Chemical burns on the scalp and skin can occur when dying or adding highlights to the hair. It is important to note that hair dye basically strips the hair of its natural pigment and replaces the color with a synthetic colorant. In most cases, minimal irritation and redness is quite common but severe burns involving the deep layers of the skin were uncommon. Nevertheless, chemical burns can cause the hair to break and eventually stop growing in the burned areas and even scar tissue can form.
The severity of the burn depends on the amount of the dye used, amount of time the skin was exposed to the hair dye and other contributing factors. The treatment of hair dye burns can be done at home but some burns require medical care.
Whether it is a simple hair dye burn or an extensive second or third degree burn at home or in the workplace, it is best that you are prepared. All you have to do is to register for first aid training today so that you know how to manage these burns.
Steps in managing hair dye burns
- Rinse the hair dye immediately from the head if the individual experiences overpowering pain or stinging sensation. In most cases, a minor tingling sensation can occur when dying hair, but the skin should not feel uncomfortable. You have to utilize a large amount of water to rinse the dye out of the hair completely. Make sure to avoid getting the dye into the eyes.
- Check the hair dye burn and determine the severity of the burn. Minimal redness and irritation can be treated at home. As for open wounds, blistering and direct tissue damage, these require emergency care by consulting a doctor as soon as possible. Call for emergency assistance if the individual feels faint or weak or if the individual is vomiting or shows other physical symptoms of distress.
- The hair must not be treated with powerful medicinal shampoos such as those used in treating dandruff. Only wash the hair when needed so that the scalp is allowed to heal. Take note that the natural oils have been removed from the scalp and the skin will tight and irritated. The scalp must not be covered with petroleum jelly since the skin is not allowed to breath, thus lengthening the healing period.
- You have to apply aloe vera lotion straight on the scalp for minor hair dye burns. Massage it over the scalp for its cooling effect. You can allow the gel to stay on the affected area as long as wanted.
- You can use vitamin E capsules. Open them with a needle and crush out the oil. Apply it on the hair dye burn to help promote the healing of the scalp and the surrounding skin.