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OT: Allergic to Hair Dye?
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Hi ladies! I am 39 and my roots are completely gray. I’ve been using semi permanent hair dye for a few years now with no issues but I have too much gray now and the coverage doesn’t last very long-just a couple of weeks.
I was very reluctant to use permanent dye and tried to let my hair go natural. This lasted for several months before I broke down and had my hair dyed with permanent dye. My head itched terribly for days afterwards. It’s been a couple of months now and my scalp still itches if it gets slightly damp.
Has anyone else had this problem? I’ve been researching hair dye a bit and it contains several chemicals known to cause cancer. Some of the ingredients have been banned in make up but are still allowed in hair dye. Also it seems that allergies to hair dye are on the increase and some people have even had life threatening reactions!
Have any of you dared to let your hair gray naturally?
Look up posts by missceegee. She did this a couple of years ago and she looks stunning! I have quite a bit of gray including a lovely skunk stripe but I’m not about to dye it. I did years ago (I’m in my 50’s now). Go for it!
You could let your hair go natural or try one of the natural/chemical-free coloring options, such as:
Naturtint (used this on a client years ago who was allergic to commercial color)-this claims to be permanent, but real permanent allows you to “lift” the natural hair color four levels, I don’t know if this does that, but at least it’s pre-mixed and you should get better coverage; it may in actuality, be more of a ‘demi-color’ : in-between semi and permanent
Rainbow Research Henna (though you have to wait till all of the chemically-based color grows out before using henna products)
Light Mountain Natural
Herbatint Vegetal
You won’t get complete coverage, but to be honest, that LOOKS colored; you’ll get a more natural blending (unless you have very coarse hair then probably forget it)
Even the “natural” hair dye often contain chemicals, look for rating on the EWG Skin deep website before buying something. I was surprised to find products at the health food store and Whole Foods that were rated 7-8. (10 is the worst if you are not familiar)
I started using Henna about 9 years ago. I have a lot of grey so I have to use it mix with indigo (like the brown from Rainbow Research).
I am looking to possibly try this: http://www.myhairprint.com/pages/how-to-apply
as my husband likes my hair color and thinks I am too young to go grey (I am 43).
It is a pain, I need to to it very often but I like the fact that Henna is not a chemical. Putting chemicals on your skin is pretty much the same as ingesting them. Try putting beet juice mix with it( I did that once to get a redder color), it will come out the same way out of your body has if you had eaten them.
By the way if you do decide to go with Henna I would stick to either Rainbow Research or buy online at http://www.mehandi.com/
Even Henna can have junk in it.
Robin-I’ve read Christy’s going gray thread. It was very encouraging. I’m still not sure if I’m ready to go gray or not. Of course my hair is mostly still brown-it’s about 25% gray at this point. The gray just washes me out so badly! My natural color is dark brown so it’s a drastic change. Thanks for responding. You are always an encouragement. 🙂
Rachel-Thanks for sharing some alternatives! I’m off to look them up!
Petitemom-I would love to try henna but I have long hair that was permanently dyed dark brown just a couple of months ago. It would take me forever to grow out all of this hair so I could try the henna on new hair. 🙁 I always heard henna would turn gray hair orange. I’ve only recently learned about adding the indigo. Maybe I’ll be able to try it some day.
I’ve read about a trick where you add sweet and low to the dye and helps to neutralize some of the ammonia. I may try this along with asking my hair dresser to only dye the roots that show at the very top and to be very careful not to get it on my skin if possible.
I’ve also thought about going back to my semi permanent and using the dark brown. Maybe it would cover better and last longer. I was using medium brown and it just washed out way too fast.
I’m off to research your ideas ladies! Thanks so much for your input.
I’ve also thought about going with highlights since the color doesn’t have to touch my scalp that way. Thoughts?
Hi, Melanie, as a licensed for 21 years, though not practicing anymore, cosmetologist these are my suggestions:
Yes on the highlighting. If you’re only 25% grey, and the semi wasn’t lasting long enough then highlights are what I would do as a stylist.
You can even highlight with semi permanent color and using the natural options.
It would look most natural and last the longest if she uses two shades of color. However, the first appt will be more expensive and last a little longer because now you have a “root line” which needs blending.
First, how long is your hair?
But once you get that done, highlights, using two shades of color, is the most natural-looking and longest-lasting option.
I can give some more info about that, but I don’t have time at the moment.
Will chime in later.
Rachel-Thanks so much for your advice!
My hair is medium long-several inches past my shoulders.
My only concern with highlights is that I’m worried about the damage to my hair. I know going lighter is more damaging than sticking with my natural color or going darker.
What are your thoughts?
It would be easier to communicate on this if you would email me. Really, format reasons.
Rachel_white@wind stream.net
I’m still gray after transitioning a couple of years ago. I’m 41 and colored my hair for about 20 years. I did color, highlights, lowlights, you name it. For the last number of years I was coloring about every 4 weeks and it began to burn my scalp something fierce. It felt like acid being dumped on my head. The feeling went away soon enough, but with my gray I had a silver halo in a week. I tried henna and it was a no go for me. I decided enough was enough for me and went full gray before 40. I like the color and have grown it out to about shoulder length. My problem now is that due to stress, my thyroid issue, misc. deficiencies and who knows what else, I’ve lost about 1/3 or more of my hair in the last month. There’s a chance I’m developing another autoimmune disease – alopecia. Since I already have 2, another wouldn’t be uncommon. I’m researching to see what I can do or change going forward, but right now my hair is pretty sad looking. I may go back to a pixie for the time being. Wow, I got off track here. All to say best wishes on whatever hair journey you take!
Christie! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
You have really been through the ringer lately! For the record, I love your pixie cut. You’re fortunate to have the face for it. 🙂
I really don’t want to get to the point where my scalp is burning when I get my hair dyed! I’ve read the allergy starts with severe itching, then leads into burning, and can eventually lead into life threatening allergic reactions! Holding onto my hair color is certainly not worth all of that!
Rachel-I did email you. 🙂
Thank you, Melanie. I awoke with a terrible headache, so when it is gone, I will be able email you back.
I just didn’t want to leave you hangin’
I’m 35, and I quit coloring mine a year ago. I dyed it for 4 years and was just sick of the commitment as well as the horrible fumes! I probably have about 25% gray as well. It definitely shows up against my very dark brown hair, but I’m happy with my decision. It’s about 6″ grown out now. People I haven’t seen in a long time make comments about it when they see it, but I figure it’s better than suddenly going all gray when I’m 50 or 60! It’s gotta happen some time… Might as well do it now! Good luck. It certainly rattles your confidence at first, but you get used to it! I have no regrets!
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