Solicitors are not usually known for their altruism, and those who specialise in personal injury have developed a peculiarly unsavoury reputation for themselves. So it was with some scepticism that I read a recent press release about Greg Almond of Almonds (personal injury) Solicitors in Manchester who has started a campaign to ban PPD (para-phenylenediamine), a chemical component of many hair dyes (both used in salons and for home use) that can cause serious allergic reactions.
Greg Almond has already won one claim against a major hair dye retailer who sold a kit which contained PPDs and is representing another woman who has suffered hair loss and permanent damage to her hair follicles following the use of another home hair dying product. However, his ‘campaign’ has really been got off the ground by the recent tragic death of 17-year-old Tabatha McCourt who is thought may have had a violent allergic reaction to the PPD in the hair dye that she was using.
PPD was named allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society while the safety of all hair dyes remain under scrutiny by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Cosmetics and Non-Food Products. See an article in Cosmetics and Toileteries for more elucidation. Greg Almond is urging the government, via his local MP, to follow the lead of those European countries (Germany, France and Sweden) who have banned PPD and has submitted a FOI request asking for data on what investigations, testing and or research have been conducted into the chemical.
If you want to know more about PPD, what allergic reactions it can cause and how to treat them the New Zealand Dermatological Society have a helpful page on their website. You could also check Professor John McFadden’s article on hair dye in the February 2007 BMJ.
Another take on the problem…..
Does this GregnAlmonds have a site advertising his campaign? My mother just suffered a severe allergic reation to having her hair coloured. She experianced many side effects just to list a few, severe redness, itching blistering and oozing of the scalp. she ended up going to emergency for treatment and had trouble even laying her head down at nite to sleep for weeks. By the time they got her to a specialist he said she has such a severe allergy to the ppd he could not do any further testing of it on her as it would burn a hole right through her skin. This causes many issues as she is a hairdresser and the product they use all contain ppd. Any info on this campaign would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Natasha – Your poor mum – that sounds horrendous. I don’t think Greg Almond has a campaign website but why don’t you contact him through his office website http://www.almondpersonalinjurysolicitors.co.uk Good luck and I do hope that your mum’s sensitivity gradually reduces.
I have just been reading about another, probably fatal, reaction to PPD – see the MailOnLine’s article about Julie McCabe who collapsed after using a L’Oreal ‘Preference’ hair dye which contained PPD and who has been in a coma since. See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2063862/Julie-McCabe-coma-using-LOreal-Preference-hair-dye.html
I used a hairdye back in November 2011 and had a.severe allergic reaction much like your poor mum Natasha, 3 months later and Im still being poisoned by it, Im back to an oozy scalp, going mad with itch and getting no sleep. Im from Belfast but found Greg through his campaign and he is now representing me in a.case against the makers of the dye, You should definitely get in touch with him. The more people who speak out and back the campaign the more likely it is that something will be done before more lives are ruined or ended by PPD.
I was told on a kit’s instructions to put a tiny dab behind my ear…
I ended up in Hull infirmary with an ear three times it’s normal size
and was told by the Doctor that if I’d used it on my head, I’d have ended
up in Intensive Care!
This dangerous chemical must be banned NOW!
And what I want to know… Is there really a NEED for it???
Can anyone please confirm if diesel contains PPD?
My son aged 17yo at the time suffered a diesel spill over his head, forearms and face. He immediately developed red swollen areas on his arms and face, then a few days to a week later, his hair began to fall out in patches where the diesel had been in contact, which was pretty severe. He has now gone on to develop alopecia totalis. We believe the diesel, without doubt was the trigger. His face, arms and eyelids had crusty, weeping sores which have now calmed down with the help of steroid creams but his hair has not returned. He turns 19 next week and wont go out to socialise and refuses to be seen without a hat – even in the house! We need help!
Hi Sandra –
I have just been looking at PPD and deisel on line and it appears that it diesel, along with black rubber, oils, greases, photocopying and printing inks, temporary tattoos and some cosmetics, does contain PPD. If you look at the DermNetNZ site it gives you some information about it.
