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Hair dyes are used on a regular basis by people of both sexes and all ages, for various cosmetic purposes. These products contain a number of different chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction after contact with the skin. For this reason, it is essential that a person thinking of changing their hair colour knows whether they face this risk. Recent surveys in various countries have found that the majority of hair salons do not perform skin patch tests on new clients; the only foolproof way of determining pre-existing allergies. This is despite the fact that more and more people are suffering allergic reactions to chemicals contained in colouring products each year, and salons are failing and jeopardising the health of their customers in this regard.

Two thirds of hair colouring products contain the ingredient PPD (paraphenylenediamine), a strong sensitising allergen, that causes the majority of negative reactions. PPD often causes irritation and inflammation to skin on the scalp, ears, eyelids, face, neck and upper body, known as irritant contact dermatitis. Otherwise PPD may trigger a full-blown allergic reaction, with similar symptoms (allergic contact dermatitis), but also involving the risk of a systemic reaction spreading to other areas of the body. In such cases a person may experience respiratory difficulties, swelling, and in the most severe cases, Anaphylaxis (toxic shock) and cardiac arrest. The unpredictability of allergic reactions to hair dye emphasises the importance of patch tests being conducted on new customers at salons.

Even a mild allergic reaction to this chemical can cause the skin to burn and itch. Small red pimples often appear on the skin, which then dry out, leaving the skin rough, sore and flaky. Doctors usually prescribe antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to reduce the inflammation, though anti-inflammatory medication is also often required. Once a person is sensitised to PPD, a number of other chemicals in hair dye solutions may trigger allergic reactions (cross-reactivity), and the situation is complicated by the fact that a person may become sensitised to PPD through contact with other substances, unrelated to hair dye, such as lipstick, oil and grease, at any point during their life. Ideally therefore, those using hair dye on a regular basis should have a skin patch test every few months, to check whether they have developed a sensitivity.

In general legal terms, hairdressers, salons and stylists are expected to show reasonable care and skill when dealing with their customers, and this includes carrying out the necessary tests to check for the risk of an allergic reaction to ingredients in hair dye. When a person suffers an allergic reaction at the hairdresser, as a result of the negligence of the salon's management or staff, they may be entitled to claim compensation, which will reflect the extent of the physical and emotional damage done. It is worth seeking the advice of lawyers with expertise in suing hairdressers, and experience in negotiating compensation amounts with their insurers. 白髪染め