Just For Men Hair Dye Users Suffer Allergic Reactions
Just For Men, the leading men’s hair dye product, promises to reduce or even eliminate grey hair. For the past 30 years, the product has grown in popularity. Recently, however, there has also been a growing number of complaints on consumer product websites from users that detail severe allergic reactions. Some individuals have even had to be hospitalized the reactions have been so severe.
Just For Men contains some harsh chemicals to cover the grey hair. Specifically, it contains p-Phenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is a well-known allergen. According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, an individual can be exposed to PPD through inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and skin and/or eye contact. Reactions from exposure can range from mild dermatitis to swelling, itching, chemical burns, severe blistering the scalp, eyelids, and ears. There have also been accounts of anaphylaxis. It is estimated that 5-7% of users are allergic to PPD.
The reactions from PPD can come on suddenly, or develop over a period of several hours to days following exposure. While reactions may occur on the scalp where the product was applied, visible irritation or inflammation on the scalp is often not observed due to the skin being shielded from the hair by the dye.
Men dying their beard or mustache may develop reactions on their face. If a person has been previously exposed to and sensitized to PPD, they may experience more severe reactions and/or reactions on their neck, chest, and arms and/or swelling of their face and eyes.
Individuals are at a particular risk if they have or have had a black henna tattoo. These temporary tattoos should be avoided because the tattoo often contains toxic levels of PPD, which can sensitize you to the PPD. Essentially, this means your immune system will remember the chemical and launch a defensive reaction the next time you are exposed to it.
Such reactions can be very serious, you could develop a life-threatening allergic reaction when you next use PPD hair dye.
Manufacturers recommended that a patch test is performed before the hair dye is used, even if the product has been used before. If any irritation or reaction is experienced after the patch test, the product should not be used. It should be noted that patch testing, just like black henna tattoos, is creating an additional skin exposure to PPD and may play a part in increasing the risk of sensitivity to PPD. Additionally, patch tests do not alert individuals who develop reactions beyond 48 hours or who have very weak reactions that go unnoticed.
If you develop a reaction to hair dye, even if it is just a mild one, you should stop using products containing PPD altogether, as there is a risk you could develop a more severe reaction in the future.
Contacting a Toledo Product Liability Attorney
Work with an experienced product liability attorney that has represented many individuals who have suffered injuries from hair products containing PPD. If you have suffered an allergic reaction, burn, infection, or some other harm caused by Just For Men or another hair dye, an attorney would like to speak with you. There is no charge to speak with us to have your case reviewed. You may reach an attorney online or at (877) 277-7336.
