Can You Have an Allergic Reaction to Hair Color?

Dyeing your hair a new hue can be stressful enough without having to deal with side effects thanks to a hair dye allergy. (If you've ever DIY-ed and achieved a color completely different than what was on the box, you know that specific kind of panic.) Add into the mix the potential for an itchy scalp or even a swollen face and the desire to become a dirty blonde might no longer seem that appealing. And while an allergic reaction to hair color can oftentimes just involve some mild redness and irritation, cautionary tales on the internet paint a more serious picture.

For example, one young woman was actually sent to the hospital due to a severe and rare allergic reaction to the chemicals in the boxed dye she was using at home. Her entire head swelled up as a result of, what she later learned was an allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical widely used in permanent hair dye thanks to its ability to stick to strands through washes and styling without losing its color. (Emphasis on permanent. PPD typically isn't included in semi-permanent dye formulas — or natural options, obviously.) PPD has been known to cause severe allergic reactions despite the fact that it's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in hair dyes.

Over on TikTok, some folks have been sharing footage of their post-dye job swelling. Recently, TikTok user @urdeadright posted a clip featuring photos of his reaction with text, "Remembering the time I tried going blonde and almost died." (They didn't specify whether their side effects were from PPD.)

Now, let's be clear: Not every allergic reaction to hair dye is this severe, and plenty of people routinely color their hair without a problem or any allergic reaction to hair dye at all. Still, it's best to be prepared (think: Benadryl on hand), especially if you have certain allergies (such as a textile dye allergy) that could be exacerbated by hair dye or if you've previously experienced side effects from dyes. That being said, if you've had severe allergic reactions to any PPD-containing hair dyes in the past, it's a good idea to steer clear of any similar chemical-laden products. (Non-toxic and natural versions are less likely to lead to after-effects.)

With that in mind, here's more of what you need to know about hair dye allergies. (

Hair Dye Allergy Symptoms

An extreme allergic reaction to PPD in hair dye only affects about one to two percent of users, according to Ava Shamban, M.D., dermatologist and founder of AVA MD, a dermatology clinic with locations in Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills. Para-toluenediamine (PTD) is another common chemical and allergen in hair dye, although it's generally better-tolerated than PPD, according to Medical News Today. Both PPD and PTD can be found in many of the widely used commercial permanent boxed hair dyes for DIY-ing at home as well as those used at salons.

Because any single usage or contact point can solicit an allergic reaction (even if you never experienced one before), you should always patch test a product on a small area of skin — such as behind your ear or elbow — before each use, even if you've used the item before, says Dr. Shamban. Let it completely dry and see if your skin has any sort of reaction to the chemicals. (More on what this would look like below.) And head's up: Even if you've patch tested a formula containing PPD, and used it to dye your hair a few times in the past without any issue, you can still have an allergic reaction to the PPD, says Dr. Shamban. It's possible that the exposure can make your skin more sensitive to the chemical, which can lead to a reaction the next time you use it, according to DermNet NZ. "While it does not accumulate or remain in the body, usage is like pulling the wild card out of the deck; one never knows when [a hair dye allergy] will occur." If you have any suspicions you might be allergic to a dye, it's best to consult with your colorist or dermatologist.

Extreme allergic reactions to hair color can involve difficulty breathing or eyelid and head swelling to the point of vision impairment or pain. However, a much more common reaction to PPD is contact dermatitis, "a skin irritation which can occur in many forms," such as a mild rash, dry, itchy skin, or red patches of skin, notes Dr. Shamban. "While uncomfortable, it can resolve relatively quickly with topical care. This can occur in 25 percent or more of people who come in contact with [chemicals, such as PPD, found in hair dye]," she says. (

"Generally, symptoms are redness, flaking, inflammation, blistering or swelling in the scalp and around the face, ears, eyes, and lips," says Craig Ziering, M.D., a hair restoration and transplant surgeon. That being said, more extreme reactions, such as potentially permanent hair loss, can definitely occur, adds Dr. Ziering. He also notes that although rare, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that causes extreme swelling that could inhibit blood flow and breathing) is also possible and requires immediate medical attention.

"Symptoms to look out for with anaphylaxis may include the same stinging, burning, swelling, or rash but it will extend to the tongue and throat followed by trouble breathing with feelings of faint, nausea or vomiting," says Dr. Shamban.

Can You Still Color Your Hair If You Have a Hair Dye Allergy?

There's no clear answer because as with any allergic reaction, it depends entirely on the person. If you've had allergic reactions to hair color or PPD in the past, make sure to review the products carefully with your colorist (or read the box diligently if you're coloring at home). In light of the potential for PPD and other chemicals often found in hair dye to cause harm, some people are calling for additional research on the safety of common ingredients, reports The Washington Post. But for now, PPD is still found in many of the products stocked on shelves in stores and salons, so it's important to keep an eye out for any potential side effects or symptoms. And if you do experience an allergic reaction to hair color, even mild contact dermatitis, you should stop using the product and chat with your colorist about other options going forward.

Natural hair color products that don't contain PPD or similar chemicals shouldn't cause a reaction,adds Dr. Shamban. Overall, pure henna (not black henna), which can be used to dye hair, and semi-permanent dyesthat are ammonia-free (and, thus, is better for the health of your hair) should also be safer than other dyes; but as always, consult with your colorist and/or dermatologist if you have any questions about what's best for you, says Dr. Shamban.