A clinical evaluation of a permanent hair dye designed to reduce allergic contact dermatitis and hair damage

Abstract

Background: Permanent hair dye is the most commonly used anti-aging procedure used by both men and women. However, permanent hair dye can cause irritant contact dermatitis due to ammonia and allergic contact dermatitis due to paraphylenediamine (PPD).

Methods: This research examined an ammonia-free and PPD-free permanent hair dye in 50 ethnically diverse females 21-91 years of age who were current users of permanent hair dyes. Subjects were patch tested prior to dyeing. Two dye sessions were undertaken at baseline and 2-6 weeks post-baseline depending on the dyeing habits of the subject.

Results: 50/50 subjects successfully completed the study with no incidence of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. After 2 dyeing procedures, the dermatologists rated an 87% improvement in hair shine, 90% improvement in hair color, 88% improvement in hair moisturization, 87% improvement in hair porosity, and 88% improvement in hair combability.

Conclusions: A MEA-based ammonia-free cream hair color without PPD or resorcinol was safe for use on the hair and scalp of females with diverse hair types and textures.

Keywords: MEA; allergic contact dermatitis; monoethanolamine; permanent hair dye.