Hair Colour Problems

by Vivienne
(Chichester)

Help! I am 53 years old. I am natural brunette and colour my hair with permanent dye regularly but it seems to take less and less and fades and is patchy within two weeks. The dye is affecting my scalp and I get an allergic reaction to the dyes. What can I do?

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I would try one of two things. Switch hair color brands and see if that helps or start using a 10 volume peroxide. Most box colors (I must assume you are using a box color) come with 20 volume peroxide. Your scalp (over time) can become allergic to stronger peroxides. Toning the peroxide down to a 10 volume should help with your color fading and your allergic response.

If neither one of those help, I would look into seeing an allergist. You may need something as simple as an antihistamine to stop the allergic response.

If you can't afford to go, switch over to a semi permanent color, which come with lower peroxides, or give up coloring your hair altogether if symptoms persist. If you don't, you could end up losing your hair instead.

Before you try coloring your hair again however, be sure your scalp has healed. You should never apply hair color to abrasions on your scalp. Best of luck!