I have recently been ill for three months from half a head highlights not even touching the scalp. Symptoms included swelling, burning eyes, severe fatigue, dizziness and feeling faint, and a fast heart beat and more. A nightmare!

I have actually met a hairdresser who campaigns against chemicals in dyes, and has told me about an organic bleach with no ppd, by naturtint. Does bleach leave residue on the hair when it is washed off? I would have ppd free bleach hightlights with a cap, but not if something is left in the hair so if I ever get allergic I will be unable to get it out!

Also, has anyone used ppd free non permanents, such as naturtint reflex. I was thinking of just using it while the highlights grow out but am not sure if there is a risk in this/developing another allergy and wondering if its worth it! The hairdresser knows of ppd allergic people who use it??? But at the same time, I have also become allergic to deoderant and other chemicals.

Thanks.

Hello!

First of all, have you been tested for possible allergies to hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and Potassium persulphate? All of these are usually found in bleach and as far as I know chemically not related to PPD itself.
Have you been tested for PPD?

I'm allergic to PPD and I use "pure" bleach without any toner what so ever.
I don't use any cap but I avoid getting it on my scalp since bleach burns regardless of allergies.

Non permanent dyes (except for henna) almost always contain coal-tar or azodyes.
Some people (10% if I'm not mistaken) with PPD-allergies react to those aswell.
Don't know if it's risky (regarding possible future cross-reaction) or not to subject oneself to these dyes, but in my case I've decided not to take the chance.
Also I kind of like my new blonde look

/Hamuchi

Good PPD-allergyfacts:http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/paraphenylenediamine-allergy.html

Thanks for the reply. I am being tested on Friday to confirm - and will ask if I can use the colour rinse but I think it will be a no! I was really bad, to say not touching me, and felt faint in a short while with a patch test at hairdresser.

I think I will be fine with bleach - just after all this I can't do anything but wait for the colour to grow out and look a bit of a state - aargh!! At least I've got my health back though - will lots of new allergies including deodorant of course!

I can't believe what I've read about PPD since and can't believe they, one, put it in dye and, two, not all hairdressers test and explain the risk as I would have had no idea from highlights.

Roll on a year's time, then bleach highlights : )

Mar

Oops - that anon message was from me : )