Hair Coloring

[lissy]

Hey all,

I need to color my hair SO bad its been years ! I have been avoiding chemicals because whenever I color I get panicky, tachy, dizzy, and head and throat tightness....Never a rash or swelling, or even burning. I am getting more and more little gray hairs popping up everywhere and my hair is naturally dark brown. I thought about getting highlights since it prevents it from going on the scalp but bleaching would only damage my thinning breaking hair.

I am curious is what I described an allergic reaction? Or is it something else?

Sincerely,

Desperately Needing Hair Color (LOL)

[MomtoGiuliana]

I get the exact same reaction. That is really weird. I figured it was a POTS thing for me, but I posted here some time ago about this and no one responded that I remember w the same sort of reaction. I've never had an allergic reactin to anything. But you know I think there is some really nasty stuff in these dyes (that can cause allergic reaction too) and I think we are in some ways perhaps fortunate to have a reaction, instead of repeat exposure.

I have and do get highlights now b/c I have grey creeping in and admit Idon't like it. I do not have problems with the highlighting (at a salon). Maybe talk to a color specialist about your concerns and see what suggestions they have.

[Godsgal]

Hi....I have POTS & mast cell activation and I can't color my hair. I have lovely dark roots about 6 inches long with super blond bottoms. I just have to embrace my hair with love at this point as I can't even walk near a salon. I do see a lot of all natural hair colors on line that you can get at a health food store like whole foods (not sure if you have those where you are). That's what I would recommend. There are more natural things too like chamomile tea for blond hair and other natural dyes from the earth like lemon and all that but I have no clue if they work. I would google it!

[MomtoGiuliana]

This might be helpful--under "No" is a list of ingredients in hair coloring products to avoid. This is from EWG. I like checking their website -- which includes a database on personal care products and info about ingredients that are or may be harmful. It's amazing that chemicals known or believed to be harmful are permitted in these products in the US.

No

Fragrance

PEGs, ceteareths and polyethylene

Parabens: propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl

DMDM hydantoin

Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients (including Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine): Coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing, is a known human carcinogen , according to the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Hair stylists and other professionals are exposed to these chemicals in hair dye almost daily. While FDA sanctions coal tar in specialty products such as dandruff and psoriasis shampoos, the long-term safety of these products has not been demonstrated.

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/

[mwise]

I continue to get my hair bleached and dyed at a Salon that I have been going too for years with the same beautician. I have not experienced any reactions from the chemicals. I am a brunette, but have my hair dyed blonde at present. I have had highlights and lowlights since I was diagnosed with no reactions. I would check with a reputable salon in your area to see what type of hair dye products they use and if they have had any clients with your condition. Good luck.

[potsgirl]

I also get a color 'wash' to cover my creeping greys, and the only problem I have with it is sitting under the dryers. I get very hot and start to feel ill. The same is true when my hair is being blow-dried. It's not quite enough to stop me from coloring every 3 months, though.

[juliegee]

I have MCAD and as long as I take my meds, I tolerate highlights just fine. Without meds- no way- the smell would do me in. Maybe those of you who are having trouble tolerating it, could pre-medicate??? An H-1 and H-2...JUST a thought.

[MightyMouse]

I can't get perms or permanent hair color. Makes me feel so woozy and sick the few times I had it done at the salon. I've had a similar problem getting my nails done...I just think I'm sensitive to the chemicals. I occasionally use a wash in non permanent hair color--I've tried a few different brands and haven't had any problems yet. I probably use it once or twice a year; most of the time, I just deal with the greys.