12/02/2026
In my OPD, whenever I advise patients to skip hair dye use, the reaction is almost always the same:
“Doctor… anything but that.”
Hair dyes — especially those containing chemicals like PPD — can affect not just the hair, but also the scalp and surrounding skin.
Usage may lead to:
• Allergic contact dermatitis – redness, itching, swelling, scaling around the scalp, hairline, ears, or neck
• Irritant reactions causing burns
• Darkening of skin near the hairline and on the cheeks if beard area is dyed .
• Chemical induced leukoderma - Melanocyte damage causing depigmented patches
• Hair dryness and breakage from chemical processing
• Increase in hair shedding after significant scalp irritation
• Severe allergc reactions such as angioedema( facial or eyelid swelling )
What can be done ?
✔ Avoid very frequent dyeing
✔ Always do a patch test
✔Use of hair foils or a highlight cap can minimise the risk if sensitisation
✔Different hair dye products should never be mixed
✔ Consider safer formulations( PPD free / Ammonia free )
✔ Seek medical advice if you notice reactions
Cosmetic decisions should never compromise the skin and hair health .
Take informed decisions .
Health first . Always.
Dr. Priya Selvakumar
MBBS , MD DVL
