Can Using Hair Dye Cause Headaches? Risks and Prevention

Can Hair Dye Give You Headaches?

Hair dye is widely used around the world by both men and women. The vast range of colors and styles it offers makes it an attractive way to change your look. But some people find that after dyeing their hair, they experience headaches. What causes this reaction and how can you avoid it?

How Hair Dyes Work

Permanent hair dyes penetrate into the hair shaft and change its structure. They contain chemicals like ammonia and peroxide that open up the hair cuticle layer so pigment molecules can get inside. The cuticle then closes over the pigment, which develops color through a chemical reaction.

Semi-permanent dyes coat the outside of the hair with color that washes out over several weeks. Temporary dyes are applied on the surface of the hair and rinse out with one shampooing.

Ingredients That Can Cause Headaches

Certain ingredients commonly found in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes have the potential to trigger headaches in sensitive people. These include:

• Ammonia - Opens the hair cuticle so dye can penetrate. It has an unpleasant, irritating odor.
• Peroxide - Lightens hair so color shows up better. It can irritate skin and airways.
• PPD - A permanent dye ingredient and common allergen.
• PTD - Similar to PPD as a skin sensitizer and potential trigger.
• Fragrance chemicals - Added for pleasant smell but can cause reactions.
• Formaldehyde - Used in some dyes to set color. Linked to headaches.

Chemical Exposure Reactions

Headaches from hair dye chemicals may occur through:

• Inhalation - Breathing in fumes irritates the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Skin contact - Chemicals provoke an allergic reaction on the scalp.
• Odor - Strong ammonia smell triggers headache in those sensitive.

As ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream, they can cause dilation or inflammation of blood vessels in the brain leading to a headache. People prone to migraines may also find their triggers set one off.

Dyeing Risk Factors

You may be more likely to get headaches from hair dye if you:

• Have a preexisting headache disorder like migraines
• Have allergy, asthma, or sinus problems
• Have skin sensitivities
• Frequently dye your hair
• Use darker permanent dyes
• Do not take allergy precautions beforehand

Ask your doctor if your medical history puts you at increased risk for dye-related headaches. A patch test can reveal if you are allergic to common ingredients like PPD.

Hair Dye Headache Symptoms

Headache symptoms may start within minutes or hours after a dye job and include:

• Pain in the forehead, temples, sinus area, or back of head
• Throbbing, pounding, stabbing, or constant ache
• Sensitization to light, noise, or odor
• Nausea or dizziness
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Swelling or redness on the scalp

Migraine sufferers may experience their usual migraine attack triggers like aura, nausea, and light sensitivity. Allergic reactions can lead to face, eye, or throat swelling. Headache onset ranges from instantly to 72 hours post-dye. They may last several hours to a few days.

Risk of Hair Dye-Related Disease

Ongoing use of permanent hair dye may very slightly increase risk for certain cancers and other conditions:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Parkinson's disease

However, research has not found a strong, consistent link between personal hair dye use and increased cancer risk. More studies are still needed.

Safest Dye Choices

To minimize risk of headaches or other reactions, choose:

• Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes - Less irritating chemicals
• Natural hennas - Derived from plants, free of chemicals
• Hair mascaras - Coat just the roots with temporary color
• Highlighting powders - Touch up roots subtly
• Organic dyes - Use plant-based ingredients

Do an allergy test 48-72 hours before initial use of dye even if it's labeled non-toxic or organic. Carefully follow instructions and never leave on longer than directed.

Precautions and Tips

Take these steps to be cautious with hair dye:

• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Protect skin with petroleum jelly around hairline.
• Wear gloves to apply dye.
• Rinse immediately if stinging or burning occurs.
• Use least amount of dye needed.
• Carefully follow timing directions.
• Keep dye mixture away from eyes.
• Consider asking someone to apply the dye for you.
• Avoid other chemical treatments like perms or relaxers same day.

Wait at least 48 hours after coloring before using other hair products. This allows your scalp to recover from the process. Keep your next application at least 4-6 weeks later.

What to Do for a Reaction

If you experience headache, burning, swelling or other symptoms from hair dye, take these steps:

• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Apply a cold compress to the head and neck.
• Take an antihistamine for swelling and itching.
• Use a decongestant for sinus pressure.
• Take a pain reliever like acetaminophen as directed.
• Avoid reexposing your scalp to any ingredients.
• Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Report any adverse reactions to your hair dye company. Discontinue use of that brand and alert your stylist so they can perform an allergy test before future dye jobs.

Preventing Hair Dye Headaches

You can take steps to avoid headaches from hair dye by:

• Choosing semi-permanent or natural dyes.
• Doing a patch test before initial use.
• Carefully following instructions.
• Avoiding other chemical hair treatments simultaneously.
• Only coloring your hair when you are headache-free.
• Asking someone to apply the dye for you.
• Wearing gloves and dyeing in a ventilated room.
• Limiting frequency of dyeing hair.

Discuss your headaches with your doctor and stylist. They can help determine ingredients to avoid and recommend safer alternatives for coloring your hair.

Outlook If You Get Headaches

Reactions to hair dye chemicals can vary from mild headaches to severe migraine or allergic responses. These often resolve completely once coloring is discontinued and hair is washed out.

In rare cases, permanent hair dye ingredients have triggered long-lasting headaches requiring medical treatment. Repeated exposure can result in increasingly worse headaches.

The most cautious approach is to permanently discontinue use of any hair dye giving you headaches or switch to safer options. Work with your doctor to find an effective headache treatment if needed. Be vigilant about avoiding re-exposure to problematic ingredients.

While hair dye headaches can be concerning, being aware of risks and taking preventive steps allows you to find alternatives so you don't have to sacrifice your desired hair color.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.