Is it normal to get a Headache after dying your hair?

Author: Anabel Mills  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

Not every person has the same reaction to a chemical. Some people experience health effects when they work with a product, others never do. Health problems that may be caused by chemicals in hair color include: Central nervous system effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness.

Why do I get headaches after dyeing my hair?

It's not uncommon to experience headaches after hair dyeing, possibly due to chemical fumes, scalp sensitivity, or tension from prolonged sitting. Ensuring proper ventilation, using hair dye in a well-ventilated area, and taking breaks during the process may help reduce discomfort.

What are the side effects of dyeing your hair?

  • Chemical Damage: Frequent dyeing can lead to hair damage due to the harsh chemicals in hair dye, particularly if the dye contains ammonia or peroxide.
  • Cuticle Damage: The outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) can become compromised, leading to frizz and a lack of shine.

Why do I have a headache after I get my hair done?

This happens because hairstyles can trigger sensitive nerve endings on the scalp, said Dr. Annie Shea, a neurologist at University of Michigan Health.

How long do hair dye allergy symptoms last?

If you have developed an allergic reaction to hair dye, it can be very uncomfortable. Most people develop a red, itchy rash. This can sometimes cause swelling or blisters and be painful. It varies from person to person, but reactions typically last anywhere from a few days to as long as eight weeks.

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

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 to get rid of hair headaches?

A good night's sleep beforehand will also help reduce the sensitivity of your scalp. If you're in pain, Cooper says, it's easiest to just let your hair down or at least give your scalp a break. "If you can take your ponytail out at some point, even for a few minutes, that can help," he says.

Why do I feel sick after getting my hair done?

Allergic reaction

If you're allergic to PPD, your scalp and face may feel itchy and start to swell. PPD may also trigger symptoms throughout your body, such as itching, a nettle rash and generally feeling ill. These symptoms may not develop until hours, or even days, later.

Can hair chemicals cause headaches?

Health problems that may be caused by chemicals in shampoos and conditioners include: Central nervous system effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness. Lung irritation: Breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, coughing, swelling of lung tissue.

How long do hair dye chemicals stay in your system after?

The scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of the body—it's like a sponge that sops up whatever you put on it. As hair dye sits on your scalp, chemicals are absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream. Some of these chemical toxins are peed out, but some remain in the body for months, maybe longer.

What are the ill effects of hair dye?

Chemical hair dyes can cause scalp irritation, redness, itching, and even severe allergic reactions in some people. Ingredients like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common component in permanent dyes, can trigger contact dermatitis.

Who should not use hair dye?

Some of the ingredients in hair dyes can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Hair dyes can cause hair loss in some people. Some doctors advise women to avoid having their hair dyed during pregnancy (or at least until after the first trimester).

Can dyes cause headaches?

It is not known why food colorings would trigger headaches or migraines. Many people who get migraines report having a sensitivity or intolerance to foods that have red or yellow dyes in them. Other symptoms of food intolerance include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping.

What is the reason for headache after hair wash?

Connection between Hair Washing and Headaches:

Allergies can also trigger these headache symptoms when certain products are used on the hair or scalp. Chlorine exposure from swimming pools can affect the delicate surface of the skin and cause irritation and headaches.

Does hair dye affect your head?

Frequent scalp exposure to the chemicals used in hair dyes can bring its own problems. These chemicals can remove the protective lipids/oils from your scalp, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to damage from the environment, styling products and other irritants. You may see these symptoms: Stinging.

Why do I have a headache after getting my hair done?

The stylist must pull the hair tight to apply coloring to the root when applying an all-over color. This puts stress on the scalp. Using foils also requires pulling tightly on the hair dozens of times. Plus, the added weight of the foils themselves puts physical stress on the scalp.

Can hair dye make you dizzy?

Health problems that may be caused by chemicals in hair color include: Central nervous system effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness. Allergies: Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, asthma, dermatitis.

Which hair dye does not contain PPD?

DONGSUNG Herb Speedy Color Cream (Soft Black, 1 Pack), PPD-Free Ammonia-Free Vegan Hair Dye with Sun Protection, Odorless, Gentle for Sensitive Scalp, No Eye or Scalp Irritation.

Why does my hair give me migraines?

Now for a short, science-y bit: Scalp tenderness links to the extremely sensitive nerves that run from the back of the neck to the forehead. A tight style, like a ponytail, triggers a sensation of tightness in too many of these nerves, and you can get a horrible, grinding headache.

When to worry about a headache?

Are more severe than usual. Worsen or don't improve with appropriate use of over-the-counter drugs. Keep you from working, sleeping or participating in normal activities. Cause you distress, and you would like to find treatment options that enable you to control them better.

What is the most damaging hair color?

Comparing Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes. Permanent hair color has the greatest potential for hair damage due to the chemistry involved and should be done most cautiously.

What is the most attractive hair color?

  • The contest for the most attractive hair colour is obviously won by the blonde color with 35% of the overall vote, followed by the brunette. ...
  • According to the survey, the majority of men (42%) found blonde hair to be the most attractive.

What box dye is healthiest for your hair?

What Is the Best Natural Hair Dye?
  • Hally Color Cloud*
  • IROIRO Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color*
  • ARCTIC FOX's Vegan Semi-Permanent Dyes*
  • MANIC PANIC SuperNatural Hair Dyes*
  • Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask*
  • Lime Crime Unicorn Semi-Permanent Hair*
  • Khadi Natural Hair Color*
  • Surya Brasil Henné Color*

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