allergic to hair dyes - what now? - Beauty & Cosmetics Message Board

PINKLADY100 · 03-25-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi,

I have very dark brown hair and have been going grey since I was 20 yrs old and have consistently used permanent home hair dyes to cover it. I am now 28yrs old and over the last year I have started getting an allergic reaction from them i.e. red face, itchy scalp and skin all over my body. I can't use semi permanent as they don't cover my grey and don't know what to do if I don't use these permanent home hair dyes. I am still using them frequently as my roots come through after a week and cannot contemplate having grey hair at this age. My life would not be worth living. I am too scared to discuss with anyone as embarassed about having so much grey hair so young. My boyfriend and friends don't even know that I dye my hair so they would have a shock if I didn't dye it and they saw how much grey I had. I would never be able to go out again. Someone please give my some advice on what I can do?. Any idea which home kits are better than others?.

Thanks

peppurr · 03-27-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PINKLADY100

Hi,

I have very dark brown hair and have been going grey since I was 20 yrs old and have consistently used permanent home hair dyes to cover it. I am now 28yrs old and over the last year I have started getting an allergic reaction from them i.e. red face, itchy scalp and skin all over my body. I can't use semi permanent as they don't cover my grey and don't know what to do if I don't use these permanent home hair dyes. I am still using them frequently as my roots come through after a week and cannot contemplate having grey hair at this age. My life would not be worth living. I am too scared to discuss with anyone as embarassed about having so much grey hair so young. My boyfriend and friends don't even know that I dye my hair so they would have a shock if I didn't dye it and they saw how much grey I had. I would never be able to go out again. Someone please give my some advice on what I can do?. Any idea which home kits are better than others?.

Thanks

I was grey at 18 so I can empathize with you!
I used to do mine at home but not any more. I was highly allergic to L'Oreal. There are some very gentle products that the Salons use now. I would suggest going to one and discussing your options.
Also, have you considered streaking your hair - just adding highlights? It probably wouldn't be so hard on your scalp.

If you were 60 and pretending to be 28 then I could see why you wouldn't want your boyfriend and friends to know that you dye your hair. But you're only 28 and you have most likely inherited this premature graying. Why not tell everyone the truth?

nailchick2000 · 03-27-2008, 10:14 PM

I work at a salon, and I would suggest henna. It's an all natural dye with no chemicals and it doesn't fade. It comes in black, brown and red shades and adds a lot of shine plus it's inexpensive. Try some on your inner wrist a couple of days before you do your hair with it to make sure that you are not allergic. I've seen it in drug and department stores, maybe even Sally's beauty supply. Good luck!

ladylynn90 · 03-30-2008, 03:21 AM

Nail Chick suggested exactly what I wanted to suggest: Henna! It really dyes your hair in a natural way and it is very healthy for your hair (unlike regular dyes). So don't worry...there is a solution!