Hair dyes might be an easy route to that dream hair color but hidden beneath the gloss and shine, lies a potential health hazard. About 38% of people experimenting with hair dyes report allergic reactions, with contact dermatitis topping the list. The redhead you adore might come with a price - itchy, flaky skin, that is.

The more charming symptoms of contact dermatitis include a rash, redness, and itchiness around the face, ears, eyelids, and nape. Give it a few days and the discomfort amplifies. And let's not forget about the rare but life-threatening guest at this colorful party - anaphylaxis. You might presume it as something straight out of a medical thriller, but in reality, it's a fast-acting allergic reaction that can escalate to coma, shock, heart failure, and even death, if left untreated.

Your body doesn't take these hair dye chemicals lightly. The immune cells, seeing the chemicals as invaders, trigger an inflammatory response. The chemical most likely to raise your immune system’s ire? Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), sneakily found in over two-thirds of permanent hair dyes. Add cobalt (found in brown hair dyes) and glyceryl thioglycolate (used for permanent cold waves) to the intriguing mix, and you have multiple possible allergens.

An allergy test can identify the culprit in case of multiple sensitivities, or if the reaction was particularly severe. For your everyday, run-of-the-mill allergic response, chuck out the dye, rinse with water, and follow-up with over-the-counter topical corticosteroids. Have a nastier reaction? Your doctor might prescribe a stronger cream or even pills/injections. Note, however, overuse of stronger creams could lead to permanent skin thinning.

The solution isn't to swear off hair dyes forever. Opt for gentler products that can still give you the transformation you crave, minus the irritation. Over-the-counter products can assist in soothing minor irritations. However, serious reactions call for immediate medical attention and potential prescription treatment. So next time you flirt with the idea of a hair makeover, remember to be savvy and stay safe. After all, an itchy scalp isn't exactly the sexy accessory you were hoping to pair with that red carpet look.