Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is a chemical widely used in chemical hair dyes because it allows the dye to penetrate the shaft and make it permanent. It is strong allergen and the number of people becoming allergic to it is on the increase. It had been so much of a problem in Germany and Sweden that PPD has been banned in those countries.
Market research has shown that more people are dying their hair and doing so at a younger age. In addition to hair dyes containing PPD there are henna tattoos which can contain high concentrations of PPD which may be adding to the increase in allergies to PPD.
Allergy to hair dye can occur on the first use a of a chemical hair dye. Or it could occur after long term use of a chemical hair dye. Constant use of hair dyes with PPD over many years can have a build up effect and develop sensitization to it.
A patch test is important before any application of a chemical hair dye to help detect any allergic reaction.
PPD is in virtually all permanent chemical hair dyes. PPD is also in many of the hair dyes which call themselves natural hair dyes such as Daniel Field, Herbatint and Naturetint.
The symptoms of PPD allergy can range from a slight dermatitis to severe reddening and swelling of the face and scalp and eyelids. In some cases hospitalization is necessary and sometimes steroids are prescribed. Severe allergy to PPD can cause urticaria and in very rare cases anaphylactic shock in which case the mouth, tongue and airways can constrict interfering with breathing.
Other chemical names for paraphenylenediamine:
- PPD or PPDA
- Phenylenediamine base
- p-Phenylenediamine
- 4-Phenylenediamine
- 1,4-Phenylenediamine
- 4-Benzenediamine
- 1,4-Benzenediamine
- para-Diaminobenzene (p-Diaminobenzene)
- para-Aminoaniline (p-Aminoaniline)
- Orsin™
- Rodol™
- Ursol™
All the natural hair dyes we sell at Suvarna are really pure and natural and do not contain paraphenylenediamine PPD.