To See A Doctor?

Although there are ways of treating hair dye allergies at home, you should be aware of the signs that indicate it’s time to see a doctor. It’s important to remember that not all allergic reactions are the same, and some may require professional medical attention.

Common hair dye allergy symptoms can range from mild skin irritations to airway obstruction. In these cases, it might be time to consult a doctor:

  • Severe pain or discomfort: If your skin is extremely painful, swollen, or tight, this could indicate a more serious reaction that requires medical attention.
  • Blistering or oozing: If the affected area becomes covered in blisters or starts to ooze, you should seek medical care immediately, as this might lead to infection.
  • Signs of infection: If the area becomes red, warm, or increasingly painful, these are signs of infection that need a doctor’s intervention.
  • Lack of improvement: If you have tried home remedies and haven’t seen any improvement after a few days, consult your doctor.
  • Any changes in breathing: If your throat swells or your nose and throat burn, which affects your breathing, seek help immediately.

Don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your reaction to chemical hair dyes. Your safety and well-being should always be your top priority.

How To Prevent Hair Dye Allergies?

How To Prevent Hair Dye Allergies
Choosing the right hair dye product can reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Photo: Seamm/Shutterstock

When it comes to hair treatments at home, prevention is key. By taking the necessary precautions, you can prevent hair dye allergy. Here are some useful steps to follow:

First and foremost, always perform a patch test on the colorant and the developer before applying any new hair dye product. This involves applying a small amount of the product to a discreet area of skin, such as behind your ear or the inside of your elbow, and waiting for at least 48 hours to monitor for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction. 

Choose hair dye products that are formulated with natural ingredients or are labeled hypoallergenic, which can reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Look for products that are free from common allergens, such as parabens,[5] ammonia,[6] and PDD. 

Keep in mind that even organic or natural hair dyes can cause allergic reactions, so always perform a patch test regardless of the product chosen.

Follow These Precautions

Take the following precautions when using hair dye at home:

  • Wear gloves to minimize skin contact with the dye.
  • Apply a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, around your hairline and ears to prevent direct contact with your skin from the excess dye.
  • Do not leave the dye on your hair longer than the recommended time on the product instructions.

Also, consider alternative hair color options, such as henna or vegetable-based dyes. These are generally less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, be sure to still perform a patch test, as reactions can still happen.

Maintaining your hair health with a healthy scalp can also prevent contact dermatitis or other allergic reactions to hair dye. Keep your scalp clean and well-hydrated by using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners. Avoid using harsh hair care products that can cause scalp irritation. Also, don’t dye your hair if you currently have any open sores or cuts on your scalp.

The Takeaway

When dealing with a hair dye allergy, it’s essential to take precautions and try effective treatment options. Here are a few useful ways to treat hair dye allergies at home:

Mild reactions

  • To relieve mild symptoms, wash your hair and scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any residual hair dye.
  • Take over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, to help alleviate itching and hives.
  • Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help eliminate skin irritation and to reduce skin inflammation

Severe reactions

  • For more severe reactions, contact a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Your healthcare provider may recommend a steroid-based cream or oral cortisone to manage the symptoms.
  • Refrain from using chemical hair treatments until your allergy symptoms have completely resolved. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about a product’s ingredients and their allergen potential. 

Always seek expert advice and assistance if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Lastly, take steps to prevent future hair dye allergies by opting for gentle, hypoallergenic products and following proper safety guidelines.


+ 6 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Barnes, P.J. (2001). Corticosteroids, IgE, and atopy. Journal of Clinical Investigation, [online] 107(3), pp.265–266. doi:https://doi.org/10.1172/jci12157.
  2. Ishida, W., Makino, T. and Shimizu, T. (2011). Severe Hair Loss of the Scalp due to a Hair Dye Containing Para phenylenediamine. ISRN Dermatology (Print), [online] 2011, pp.1–2. doi:https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/947284.
  3. Medlineplus.gov. (2022). Diphenhydramine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html.
  4. Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K. and Aminiyan, A. (2019). The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iranian journal of medical sciences, [online] 44(1), pp.1–9. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/#:~:text=Aloe%20vera%20is%20effective%20in,decrease%20of%20TNF%20alpha%20levels.&text=Its%20regenerative%20properties%20are%20due,rich%20with%20polysaccharides%20like%20mannose.
  5. Center (2022). Parabens in Cosmetics. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics.
  6. PubChem (2023). Ammonia. [online] @pubchem. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ammonia#section=Experimental-Properties.
Pete Martin

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Pete is a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer, with a Diploma in "Nutrition and Wellness" from the University of Aberdeen. He believes firmly in the importance of a holistic approach to healthy living. He is a keen reader, amateur boxer (very amateur, he hastens to add!) and practises Transcendental Meditation.