What an awful situation for your son. I do hope that it does not turn out to be irreversible….. Although so many boys now choose to shave their heads that maybe, in time, he will come to feel less self conscious about having the equivalent of a shaved head. I do hope so.
Best – Michelle
L’OREAL–IS IT WORTH IT ?
Unfortunately Julie McCabe died on thursday–so how many more must die or be badly injured or disfigured by these hair dyes before they ban this chemical.
I feel sorry for all the people out there who are having trouble with products containing phenylenediamine.
I know what it’s like to be poisoned by chemicals that are put in products that we use; yet we are not warned about the danger… the problem is that companies are making a huge fortune and your safety is running bottom of their list of priorities. My problems began when I was implanted with a Silicon Implant after having breast cancer. No-one told me that it was to affect me for the rest of my life! Now I find that I cannot have my hair coloured because I have a severe reaction to PPD. But when I told my hairdresser they didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. No-one is ever warned about the dangers of such colorants – How long are we women going to put up with this cavalier attitude? Until companies stop putting greed before the welfare of people
I’m afraid a lot of women will be permanenly damaged.
Absolutely agree, Joanne.
I applaud Greg Almond for running this campaign – as a solicitor myself, I have seen what PPD can do to people. It is shocking that so few people are aware of the dangers, and even more shocking that these companies are allowed to use it in the first place!
I have had a serious allergic reaction to a Loreal hair dye administered by a hair dresser in Johannesburg. I am still suffering with hair loss and severe itchiness of the scalp and the flare up of blisters. There has to be an international banning of permanent hair dyes and such products should not be sold over the counter. My hair loss has caused me major stress and this has now lasted since February 2012. I have been to four different doctors who all agree that I am allergic to the ppd-paraphenylenediamine in the hair dye that was administered to my hair by this hair dresser. I have spent a huge amount of money in an attempt to grow back my hair and to heal the allergy. Apparently I will now have this allergy for life!! The flare up will continue – the itchiness is sometimes so bad that I just do not know what to do with myself.
I have been colouring my hair since I was 16 (I am 22 now) and it is only in the past 2 or so years or so I have had an allergic reaction to it.. It just started out with simple itchy scalp but has become so bad that my head swells up, along with my neck to the point where I can’t turn my head, I get sores all over with an insane itch.. The last time I dyed my hair, I rinsed it off in the shower and not with the handshower as I normally do.. This caused the dye that ran down my back and the back of my legs to break out just like I do on my head.. I cannot explain the feeling.. I have tried every sort of dye (permanent, semipermanent, wash out, professional products, different brands) and I’m so bleak because it all end up the same way… Is there any hope for me and people like me???
Dear Angelica –
I am so sorry to hear about your bad experiences. I am afraid that once you are sensitised to PPD (assuming that it is the PPD that you are reacting to) there is very little chance that you will become more tolerant of it, or certainly not any time soon. If anything it is likely to get worse rather than better so I would be very careful about what else you experiment with right now. You don’t want the reactions to get worse or to sensitise yourself to other chemicals as well.
However, absolutely do not despair! There are so many people now reacting to PPD, and having really bad reactions, that the industry is, at last, starting to take notice so hopefully, a lot more effort will be put in to finding an equally effective but less dangerous way of permanently tinting hair. Meanwhile, Alex, who runs our skincare site, Skinsmatter.com, is going to do a round up of alternatives which may not be quite as effective as PPD but which do not cause reactions – hopefully in the next few weeks. If you want to keep track you could either sign up to the free e-newsletter or to his blog.
I also have this allergy to9 PPD. I have the same problem as Angelica and understand how she feels. I also did not go out of my house for a very long as I had all over my face. I looked like a monster. However, my dermatologist gave a list of products safe to use. There really are a lot of them. Good luck to all with this PPD alergy.
Had a severe reactions to my hair dye. I used the same hair dye for years. Then two days later my forehead started swelling and my eyes were closing. The next day my face was swollen and my scalp was oozing. Went to the emergency room. Four months later finally back to normal. Had to get blood work done twice; prescriptions for my scalp and blister marks all over my body. I could go on and on . Found out I had an allergic reaction to phenylenediamine from my dermatologist. Wondering how these companies get away with this????
