Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in Hair Dye is Dangerous
A research report by John P. McFadden, in the British Medical Journal, shares the following information about chemical hair dye and the ingredient para-phenylenediamine (PPD):
“For more than 100 years para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and other related members of the aromatic amine family have been the main agents used in permanent hair dyes, and more than two thirds of hair dyes currently contain PPD. This compound is an effective hair dye owing to its low molecular weight, its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and follicle, its strong protein binding capacity, and its rapid polymerisation in the presence of a coupler (a kind of catalyst) and an oxidising agent. However these properties also make PPD an ideal contact allergen and, indeed, it is among the most potent.1”
Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) Can Cause Dangerous Allergic Reactions
During the 20th century allergic reactions to PPD became such a serious problem that it was banned from hair dyes in Germany, France, and Sweden.2 Current European Union legislation allows PPD to comprise up to 6% of the constituents of hair dyes on the consumer market (3% when added to the oxidising solution required to develop the colour). No satisfactory or widely accepted alternatives to the aromatic amine agents are available for use in permanent hair dye.
A patient with contact allergy to a hair dye often presents with dermatitis on the face or around the hair line. Severe reactions also occur; some patients have had such gross facial swelling that they have been treated initially for angio-oedema and some have been admitted to hospital.3 Contact allergy to PPD and related aromatic amine dyes is detected by patch testing using 1% PPD in petroleum jelly. This is included in most standard series of patch tests used to screen for contact allergy in patients with eczema. Such screening may, however, fail to detect allergic reactions to other hair dyes.”
Heed the Warning about Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)
Regarding various reactions to the growing problem of chemical hair dye skin allergy, the report concluded:
“Wider debate on the safety and composition of hair dyes is overdue—among medical and scientific communities, the public, and legislators. Cultural and commercial pressures to dye hair and, perhaps, the widespread obsession with the “culture of youth” are putting people at risk and increasing the burden on health services. It may not be easy to reverse these trends, however, as some patients have continued to use such dyes even when advised that they are allergic to them and risk severe reactions.”
BE SAFE. Use All-Natural Plant-based Hair Color Dye to Cover Gray or Show-Off Natural Highlights.
All men and women deserve to be safe when coloring their hair and therefore should avoid the potential dangers of using synthetic chemical hair dye. Your health should be a priority –even when dying your hair.
*Source: John P McFadden, senior lecturer (2007),1 Ian R White, consultant dermatologist,1 Peter J Frosch, director,2Heidi Sosted, senior researcher,3 Jenne D Johansen, director,3 and Torkil Menne, professor3
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH . 2Department of Dermatology, Hautklinik Stadtische Kliniken, University of Witten/Herdecke, D-44137 Dortmund, Germany. 3National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Dear Syed,
I am thrilled with your Lustrous Henna!! I have been using hair dye with ppd for over 20 years to cover my grey and have been very worried about exposing myself to the toxins, but not willing to go grey. I am grey around my bangs and temples only. After some experimentation I have gotten fabulous results.
The first time I used dark brown Lustrous Henna on my entire head, it was a gorgeous color and gave my baby fine hair great shine and texture. I did however have to repeat the application of the dark brown Lustrous Henna on my grey hair a few days later, as it was a little too red, and with the 2nd application my grey is a beautiful dark brown. Now I only touch up my grey roots once per month with the dark brown henna and apply it another time to get my Grays to dark brown, which I am happy to do to stay away from the chemicals.
I also want to thank you for your great care, advice, and generous time when I called to ask questions, the high quality of your customer service is rare. I am one happy customer, wishing you the best life can offer.
Sincerely, Jacqui
Huntington St, NY
Read other real customer testimonials.
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
©2011. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.
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