I am allergic to hair dye, what can I use to improve the situation? This is the burning question that troubles many men and women across the world, and luckily, we have the answer. Allergies to hair dye are nothing new or odd, but they are a bit rare since only about 5 percent of people will experience some sort of an allergic reaction to hair coloring products. If you are among them, there are some things you need to know and some products and methods you can use to soothe the itching, redness, swelling, and blistering that may have occurred as a reaction to a hair color.
Before we begin, it is important to note that an allergic reaction will rarely happen the first time you use a hair dye, but instead show up the second or third time you dye your hair. This is due to the fact that your body remembers the harmful chemicals in the dye the first time you use it, so it can react and defend itself the next time you come into contact with it. Our bodies develop antibodies to the chemicals that harm us, and thus your second attempt of getting the perfect hair color might be the most detrimental one. So what can you use instead of the hair dyes with harmful chemicals and what to use to get rid of the after effects?
Use a Natural Hair Dye
First of all, ditch the hair dye you used and opt for natural hair dyes that do not contain the chemical called PPD which is the main factor of the allergic reactions. When you are shopping for hair dyes and hair products, bring your glasses and read the ingredients list carefully. Avoid anything with PPD and anything that can harm your sensitive skin. Note that choosing the semi-permanent dye is not always the solution, as they can contain PPD as well.
Additionally, PPD is found in dark hair dyes, meaning brown, black, etc, so maybe consider going blonde as those hair dyes do not contain this chemical. Also, you can stop coloring your hair altogether and enjoy your natural locks as they most probably look the best on you. Opt for highlights instead of coloring your whole hair, since the hair dye used for highlighting typically does not touch the scalp, therefore avoiding the allergic reaction.
There are a lot of brands that product dyes that do not contain PPD, so find one of them and stick with it instead of your usual hair coloring product.
Use a pH Neutral Shampoo
The most important step after a hair coloring disaster is to mend your sore, red, and scabby scalp. Using a mild, pH neutral shampoo will help your scalp heal and will not burden it with any more chemicals. If possible, use a natural shampoo that you can make yourself. For it you will need one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Optionally, add about six drops of an essential oil into your shampoo from time to time for added benefits. Make sure to shake the shampoo before use so the baking soda can dissolve in the water properly.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant which does wonders for the skin and the scalp. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that will prevent the irritation of the scalp and diminish the swelling. It will also help moisturize your scalp and help with the scratching. You will need about a tablespoon of aloe vera that you can massage gently onto your scalp and let sit for approximately half an hour. After that, wash it out with warm water and repeat daily for best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
By this time, we have learned that apple cider vinegar is a go-to remedy for various skin issues, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It will help diminish the rash and calm the irritation of your scalp. It is also very simple to use, just rub some apple cider vinegar on your scalp after a shower and let it sit for about 30-45 minutes. After that, wash off with warm water and repeat daily until all the symptoms are gone.
Honey
Honey is a natural cure that has antimicrobial properties and helps reduce the swelling, redness, and irritation on your scalp. You can make a fantastic honey and olive oil mask to fight the allergic reaction to hair dye, and it cannot get simpler than this. Mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil and stir to combine both ingredients well. Apply the mask to your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour. After that, wash off with warm water and repeat every day for best results.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known home remedy for a myriad of skin issues, and it also does wonders against the symptoms, or more appropriately, the aftermath, of hair dye allergies. Coconut oil will help your scalp go back to its glorious self and moisturize it. It is also good for eliminating the scratching, thus preventing scabs. Just get about a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub it gently into your scalp. Do this until all of your symptoms are gone.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is an excellent skin moisturizer that can help with the flaky scalp. Easily found in any drugstore or supermarket, petroleum jelly is an inexpensive and efficient way to soothe your irritated skin, and prevent dandruff from forming. Just apply some petroleum jelly on your scalp when your hair is dry and let it do its magic. You can do this every day until you see improvement.
Lemon and Yogurt
You can make a nice mask with lemon juice and yogurt to soothe the irritation on your scalp. Lemon has anesthetic properties that help with the itching, and yogurt contains lactic acid that speeds up the healing process, giving your scalp much needed tlc. Simply mix two tablespoons of yogurt with about a teaspoon of lemon juice, combine the ingredients and apply to your scalp. After about 20 minutes, rinse it off with cool water and mild shampoo, and repeat three times a week for best results.
Basil
Using a juice from fresh basil leaves can help your scalp get back to its former glory in no time! Basil will help with the itching and will soothe the irritation caused by the allergic reaction. Added tip: get some of those fresh basil leaves and put them in your salad as well to get all the wonderful flavor and health benefits of this herb.
Mint
Still on the herb front! Mint is not only delicious, but also great for soothing the irritated skin. It will provide a relief from the itching and stinging sensation, and offer a cooling effect to your irritated scalp. Simply boil about a handful of mint leaves for ten minutes. Let this mint tea cool and then soak a cotton ball into it and rub on your scalp. Additionally, you can freeze this mint tea and use the minty ice cubes for additional cooling effect.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is amazing and healthy and it can do wonders for your skin. Using it is as simple as drizzling it over a fresh salad, just rub a little bit of olive oil over the irritated areas of your scalp two or three times a day until you start seeing improvement!
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