I am another victim of this crime that continues to plague. I’ve been “natural” all of my life. Always shying away from chemicals. I used a 100% henna product. As they advertised. No content listed just 2 plants listed. So, the deadly PPD was not listed. I’m suffering needlessly. I need help and suggestions. Just happened a week ago. I’m ready to help ban ppd
My heart truly feels for everyone who has had a negative experience with PPD in products. Be careful of coloring your hair with Redkens Color Gels which contain the chemical PPD. I have never used a permanent dye. When coloring my hair, I have had great success with Redkens EQ Shades, no PPD (demi-color, non-permanent). I allowed a stylist to talk me into using the Redkens Color Gels is a permanent dye. The results are beautiful, BUT what a nightmare! I thought for sure my hair scalp was going to explode from the burning and, I was terrified that my hair was going to fall out. Not only was my scalp on fire, but the pain moved onto my face and upper body. I did not blame the stylist (hopefully, she wasn’t aware of possible side effects). I am thankful that things have gotten better. It is important to spread the word of your experience(s) to help create awareness of how dangerous products containing PPD can be. Always test a hair dye before using it. Anywhere near the face or ears may not be a wise choice to test the product, your wrist may be a safer place.
I just had the worst, and most terrifying reaction to Clairol Nice ‘n’ Easy 6r/110 light natural auburn color. I have used the brand before, and did not have an issue. This time was different. I woke the next morning with a severely itchy scalp. I scratched it fast all over, thinking it was just a dry scalp due to the time of year. After an hour, my scalp developed crystal like blisters and my scalp was oozing with puss! I was also feeling very hot all over! My heart was pounding. I didn’t know what to do, and I was on my way into the city for a show. I got into Manhattan and ran out of the car to get to Duane Read. I was having a panic attack with all the symptoms, I thought I was burning up, and going to pass out. Could i have been going into shock?! I got Benadryl and Hydrocortisone. I couldn’t wait to get to a bathroom where I could rinse my scalp with soap and water. When I finally got home, I lotion on my scalp, I never even knew i could do this! Day 2: Woke up with puss stains on my pillow case, swollen face and eye. I then began having pulsing sensations on my temples and pain in my ears. I was even slurring my words and could not think clearly. I am not working, so I don’t have healthcare right now, so I was nervous to go into the ER and i couldn’t drive because I was so disoriented. THIS CHEMICAL MUST BE BANNED!!!!!
Oh dear, Karen – how awful for you. I do hope that your symptoms have now calmed down somewhat. The scariest thing about these reactions is that they can come on so unexepectedly – even when you have used the product before…. YOu might want to read my article here and Alex’s article here on alternatives. Good luck and I do hope your scalp feels better very soon. Michelle
i HAD A SEVERE REACTION TO BLACK SEMI PERMANANT HAIR DYE. MY FACE SWELLED UP LIKE A PIG I RUSHED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN PALM SPRINGS CA USA, I LOST ALOT OF MY HAIR AND HAD PANIC ATTACK BORDERLINR PSYCHOSIS FOR 2 WEEKS. BENEDRYL AND PREDNISONE STEROID. iT WAS A NIGHTMARE BUT IN THIS REAL WORLD. THE GREED OF THE HAIR AND BLACK HUE MAKE UP IS DEADLY,THE FDA IN USA SHOULD ALSO BAN PPD. IT IS A PROGRESSIVE ALLERGY IAM NOW ON A NO COLOR NO MAKE UP AS THERE IS ALWAYS A REACTION, SWOLLEN EYELIDS AND I AM NOW ONLY EATING FOODS THAT DONY CONTAIN PRESEVITIVES.
