Induction of sensitive skin and sensitive scalp by hair dyeing

Hair dyes are more and more used and the role of the exposure to these products in the development of skin reactions in the exposed region is suspected. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of hair dyes on facial skin and scalp sensitivity by performing a Computer Assisted Web Interview on 1257 women older than 15 years old. Differences were observed in the scores evaluating facial skin and scalp sensitivity according to different parameters. Women aged between 15 and 24 years old suffered more from skin and scalp sensitivity both for hair dye users and for non-users. The results obtained according to hair dye usage patterns indicated the highest sensitivity of the scalp and facial skin when the hair dyeing process was performed at home with professional products, or when the type of product used was bleach alone or bleach followed by another dyeing product. The severity of facial skin and scalp sensitivity depends on different factors and seems to be potentially exacerbated by the hair dyeing process.