We wrote recently about the impact of coronavirus on our hair; this being cumulative hair shedding and extreme hair loss. Here, we cover a new COVID-19 related phenomenon which is, as yet, not supported by sufficient scientific evidence… heightened sensitivity to hair dye.
According to a hair salon in London, people who’ve tested positive for or strongly suspect they’ve contracted COVID-19 in the past are suffering dangerous reactions to hair dye, even when they’ve had the same dye applied several times previously and not reacted negatively to it on any other occasion.
Just to highlight how potentially serious an allergic reaction to hair dye can be, symptoms variously include: an angry rash anywhere on the body; blisters or welts; stinging or burning sensation to the scalp, face or neck; itching or swelling to the scalp, eyelids, lips, hands or feet; feeling lightheaded or faint; wheezing and difficulty breathing or swallowing; nausea and vomiting; and collapsing or becoming unconscious.
The most severe of these signs are part of anaphylaxis and may not occur until hours or even days after your hair appointment. Read our earlier blog titled ‘Near-death experience following severe hair dye reaction’ to see just how life-threatening and life-limiting an adverse reaction to hair dye can be.
Because of stronger sensitivity evident in COVID-19 survivors, this London salon’s hairdressing clients are being asked to undergo patch and strand tests up to 48 hours before having their hair dyed, or eyelashes and eyebrows tinted.
At Hairdressing Claims, we would argue that these tests should be performed anyway, regardless of COVID-19. Allergic reactions can happen at any time due to the chemical paraphenylenediamine; a known irritant and allergen.
Any reputable hairdresser will insist on testing before undergoing chemical treatments like hair dyeing. They’ll also follow other safety precautions such as only leaving dye on your hair for the required time and immediately rinsing out using a mild shampoo at the slightest hint of a bad reaction.
As experts in claims against hairdressers, we see daily the impact of negligent hairdressing on people’s lives. Should you suffer harm at the hands of your hairdresser, get in touch to find out more about pursuing a legal claim for compensation. Our ‘3-step plan to suing your hairdresser’ and ‘A step-by-step guide to the hairdressing claims process’ blogs may prove useful too.
To contact us, please email enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk, call 0800 141 3682 from a landline for free, phone 0333 202 6560 from a mobile or complete our online enquiry form.
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