Hi.I am 54 and have been dying my hair for about 40 years without any problems.I have used well known brands in the past,including Clairol Nice n Easy .In March this year,I bought Clairol Nice n Easy in Black,after doing all the skin tests (as I have always done) I waited over 48 hrs before I continued to dye my hair( I did not have any symptoms). Approx two and half weeks later,I developed a small very itchy rash on the side of my neck and first didn’t think much about it,then the itch spread across the back of my neck and tops of my ears.Another couple of days later,my neck and ears were weeping and large open sores appeared,(It looked and felt like I had poured a kettle of boiling water over myself. .(After numerous doctors appointments and A&E visits,I was put on Steroid tablets,given creams to ease the pain to which none of them really helped me.Then I was given an appointment to see a Dermatologist who gave me more steroid tablets and some Fucibet cream,which helped a lot.We are now in the middle of June and I am still suffering,After yet another hospital appointment,the dermatologist has done a patch test for ppd allergy,which has proved positive.This ppd should be banned.It seems i have got away lightly,after reading some other comments about ppd and people’s suffering,but my suffering was severe and very painful, I am still suffering nearly 4 months later ,and yet another hospital appointment in 2 days time.So I think it’s time for me to grow old gracefully and let the grey hairs show !! PPD IN HAIRDYES NEEDS TO BE BANNED!
The sad thing is that most people who say they are allergic to PPD have never actually been to a doctor. They think they are allergic to hair color and someone tells them PPD. If you are a stylist and have clients with reactions to color, no matter what, you should take the time to do a patch test on them and have them wait 7 days to see if their is a delayed reaction. Remember that just because the client says they are allergic to PPD, doesn’t mean they went to a Doctor. Make sure you ask them if they have seen a physician and always do a patch test. You can also try colors made with PPD alternatives. This link talks about an alternative being used in a lot of PPD free colors. http://masteyhaircolor.com/no-ppd/
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/107597
Hi, I am glad to have come across this site and read all the comments posted. Recently I dyed my hair something I don’t do that often. After applying it I felt a burning sensation on my scalp which should have alerted me to rinse it out then. Unfortunately it was too late, within 24hrs I started developing little blisters on my neck that were itchy, it then became widespread across my neck, back, shoulders, face, eyelids, cheeks, mouth, hands, forearms, and even my palms, but the blister like rash was more underneath the skin on my palms not prominent like all the others on my body. I went to the Doctors knowing that I had reacted to a chemical with a severe allergic reaction but didn’t know which chemical substance. He gave me Mometasone Furoate cream for treatment. It works but you have to keep applying the cream and refrain from scratching which it doesn’t do, My scalp is oozing clear like fluids from under the skin, similar to the top of my ear lobes and behind it where the dye had contact. Yesterday was the worst day with blisters all up my hands and forearms not to mention on my face and forehead and mouth. The only place it didn’t get was my nose. It seemed as if it was peaking at its height breaking out all over my body. There was nothing I could do but kept applying the cream and rinsing my hair trying to keep my scalp clean because it started developing a crust like layer. Most unpleasant and I truly sympathize with everyone who has experienced similar situations. I don’t feel any pain as such, just a whole lot of discomfort and unfortunately some of the rashes on my neck will end up being scars due to the severity of the rash. Nearly 50% of my body covered… Even now there are new blisters developing and trying to treat with cream feels like a losing battle it makes me want to scratch the living daylights out of my skin… .Its a deadly and unsafe chemical that needs to be removed from all consumer products where skin contact is unavoidable..
Oh poor you! I am glad you are not in pain but it does, none the less, sound horrendous. You might want to look at a few other articles on our Skinsmatter site here which deal with PPD. I do hope you recover quickly.
This allergy can be fatal,I know– it happened to me also, there are very few products that are safe and cover Gray, be very careful many that say they are safe but they are NOT
I dyes my hair with Herbatint permanent red. A few weeks after noticed hair getting very thin. Have lost half of it. Scalp now burning. worried sick it wont come back. I thought this product had no chemicals but it doe in very small amount, Will my hair grow back. Always had fine hair so dont even wont to go out of the house
Oh dear, Vera, I am so sorry…. I am afraid that it is impossible to get a permanent dye which is totally natural. I do hope that your hair grows back OK soon.
How strange this all is. I am 34 and have been dying my Hair, Eyebrows and Eyelashes using Black and Blue Black hair dyes since I was 16- every single month. I have never went to Hairdressers to do it- too expensive , I have always did everything myself alone at home.
