Healthy woman was almost killed by her ‘cheap’ hair dye. Doctor explains why: ‘Her immune system went into overdrive…’

Something as simple as a hair dye can become almost deadly. Taking to X, internal medicine specialist Dr Priyam Bordoloi revealed a terrifying incident about a 28-year-old young woman who left cheap, unbranded hair dye on her hair for an extra hour and how it almost had fatal consequences for her.

“By evening, her face swells massively, blocking her airway and she's rushed to the ICU…” he said. He also explained what happened.

Many inexpensive hair dyes marketed for achieving an intense black shade contain Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical widely used because it helps dark color adhere strongly to hair. While it produces long-lasting results, PPD is also one of the most common and potent substances known to trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals.


For most people with mild sensitivity, exposure to PPD may lead to symptoms such as scalp redness, irritation, or persistent itching. However, if the dye remains on the hair longer than recommended or if a person has a strong allergy to the chemical, the body's immune response can become extreme. This can result in significant swelling of the face, neck, lips, and tongue, making breathing difficult by narrowing or blocking the airway.

The risks extend beyond the skin. PPD can enter the bloodstream through the skin after application. Once absorbed, it may damage muscle tissue, causing muscle cells to break apart in a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. As the damaged muscles release their contents into the blood, the body faces a serious medical emergency.

The proteins released from injured muscles are filtered through the kidneys. Large amounts of these proteins can overwhelm and obstruct the kidneys' tiny filtering units, leading to very dark or black-colored urine. If prompt medical treatment, including intensive care, is not provided, the kidneys may stop functioning properly, resulting in acute kidney failure.

The safest approach is to perform a 48-hour patch test behind the ear or on another small area of skin before applying any new hair dye, particularly black dyes that may contain PPD. If you notice severe burning, itching, redness, or swelling of the face after using the product, rinse the dye off immediately with plenty of water and seek emergency medical attention without delay.