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

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.