I have never had any problems , reactions and I have tried 90% of hair dye brands out there.
I really thing that it all depends are you allergic or not.
PS I have hazel brown hair and that is the reason I dye both of my Eyebrows and Eyelashes black. -Yes I do keep same dye on closed eyes , coating all eyelashes 1ce a week for 10-15 min.
I have had several allergies to hair dyes’ each time getting more severe. Not associating the two (stupid when I think about it) I had my lashes and brows tinted before a holiday and my eyes blew up, weeping I was in a right state on the plane and totally ruined the holiday.
I tried Holland and Barret natural permant dye, horrible reaction to patch test. I found Naturtint which was PPD free and again even worse reaction (so now that means I’m allergic to other chemicals in there as well as PPD)
The only thing so far is Holland and Barret non permanent which I’m ok with.
The companies don’t seem to take this seriously enough, just a “do a patch test” type attitude to cover them selves.
Sent to er. By ambulance. After loreal hair dye welts hives throat closing. 4 weeks ago still have headaches. Itcing head and ears puffy eyes and face getting better.but still scary. Will try not eating much lose weight drink lots of water. Never use dye agai
I’ve dyed my hair dark reddish brown with L’Oreal for many, many years ( I’m 46) with no trouble & then had an awful reaction 5 weeks ago…it grew worse over the course of the 1st week, starting with hives & burning scalp and itching face & becoming severe throat irritation, facial swelling, tongue swelling, I could not swallow & so I thought I was going to die. I ended up in A&E on intravenous drugs, feeling very miserable. I’ve not yet met one doctor ( I’m in the UK) who has heard of this allergy & I am having to educate them about it, which is very concerning. After I came home from hopsital things got even worse with vomitting, kidney pains & blood in my urine as well as the continuation of the above topical allergic symptoms. I’ve seen a dr again today as I have now had blood in my urine for nearly 2 weeks with agony in my kidneys & fear I have developed chronic kidney disease from prolonged over exposure to PPD – a systemic reaction which feels like whole body toxicity or poisoning. I have NEVER felt so ill in all my life. I’ve spoken to L’Oreal who’ve offered to pay for me to see a private doctor – an admission of guilt no doubt? I’ve had all my hair cut of into a really short pixie cut, that seemed to help, although maybe just mentally. I am thinking of speaking to a lawyer, my reaction has been painful, upsetting, frightening ( for me & my children) & may have life long consequences. PPD needs to be BANNED! My heart goes out to anyone who experiences this hideous allergy, it really does seem to defy the ‘average’ allergic reaction & baffles the medical profession, leaving us unheard & suffering alone. xxx
I am so sorry, Kate – that sounds truly horrendous. I can only hope that the reaction will gradually subside – you certainly do sounds as though you have had a systemic toxic reaction. I wonder if some sort of chelation therapy might help to clear your system. I would certainly consult a lawyer as it sounds as though L’Oreal might be liable for a lot more than just a visit to a private doctor….
I am also rather horrified to hear that no doctor that you aves so far consulted has ever heard of PPD reactions. We wish you the very best and hope that you do make a full recovery. Michelle
I have used hair dyes for over 20 years and recently was diagnosed with liver problems. I decided to find a better solution to color my hair, thinking the dye might have caused the liver problems. I turned to henna. In everything I had read online, this was considered the safest method for hair coloring. I sent away for the product and after using the henna I immediately started severely itching all over my scalp and tiny tender bumps appeared. It would also burn if I was in the sun, and burn and itch if my scalp sweated from my being overheated. Do not let anyone tell you henna is a safe alternative , it isn’t. It’s been a month, and although the itching has lessened it is still there.
Thank you for doing this blog. It is very helpful. I also have just recently had reactions to hair dye, presumably from ppd. That is what the dermatologist said is the likely culprit. Welts on my scalp, oozing from the skin on my ears, severe itching. How can this substance be banned??? Instinctively, I know I must never use this again. Will cautiously try some plant-based ones from the health food store.
Good luck Elizabeth – I hope that you recover from your reactions soon.