British Woman in Coma After Dying Hair | The Healthy Beauty Project -by Todra Payne

Julie McCabe, a 38-year-old mother of two from Keighley, Yorkshire is in a coma that is suspected to be related to her hair coloring. McCabe dyed her hair dark brown with a boxed dye (Preference line) by L’Oreal, then suffered an allergic reaction (severe swelling) that made it hard for her to breathe.

McCabe’s family called for medical assistance and she was rushed to the hospital, where she is now on life support. Doctors fear the situation is irreversible. It is believed that McCabe had an allergic reaction to the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in many hair dyes.

A L’Oreal spokesperson has expressed that the company will do all that it can to aid in investigating exactly what happened.

PPD has been linked to a number of allergic reactions, especially from those who use hair dye. Simple breakouts to severe facial swelling have been reported. The British Medical Journal by St. John’s Institute of Dermatology in London warned in 2007 that PPD may cause such allergic reactions. Also, cosmetic interest groups in Europe have been pushing for a standardized limit on the amount of PPD that can be used in a product. Some have called for a government ban of the chemical. Currently, there are no limits in place despite the possible dangers.

Because PPD is the ingredient that changes the color of hair, to lower the “dosage” in hair dye would lower the end results for users.

Currently, I don’t know of any natural or non-toxic product on the market that will lighten hair color; however, various shades of dark brown and red can be achieved with a pure henna/indigo mix. It’s a bit more work and it takes longer than a boxed hair dye, but it is safe. Which for me, is the most important issue.

I hope Ms. McCabe is going to be okay. To read more on this story, click here.