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Journal of Physical Education and Sport

Trusted Source

Go to source

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Trusted Source

Go to source

African Journals Online

Non-profit Platform for African Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Informit

RMIT University Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Food Safety Authority

Science, Safe food, Sustainability

Trusted Source
Go to source

OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Academy of Family Physicians

Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for

Trusted Source
Go to source

Agricultural Research Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

The American Journal of Medicine

Official Journal of The Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Lippincott Journals

Subsidiaries of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Aging

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Translational Research

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cell

An All-science Publisher

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of Translational Medicine

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America's Consumers

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Human Genome Research Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Food Production, Processing and Nutrition

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

BMC Gastroenterology

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

ACS Publications

A Division of The American Chemical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Annual Reviews

Independent, Non-profit Academic Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

PubChem

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Library of Medicine
Go to source

PLOS Journals

Nonprofit Publisher of Open-access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Thieme E-books & E-Journals

Peer-reviewed & Open Access Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Peer-reviewed International Journal Publishes

Trusted Source
Go to source

Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing Home

Chemical Science Journals, Books and Database

Trusted Source
Go to source

Frontiers

Publisher of Peer-reviewed Articles in Open Acess Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

De Gruyter

German Scholarly Publishing House

Trusted Source
Go to source

Hindawi

Open Access Research Journals & Papers

Trusted Source
Go to source

Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids

EDP Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge Core

Cambridge University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

FoodData Central

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the American Heart Association

Peer-reviewed Open Access Scientific Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Organization of Food and Nutrition Professionals

tr
Go to source

Sage Journals

Database From Sage Publications

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Drug Abuse

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The ClinMed International Library

A Repository and an Open Access Publisher for Medical Research

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Royal Society Publishing

United Kingdom's National Academy of Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

APA PsycNet

Database From American Psychological Association

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Pharma Innovation Journal

Peer-reviewed And Refereed Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Peer-reviewed Bimonthly Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

British Pharmacological Society

Journals - Wiley Online Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Psychological Association

Scientific and Professional Organization of Psychologists

Trusted Source
Go to source

AAP Publications

Database From American Academy of Pediatrics

Trusted Source
Go to source

Karger Publishers

Academic Publisher of Scientific and Medical Journals and Books

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Database From Cambridge University

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Mental Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

MDPI

Publisher of Open Access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Part of Springer Nature

Trusted Source
Go to source

The New England Journal of Medicine

Massachusetts Medical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Economic Research Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Trusted Source
Go to source

MedlinePlus

Database From National Library of Medicine

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

National Institute of Health

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Trusted Source
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The BMJ

Weekly Peer-reviewed Medical Trade Journal

The British Medical Association
Go to source

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England

Database From Wiley Online Library
Go to source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

DailyMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

Google Scholar

Go to source

Science.gov: USA.gov for Science

Government Science Portal

Go to source

ResearchGate

Social Network Service For Scientists

Find and share research
Go to source

American Heart Association

To be a rentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Go to source

BioMed Central

Research in progress

Go to source

JAMA Network

Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the American Medical Association

Go to source

Springer Link

Database From Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Springer - International Publisher Science, Technology, Medicine
Go to source

ODS

Database from Office of Dietary Supplements

National Institutes of Health
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Governmental Authority
Go to source

Oxford Academic Journals

Oxford University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

Taylor & Francis Online

Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic Publishing Division of Informa PLC
Go to source

WHO

Database from World Health Organization

Go to source

Journal of Neurology

Peer-reviewed Medical Journal

American Academy of Neurology Journal
Go to source

ScienceDirect

Bibliographic Database of Scientific and Medical Publications

Dutch publisher Elsevier
Go to source

Wiley Online Library

American Multinational Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. National Public Health Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database from U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. Federal Government
Go to source

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Federal Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed Central

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source
Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement