In UK, recently 38-year old Julie McCabe went into coma after suffering allergic reactions from the L’Oreal Preference hair dye she used. Doctors say she has a slim eight per cent chance of survival and will suffer brain damage even if she survives. They blame her condition on the chemical para-phenylenediamine or PPD, which is present in almost all brands of hair dyes including L’Oreal. Julie’s case is not an isolated one. In India, thousands of cases of allergic reactions to hair dyes are reported every year and there are even instances suicide.
PPD, if inhaled or consumed, can be disastrous to health. “There have been suicide attempts wherein people have consumed hair dyes. The death rate is always high,” says Dr Aftab Ahmad of Apollo Hospitals. PPD, though harmful, is not banned as it has a number of applications including development of colour films and oxidation of rubber. It is a preferred product in hair dyes as it ensures that the colour is long-lasting.
Experts say that the best way to identify whether a hair dye brand uses PPD is to the look-out for two bottles in the pack. If there are two bottles in a hair dye pack, it means one of them (the colourless solution) is PPD. The chemical can trigger asthma and eczema and damage kidneys and lungs. Those working in saloons are also at risk.
Recently, doctors at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology treated a middle-aged person, who had developed jaundice and liver problems after she used a hair dye. For some, the chemicals in hair dyes are absorbed into the blood stream through the skin. Those who have a history of allergy should opt for natural mehndi or henna, advise city doctors.
Says senior dermatologist Dr Radha Shah, “Certain dye users get allergic reactions like rashes, itching and oozing which sometimes spread on to the face, behind the ear and the entire body. One should instead use freshly prepared henna and avoid preserved henna available in the market as they may contain PPD.”
People with dandruff, eczema, abrasions and cuts on the scalp should avoid chemical dyes as the chances of absorption are higher. Doctors also advise usage of semi permanent hair dyes as PPD is mostly used in permanent hair dyes as it binds firmly to the hair. When contacted, a L’Oreal spokesperson said that safety of consumers was high priority. “All ingredients used in our hair colouring products have been subjected to an exhaustive evaluation procedure. We comply with Indian and international legislation in choosing our ingredients and use them in ways that are proven safe,” she said.
