Demi, Semi, PPD/PTD ?

It's been a while since we've been asked this question, so I'm a bit rusty, but I think semi and demi dyes can still have PPD, I'm not sure about PTD. But if it does have PPD it should be listed as paraphenylenediamine.

How did you do the test? A lot of people don't get it quite right, so they don't always work.

I've never had a semi or demi dye, or even a direct fashion colour dye run in the rain, nor really when swimming or anything (though swimming will fade dye a lot). That's a very old fashioned stereotype, though, it is more likely to happen with the latter type of dye because many have excess pigment in them.

Janineb..... Thank you for always answering my questions and, so thoroughly.

I've never used Semi or Demi dyes and from what I've read online, they can be washed out, hence why I believed they may run if caught in the rain.

After years of doing the patch test wrong, I did it correct this time, leaving the mixed solution on the bend of my elbow and untouched for 48 hours.

Since my mild reaction, I would much prefer to use a dye that doesn't contain the chemicals that are know to cause such reactions, if possible ?

You're welcome 🙂

It would be worth going to get tested properly. PPD isn't the only thing you can be allergic to, so it's worth finding out for sure.

There are online resources for finding what dyes have what allergens etc. so I recommend googling one of those as it's not an area I'm that great on 🙂

Oh, and dyes washing out in the rain. It's not an unfair assumption/thought, but it's not really a worry. I mean, I'll never rule it out fully, any dye that has an excess of pigment left in your hair could come out if you were really caught in a huge downpour. It's not likely with most non-fashion (fashion meaning bright, un-natural colours) dyes though. It's really the shampoo that does most of the removal. Water does rinse some out, but I wash my hair with conditioner only specifically because it removes significantly less dye than shampoo! The first wash after I've dyed my hair I will see some of the dye in the water alone, but that's really just strong colours like pink or red. If you're going for natural colours it should be fine. 🙂

Thanks again for such a thorough reply.

It does appear, that online, no matter the product, whether permanent, semi or otherwise; the Dye Industry doesn't make it easy to find their list of ingredients, especially the PPD or PTD content.

From what I've read online, all dyes, permanent or otherwise, all contain PPD or the alternative PTD unless specifically stating they are PPD & PTD free,

Although, stating a dye is PPD/PTD free, doesn't necessarily guarantee it is PPD/PTD free, as some legislation allows Hair Dye Companies to claim their products are PPD/PTD free, if the PPD/PTD content is low ?

Before posting on this forum, I searched the internet extensively and there's so much differing information, it's difficult to know what to believe.

It's this kind of thing I mean. Though, your real main choice is henna

http://www.allergy-insight.com/ppd-free-hair-dye/

There's various forums though. I don't have an allergy, so I don't use them, but there's definitely some out there.

Janineb..... Thanks for your prompt response and for providing such an informative link; which has pointed me in the right direction.

I don't technically have an allergy to PPD either, just prefer to err on the side of caution since the redness around my hairline occurred, which with short hair like mine, was really noticeable.

Over the years my hair has been bleached white peroxide blonde, golden blonde and for maybe 10 years; I reverted to my natrual dark brown colour and I've never experienced an allergic reaction; that is, until my most recent application and after the only time I did the patch test correctly.

You really should go and get tested, in case it was something else. Though it could be as simple as the dye gave you a mild chemical burn. That can make you feel quite ill as well.

Janineb..... Thanks again for your reply and sorry for not responding sooner.

The reaction could of been a chemical burn as I felt like I was suffering from sun stroke for a couple of days after applying the dye .

Whilst researching online, I've come across a theory that the 48 hour Allergy Patch Test could actually cause the allergy; as during a normal dying application, the dye would not be on the scalp for 48 hours.

Manufacturers of PPD also state it should never be applied directly onto the skin.

Also, after years of Patch Testing and washing the solution off my arm after 20 minutes, as per the original instructions and never experiencing a reaction; the only time I leave the solution on my arm for 48 hours, supposedly, the correct Patch Test procedure, is the only time I endure some kind of reaction.

Any suggestions as to where I can be tested ?

I was actually considering the PPD/PTD Free products; I've come across Goldwell Elumen ?

Using dye full stop causes the allergy. Using it at home, it's virtually impossible to not get it on the skin. But, honestly, the majority of hairdressers apply it on the scalp too. It's possible the test can cause it, but all the other times it's used will be part of the cause too.

I'm honestly not really convinced it's an allergy at all. It just doesn't sound like other allergies I've heard of before (not that it counts it out!).

However, a visit to the doctor would be the best first step and hopefully they can refer you to a specialist.