Abstract

The allergy alert test advised by manufacturers of hair dyes in their instruction leaflets as a means of testing for hair dye allergy is inadequate in its present form. Standardization of the test protocols is required as these vary significantly between manufacturers. This is the conclusion drawn from the risk/benefit evaluation of the allergy alert test performed by RIVM. This evaluation was based on the current opinion of the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), publicly available literature and interviews with experts in the field of skin allergy.
The induction of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis by oxidative hair dyes represents a significant health problem among consumers and hairdressers. In this context, the RIVM considers the allergy alert test in principle to be a valuable tool for assessing whether a specific hair dye product can elicit an allergic skin reaction in individual consumers. The instruction leaflets of hair dye products currently recommend that consumers always perform an allergy alert test 48 hours prior to each application of a hair dye product. In case of a positive test result, indicating a possible sensitivity to the hair dye product, consumers are advised not to apply the hair dye product and to seek medical advice to determine the cause of the reaction.
Whether consumers are able to adequately perform and evaluate an allergy alert test is unknown at the present time. It is therefore recommended that the industry further investigates this. It is also recommended that a campaign be launched with the aim of creating more awareness among consumers and hairdressers of the potential risks associated with the use of hair dyes.