Coloring Hair Safely: Common Concerns And How To Manage Them

Nothing rejuvenates the appearance faster than freshening up hair color. Whether it is highlights or an all-over change, leaving the salon with no visible roots and a lustrous sheen can make anyone feel instantly boosted. In most instances it is safe and easy to color hair, but there are some circumstances where it may be better to wait, or even to consider other methods of getting the desired look. Here are some times when clients need to speak up about their conditions to help their stylist make the right choices for them.

Scalp Psoriasis Sufferers

Psoriasis is often impossible to completely clear away, so waiting until the scalp is clear to color hair may not be an option. Instead, schedule hair appointments between flare-ups when the scalp is not fully inflamed. Lighter colors are less irritating to the skin, but if dark colors are preferred, ask the stylist to use a coloring product like henna that is free of PPD. This is the chemical paraphenylenediamine, and it is the main irritant in dark hair dyes. Petroleum jelly should be applied around the hairline, where the psoriasis is usually the most severe. This will reduce the exposure the skin will have to the dye.

Protecting Respiratory Conditions

Ammonia and persulfates are chemicals commonly found in hair coloring products, and both can lead to asthma attacks. Even people who have previously had no adverse reactions in the past can suddenly experience symptoms. Natural products, henna or vegetable dyes, can reduce this risk, but the chemicals are likely to be in the air in the salon all of the time. Clients with asthma or other respiratory issues should only schedule appointments when they are not already ill with a cold or allergies, and keep rescue inhalers close by during the appointment.

Coloring Children's Hair

Children have fine, delicate hair that is too fragile to consider coloring with any product. No matter how much they may beg for the color change, waiting until after puberty is important. Preteens who feel they need to express themselves with color should use temporary, and safe, hair chalks or sprays that are easily removed by brushing or washing the hair.

Options During Pregnancy

Despite the worries about fetal development and hair dye exposure, there has been no evidence to suggest that there is any genuine risk. Expectant mothers can avoid coloring their hair during the first trimester, lengthen the amount of time between appointments and use vegetable dyes or henna, if they are still concerned.

Using safe products, not over processing the hair and using precautions like allergy testing, good ventilation during the procedure and avoiding contact with the eyes are simple ways that stylists ensure their clients are safe. Discussing with your salon stylist these few additional concerns when the appointment is scheduled can provide enough time for any extra arrangements to be made. This will make certain the appointment is successful and comfortable. 

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