A model and influencer is raising awareness about the dangers of allergic reactions to hair dye, detailing multiple incidents that required hospital treatment and a warning of potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.
Penelope Chloe, who has 261,000 followers on TikTok, described experiencing severe swelling, blistering, and hair loss after exposure to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common chemical found in hair dyes and tints. PPD is used in conjunction with peroxide, a chemical employed for bleaching and lightening hair.
Chloe is among an estimated one in 20 individuals in the UK who have a contact allergy to PPD. When exposed, her immune system overreacts, leading to significant inflammation and swelling.
Initial Reactions and Consequences
The first severe reaction occurred in Chloe's early twenties after using an at-home brow tinting kit. Despite the common recommendation for patch tests, she did not read the instructions carefully. Following application, she experienced intense itching, followed by blistering and weeping around her eyebrows the next morning. The swelling spread to her eyes and the bridge of her nose, causing her face to change shape. It took three weeks for the swelling to subside and the scabs to heal, necessitating prescribed antihistamine tablets.
Approximately six months later, Chloe encountered another reaction while having her hair extensions dyed brown. Although she informed the salon about her allergy, she was assured the dye was hypoallergenic and would not contact her scalp. However, a small amount of dye dripped onto her temple near her hairline. The subsequent morning brought swelling and blistering to her forehead and eye, leading to another trip to the emergency room for medication.
Escalating Severity and Warnings
Four years prior to her account, Chloe experienced a reaction during a lash lengthening and lifting treatment. She had informed the salon of her allergies and requested only the lifting service, but the dye was applied. This resulted in her lashes falling out and weeping scabs forming along her lash line. The irritation caused her to rub her eye extensively, leading to a condition where the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball, became baggy and wrinkled. This incident led to an adrenaline shot and a stark warning from medical professionals: a similar reaction in the future could trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
The Importance of Patch Testing
Following these experiences, Chloe conducted proper patch tests with a hairdresser to identify the specific cause of her reactions. The National Health Service (NHS) and many hairdressing and beauty professionals recommend conducting a patch test 48 hours before any dye treatment. This is crucial even when using familiar products, as allergies can develop over time.
Chloe decided to share images of her reactions on social media, prompting hairstylists to inquire about using the images as a warning to clients who forgo patch tests. She stated her willingness to serve as a cautionary tale to highlight the issue. Despite these challenges, Chloe, who is 27, is seeking solutions for grey hairs that have begun to appear, considering natural henna as a potential option but planning to consult an experienced colorist and prioritize a patch test.