Hair dye could lead to allergy epidemic

EXPERTS and allergy charities have warned that overuse of hair dye could lead to an epidemic of serious allergic reactions which can, in extreme cases, lead to death.

The chemical para-phenylenediamine, known as PPD, is found in two-thirds of all hair dyes, including most permanent colours. But the products can cause allergic contact dermatitis and even more severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.

A spokeswoman for Allergy UK said: “People think if they’ve been using hair dye for some time without a problem, that will always be the case. But you can become sensitised at any point. We always advise people to do a skin patch test at least 48 hours before using any product as it can take that long to cause a reaction.”

Earlier this year, one woman, Julie McCabe, was left brain damaged after suffering a severe reaction while dying her hair.