Has anyone had a bad reaction to hair dye?

[Gemini]

This morning I went to the GP, to talk about my reaction to the antibiotics I had for a recent bout of cystitis. I could tell she really wasn't convinced that that was what I had had. Not that I take a lot of notice of what GPs think, I know they are often wrong!

However, it did set me thinking, to something I also thought at the time. That day, Good Friday, when I was suddenly very poorly all day and night was the same day I coloured my hair in the morning. I haven't used permanent hair dye before, only semi permanent, or henna (years ago) Most reactions are the ones you would expect, localised rashes etc. But I have read about some people being ill, as I was. I began to feel ill while my hair was still wet. Shivering, cold, headaches just really unwell and really rapid breathing all night.
So, I don't know which it was, drug or dye!. It wasn't a virus (as the Dr suggested) as it came on so fast and went quickly.

I just wondered if anyone else had any experiences like this?
I daren't use that same hair dye, just in case, so I need to do my research before it needs doing again

[Plantaholic]

Does seem like a reaction to the dye Gemini

[Shemadee]

I've never had a problem but I know it is quite common and can be very serious - best not to use it again as the reaction might well be worse than the first one. Probably need to do the skin test they always advise before you use any colour again to be on the safe side.

Just looked at this site and it is quite informative https://www.allergyuk.org/skin-aller...ns-to-hair-dye

[Mimi]

Gemini did you do a test before you used the hair dye, you have to put a small amount of the hair dye mixture on the inside of your elbow and leave it there for 48 hours. If there is even the slightest reaction its advised not to carry on using it.
If it was the dye that made you unwell and you use it again there is a chance your reaction to the dye could be a lot worse and the symptoms could come on far faster than before.
I have seen first hand a severe allergic reaction . It was my DD when she was 6 she ate one nut and with in a few mins she had to be rushed to hospital. Luckily she was ok thank God , she now carries an epiepen around with her just in case .
Gemini don't risk using the dye again it's not worth it

[Glammanana]

You could be so right sweetie,I use Nice & easy and have used it for years with never a reaction but quite a few years ago I couldn't get what I wanted whilst abroad and used a different one and my eyes swelled and head ached for 3/4 days
I have seen nightmare pic's in media about reactions to hair dyes all very scary so stay well clear for a while. It sounds like you will need a vegetable dye in future they do tend to be deemed safest but make sure you do a skin test first even on that.

[Elisi]

There are many reports of bad reactions to hair dye Gem. I use Holland and Barrett hair dye which is very pure and lasts and is good value and does not contain chemicals which can cause a reaction. Having said that, actually I have not done anything abut my hair for ages as I love the grey coming thorugh, it is white and looks quite special with my dark hair.

[Nanto2girls]

I have never had a reaction to hair dyes, but I know it does happen.Seen some awful pictures in magazines when this has happened.

Also read, that anyone pregnant shouldn't use hair dye's.

[Daisy]

Gemini, if it is the hair dye, would doing a skin test show a reaction? I'm assuming the skin test would show a reaction on the skin, so using a bit on your arm would prove that one way of the other, but your reaction sounds different and a spot test might not be enough to give an accurate picture. Why not treat yourself to a salon colour for once, explaining the problem and see what they recommend?

[Glammanana]

I've just remembered something I was told when living abroad that depending where the dye is manufactured the make up of the mixture could be stronger ie: in Spain the hair type is totally different to ours much thicker hair type and the dye is stronger,I did use one once and knew as soon as I had applied it and had to wash off straight away it still left itching on the back of my head for a while I was frightened to death in case my hair broke off,so always read the package Holland & Barrett as mentioned would be the best choice.

[Skye]

Gemini When I colour my hair myself I'm fine but when I occasionally go to the hairdresser, I get a reaction. It happened last year but like you wasn't sure it was the tint, this time I did a test and was fine, but when it came to the actual colouring, I started to feel odd, headache and fluey. This time I put it down to the excitement of going away but I really do think it was the tint. Perhaps because they use stronger stuff and they leave it on longer, so will have to just carry on colouring myself with semi permanent products.

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone, very useful input.

. Skye like me you are dark. I read that darker dyes affect us worse as they have more pigment. I should have done a patch test, I realise that, and in that way it is my own silly fault! Not sure Daisy if it would show up on a patch test?
Interesting about the Holland and Barratt dyes, Glamma.
Like Skye I want to use semi again now, but from what I read you can't over permanent. Oh dear!!!

[Skye]

Gemini unfortunately it didn't show up when I did the test, will look into the Holland and Barretts tints too, and can't see why you cannot use semi over permanent. Alternatively we'll have to go grey as I read it's all the rage now...

[Gemini]

I bought the Holland and Barratt one, permanent with no this , that and the other. I have left using it as long as I can, so it will last over my holidays. Too much grey around the edges to leave it much longer, so I will do it this weekend!

[Gemini]

I did it! Last week. I was rather afraid of bad reaction, but I was fine. I shall stick with this one, once I need to recolour.

[Gemini]

Just an update.
I have been using the Naturtint colour throughout the summer and autumn. I am very happy with it, and no bad reactions.
Even better, I found out that at the Holland and Barratt store at our nearby designer outlet, it is on permanent buy one get one half price offer!