We Are Members Of The Association Of Personal Injury Lawyers That Deal With Hair Dye Allergy Claims

Hair dyeing has become increasingly common across all age groups and social demographics. While older people use hair dyes in an attempt to stem the tide of age, younger people dye their hair to achieve a new and often radical look. Hair dyes containing paraphenylenediamine (PPD) are the most popular, because they are permanent and very natural looking. PPD is however also an allergen which can trigger severe reactions. Once a sensitivity to PPD exists a range of other chemicals contained in hair dyes are also likely to cause allergic reactions. In the majority of cases allergens in hair dyes such as PPD cause contact dermatitis, affecting the scalp, face, eyes and ears. In the very worst scenarios, a severe allergic reaction may involve a sharp drop in blood pressure and/or breathing difficulties, resulting in naphylactic shock. This kind of toxic shock may prove fatal, as reports in the press in recent years confirm.

Allergies & Skin Patch Tests

Pre-existing allergies to chemicals such as PPD in hair dyes are supposed to be identified by a skin patch test conducted 24-48 hours before a hair dyeing treatment. This test should determine individual skin sensitivity and the possibility of allergic reactions occurring. A small amount of hair dye solution is normally placed behind the ear, and the skin's reaction to it is monitored. The problem is that many hair salons fail to carry out this essential test prior to dyeing the hair of clients. A recent study by The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) found that at least 85% of salons in London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds did not offer skin patch tests to new customers. The issue is complicated by the fact that ideally a customer should be tested every time they dye their hair, as they may become become sensitised to chemicals in hair dyes at any point in time. This situation has lead to a sharp rise recently in compensation claims brought by clients who have suffered allergic reactions following a trip to a hair salon.

Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

Allergic reactions to chemicals in hair dyes such as PPD may be both painful and disfiguring. The severity of the reaction varies from person to person. Usually a rash will begin to form, which may spread rapidly across the face or scalp. These rashes are often itchy, and may be worsened by scratching. Hives may form on the skin, and areas may begin to burn and blister. When the scalp is affected, hair loss may also be a symptom of an allergic reaction, in many cases a person will experience nausea and difficulty breathing. Often the face or eyes will swell up following a reaction, and the eyelids may close altogether. Severe reactions may cause further difficulties, including temporary blindness and respiratory failure. In either instance emergency hospital treatment will be required, with injections of adrenaline often used by doctors to combat the reaction. In a small minority of tragic cases people suffer toxic shock and death following a reaction to hair dye.

Case Study: Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye Causes Scalp Damage & Hair Loss

Causes Of Allergic Reactions & Compensation Claims

Despite the acknowledged dangers of PPD, it is estimated that two thirds of hair dyes still include the ingredient. Many other chemicals in hair dyes may also trigger allergic reactions, including hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. People may become sensitised to these substances via exposure to PPD in black henna tattoos, or through prolonged use of hair dyes containing PPD. This is known as cross-reactivity or cross-sensitisation, and means in effect that no permanent hair dye will be safe to use once the original sensitivity has been triggered. The fact that people can become sensitised in this manner at any point means skin patch tests are of the utmost importance for those who regularly dye their hair. Lack of regulation in the UK means that currently the majority of hair salons fail to offer tests, even to new customers. Where a person has suffered an allergic reaction to hair dye administered in a hair salon they should seek legal advice, and consider a compensation claim against the proprietors of the salon and their insurance company.

Case Study: Allergy To PPD Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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