Can hair dye cause scalp dermatitis?

Author: Mrs. Christiana Marquardt Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

It is a delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction that commonly affects the scalp and the vicinity of hair line and neck. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a synthetic aromatic amine is the most common allergen specifically implicated in hair dye contact dermatitis.

How do you treat hair dye induced dermatitis?

In acute severe cases of PPD hair dye dermatitis: Wash the hair and scalp thoroughly with a mild soap or soapless shampoo to remove the excess dye. Apply a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution or compresses of potassium permanganate in a 1:5000 dilution to completely oxidise the PPD.

How long does hair dye dermatitis last?

An allergic reaction to hair dye can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the reaction and how you treat it.

How do you get rid of scalp irritation from hair dye?

What to do if you have a reaction
  1. Relieving mild symptoms.
  2. Steroid cream. If your skin is very red, sore and inflamed, you may need to try a steroid cream (topical corticosteroid). ...
  3. Antihistamine medicines. Medicines called antihistamines can help reduce skin inflammation and itching.

Can I dye my hair if I have scalp dermatitis?

Don't Dye During a Scalp Psoriasis Flare-Up

“If you get dermatitis [skin inflammation] on top of psoriasis, you can get weeping [skin], crusting, and hair sticking together.” Make sure your scalp is in the best condition possible before you dye your hair.

Doctor explains HAIR DYE ALLERGIC REACTION | Causes, symptoms & treatment

What is the fastest way to get rid of scalp dermatitis?

The mainstay of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is frequent cleansing. Medicated soaps or shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, sulfur, salicylic acid or tar give additional benefit. These should be applied to the affected area and left on for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed off.

What triggers dermatitis on scalp?

Everyday items that can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp include the following: Shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays and other hair products. Hair dyes, perm solutions, hair extension glue. Swimming caps, hair nets – especially those containing rubber.

What heals an irritated scalp?

Treatment for dandruff and itching scalp
  • zinc pyrithione or zinc omadine.
  • selenium sulphide.
  • piroctone olamine – this is the most recent addition to the medicated shampoos. ...
  • antifungal agents.
  • tar – shampoos containing tar have been used for years, usually for more severe scalp conditions.

Why do I get scabs on my scalp after hair dye?

Contact dermatitis

It causes itching, inflammation, a rash, cracked skin, blisters, and scabs. “The most common culprits are the shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes (especially the ones with paraphenylenediamine–a.k.a. PPD), and styling products,” Dr. Thosani says.

Does scalp dermatitis ever go away?

Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. Or you may need to use medicated shampoo or other products long term to clear up symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis. When it occurs in infants, it's called cradle cap.

What hair dye brands should I avoid?

What hair dye brands should I avoid? Brands that frequently use harmful chemicals include Clairol Nice'N Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, Revlon Colorsilk, and L'Oreal Preference. These products often contain ingredients like ammonia and PPD, which are associated with health risks.

How do hairdressers get dermatitis?

Hair bleaches and dyes that contain ammonium and potassium persulphates or paraphenylenediamine are common triggers of allergic contact dermatitis and may also provoke respiratory problems such as asthma.

How to protect scalp from hair dye?

How To Avoid Damaging The Scalp While Dyeing Your Hair At Home
  1. Always do a patch test before application.
  2. Massage with oil to alleviate dryness.
  3. Use a scalp protector.
  4. Wash with a sulphate-free formula.
  5. Avoid heat styling for a while.

Does Benadryl help with hair dye allergy?

Does Benadryl help with hair dye allergy? Yes, Benadryl can help with a hair dye allergy by reducing symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness.

What helps dermatitis in hair?

First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole. Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.

What kills inflammation on the scalp?

Topical medications, such as medicated shampoos and creams, can also be effective in treating scalp inflammation and associated hair loss. These products contain active ingredients that help reduce inflammation and treat underlying conditions.

How to soothe an itchy scalp after hair dye?

To heal a burned scalp from hair dye, first rinse the scalp with cool water to soothe the irritation. Apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or a soothing aloe vera gel. Avoid using harsh shampoos or hair products until the scalp has fully healed.

Why do I have crusty scabs on my scalp?

Scabs on the scalp can emerge due to folliculitis, dermatitis, psoriasis or an allergic reaction to chemical products, like hair dye or or hair treatments. It is rare for scabs to form due to severe health conditions, like skin cancer.

Can hair dye cause an itchy scalp?

If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair. Often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes.

How can I cover my grey hair if I am allergic to hair dye?

Coffee. For those looking to go darker, cover greys, or add dimension. All you do is brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a bit of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Apply on clean hair and allow to sit for about an hour.

How I cured my scalp dermatitis?

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is typically quite mild elsewhere. Anti-yeast creams or ointments are usually effective and can be used safely in the long-term. Examples include clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin. They are sometimes combined with a mild steroid for a few weeks to settle inflammation.

What not to do with scalp dermatitis?

Learn (and avoid) what triggers your flare-ups.

Common triggers for seborrheic dermatitis include: Cold, dry weather. Taking hot showers and baths, especially during cold, dry weather. Hot water can dry your skin and your scalp.

What vitamin deficiency causes scalp dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes erythema and flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily sebaceous gland rich areas, such as the scalp and nasolabial fold. Seborrheic dermatitis can be a symptom of vitamin B6, biotin and zinc deficiency.

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