Finding a hair dye that won’t irritate sensitive scalp sufferers is a difficult but crucial endeavor. Understanding why sensitive scalp occurs and what you can do to assist is essential since 44% of people experience it. Let’s first examine what triggers sensitivity.

Can I colour my hair if my scalp is sensitive?

The good news is that hair colouring is for those with sensitive scalps. You may need to take a few more measures than other lucky people who don’t have itchy and sensitive scalp, but it will be worthwhile.

Testing your skin is one of the first steps you should take if you want to colour your hair. To ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the dye, do this 48 hours before any colouring services.

Although this applies to everyone, those with sensitive skin or particular allergies should be especially more concerned about doing the skin test. Fortunately, if you decide to switch up your appearance, there is an alternate hair colouring solution for sensitive scalp issues as well.

What substances might damage the scalp?

You may be surprised that it is the chemical reaction on the skin that causes the sensitive scalps. These responses result in skin or scalp inflammation, itching, and burning. They are often brought on by substances included in professional hair dyes, such as: paraphenylenediamine, sulfates or ammonia

It is preferable to choose a hair colour that is safe for those with sensitive scalps since these compounds are widely used in the commercial world. Any hair dye you want to use should always be tested beforehand.

Test hair dye procedures

You have to carry out a patch test before using any hair dye. This straightforward procedure should be carried out up to 48 hours before application, allowing ample time for any possible responses to manifest. You ought to test using:

  • Combining and using a small quantity of the planned hair dye
  • Using the mixture on a small patch of skin on the arm or leg
  • Leave the colour in for whatever timeline you would normally keep in the hair and wash with fresh water
  • To see if any reactions come along. If you observe any itching, burning or redness, please refrain from the colour application to your hair as it might cause similar reactions.

However, you should be able to apply the dye safely without risk if the patch test reveals no response and reaction.

Taking care of sensitive scalps

If you wish to dye your hair yet have a sensitive scalp, many solutions are available. To avoid chemicals that trigger skin reactions, the first step is to carefully examine the contents of commercial dyes.

The second option is to use a primer first to protect the scalp before colouring it. This is challenging since the primer must stay in the hair which will potentially compromise the hair colouring process.

These fixes have the drawback of doing little and instead, they may just cover up the problem. Those dangerous ingredients shouldn’t even be included in the finest hair dyes for those with sensitive scalps.

What should I use if I have a hair dye allergy?

First things first. We are puzzled by what is all about these hair dyes. For the same reason, certain shampoos might irritate our skin if we don’t pay attention to our bodies. Allergens found in typical high-street hair dye chemicals tend to be the root cause.

Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, is the primary allergen in hair dyes products purchased at salons and pharmacy stores or supermarkets. This ubiquitous chemical, which is also commonly found in tattoo and printer ink, may result in contact dermatitis, which causes flakiness and redness of the scalp.

How can I tell whether I’m reacting negatively to chemical hair dyes?

Regardless of whether you’re using a home dye kit or a salon service, you can have a reaction to PPD a few hours after applying the hair dye on the head. It may not always appear on your scalp; for instance, you could see eczema-like symptoms (flaky skin) on the eyelids or the rims of your ears.

Is it common to have an itchy scalp after dyeing your hair?

It is typical for your body to react and respond in this manner if you have sensitive skin. Although some clients may experience hives, wheezing, sneezing, contact dermatitis, or itching brought on by irritants, it is also medically known as “type 4 hypersensitivity.”

However, more severe reactions to the extent of an anaphylactic shock, might occur in certain situations. For this reason, it’s crucial to do a skin test 48 hours in advance.

If your skin is prone to reactions, there is a hair dye formulated specifically for those with sensitive scalps. Choose a natural product made with organic ingredients rather than high street chemicals.

Henna hair colouring for sensitive skin

Henna is widely known to be a natural alternative to hair dye that doesn’t contain PPD, but you should carefully check the label to be sure the product hasn’t been tainted. Henna is also famous for being used in the eye-catching body art of Middle East and South Asia, also referred to as mehndi.

Henna, alternatively called as mendhikā in Sanskrit, is often used to colour hair. It can also enhance auburn and brown tones and softening sheen.

At the same time, there are some downsides to using this plant-based powder on your tresses. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using henna to dye your hair.

Henna hair dye employs natural organic components to colour hair, leveraging on plant compounds from the Amazon Rainforest to revitalize hair from root to tip and nourish the scalp.

It comes in various hues or shades, and you may combine them to get the colour you choose. For the ideal outcome, combine with powder or pick a premixed option.

Advantages of henna hair colouring for sensitive skin

A hypoallergenic option for hair colour that also naturally moisturizes your scalp is provided by henna hair powders & washes. So, how does this actually work?

Henna helps to protect your scalp from common problems like dandruff or psoriasis because of its natural antifungal properties. A natural skin yeast called Malassezia produces too much of itself causing these skin issues. This consumes and deprives us of our natural oils, and the skin responds and reacts by skin flaking when there are too much.

Henna combats this fungus and maintains the skin’s natural equilibrium, resulting in a flake-free, itch-free scalp. The ideal hair colouring for dry scalp problems is also henna.

Other advantages of using non-chemical hair dye

You’ll see the effect on your final colour finishing in addition to having a healthy, balanced scalp. You’ll get a more unique-looking finish with a brilliant sheen since every henna application is unique to your natural hue.

Evidence supports the idea that henna is a fantastic hair colour substitute for people with thinner hair. This is because of the stronger strands of hair and less hair loss resulting from the natural ingredients’ ability to strengthen the hair follicle.

Compared to the high-street chemical hair dyes, henna is often more affordable and could be less harmful to the environment. Ammonia is a common ingredient in high street brands, and when it is rinsed down the drain, it has the potential to contaminate streams and kill wildlife in their natural habitats.

Henna is a wonderful natural alternative to other beauty products that keep you healthy and saves nature.

The best henna hair product for me is…

If your scalp is sensitive, you may use powders, lotions, and bottled colours to dye your hair completely organically. Need a hair cream to keep things simple; it provides a drip-free option without the use of excessive water.

Colouring is just one more enjoyable activity. Apply a conditioner thereafter or treat your hair with a hair mask treatment weekly to restore the colour.

Henna prevents allergic reactions in your hair.

Whatever your preference, while using henna hair colour, be considerate of both yourself and the environment. For optimal results, be sure to:

  • 48 hours before any hair dye application, do a skin test on the inner elbow or behind your ear.
  • For those darker hair dye shades, you may need to leave the henna for a longer period of time.
  • Sun hats and hair masks may help you stay safe under the sun.

Even if you have sensitive skin, you may still explore all these recommendations!