Can I Dye My Hair If I Have Alopecia?

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and body. If you have alopecia, you may be wondering if it’s safe to dye your remaining hair. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hair dyeing with alopecia.

Is Hair Dye Safe With Alopecia?

The good news is – yes, most types of alopecia are not aggravated by hair dye. Here’s a quick overview:

• Dye only penetrates the hair shaft, not the follicles where alopecia attacks.

• As long as dye doesn’t weaken hair, it’s fine for those with alopecia.

• Do allergy tests before each dye, even if you’ve used it before.

• See a professional stylist who can choose gentle, alopecia-safe formulas.

• Avoid bleaching or high-lift color which is more damaging.

So with some care and precautions, those with alopecia can absolutely color their hair safely if desired!

What About Alopecia Areata Specifically?

Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss on the head or body. The trademark symptom is smooth, round bald spots. Can you dye your hair if you have this common type of alopecia?

The answer is yes – alopecia areata generally does not prohibit hair dye. While some advise caution, most people report no issues coloring their hair with alopecia areata. Some tips:

• Do a strand test to check for sensitivity before applying dye to your full head.

• Use professional semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes which are gentler.

• Avoid bleaches and high-lift colorants which damage hair more.

• Limit dyeing to every 6-8 weeks to prevent excessive processing.

• Deep condition regularly to combat dryness from dyeing.

While not proven, some think dye chemicals may potentially irritate the scalp in alopecia areata. But most people don’t report problems. Take care and consult your doctor if concerned.

Precautions for Dyeing Hair With Alopecia

If you decide to color your hair, keep these precautions in mind:

• Do a skin allergy test before each application, even if you’ve used the dye before. Skin sensitivities can change.

• Ask your stylist to do a strand test to check for hair damage before applying dye all over.

• Select semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes which are gentler than permanent color.

• Avoid high-lift blonde shades or bleaching which is extra damaging.

• Limit dyeing to every 6-8 weeks max to minimize processing damage.

• Deep condition 1-2 times per week to combat dryness and maintain health.

• See a dermatologist or trichologist if you notice increased shedding after dyeing.

Can I Dye My Hair During Active Alopecia Loss?

It’s fine to dye your hair even while you are experiencing active alopecia-related shedding. Since the dye only penetrates the hair shaft, it will not directly impact the progression of your hair loss or exacerbate alopecia.

However, keep these tips in mind:

• Wait until at least 6 weeks after your last dye if you experienced irritation or increased shedding last time.

• Closely inspect your scalp before applying dye. Avoid any inflamed, tender or broken areas.

• Pretreat with a soothing scalp serum or mask to prevent irritation from chemicals.

• Use oxidative chemical dyes sparingly during periods of rapid loss to prevent excessive damage.

• Stick to semi-permanent or vegetable-based dyes while your scalp is sensitive.

• Apply vaseline or barrier cream around hairline to protect skin from irritation.

While dyeing won’t directly worsen alopecia, it could potentially irritate an already sensitive scalp. Use your best judgement and stop if you notice any increased shedding or scalp issues.

What About Coloring Eyelashes and Eyebrows?

For those with patchy eyebrows or eyelash loss from alopecia areata, coloring the remaining hairs with dye can help create the look of fullness. However, use extreme care:

• Do a patch test looking for any skin redness or itching before applying around eyes.

• Only use high-quality brow tints designed specifically for use near the eyes. Avoid hair dye.

• Follow instructions closely and don’t leave on for longer than directed.

• Start by tinting only a few hairs at a time to test for any reaction.

• Avoid getting dye directly in the eye. Wear petroleum jelly as a barrier around the edges.

• Seek professional brow tinting to be safe if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

With careful precautions, lash and brow tints can potentially help create the appearance of fullness if hair is missing in spots from alopecia areata. But always do patch tests first and proceed slowly with care.

Can Dyeing Help Mask Hair Loss from Alopecia?

For some people, regularly dyeing their hair can help conceal diffuse thinning or patchy spots caused by certain types of alopecia. Here’s how it can help:

• Adds color and vibrancy which creates the illusion of fuller, healthier hair overall.

• Darker shades can help disguise areas of thinning or sparseness.

• Regular root touch-ups can blend growing out gray hair to mask hair loss.

• Brows and lash tints can fill in gaps caused by patchy loss.

So while dye doesn’t treat alopecia, it can sometimes help improve the aesthetic appearance of hair loss for a confidence boost! Just be aware of the risks like irritation and don’t overdo it.

Consult a Doctor If You Have Any Concerns

While most types of alopecia do not prohibit dyeing hair, consult your dermatologist if you have:

• Noticed increased shedding after previous dye jobs

• Areas of irritation, tenderness or redness on the scalp

• Open sores or broken skin which could react to chemicals

• Specific medical advice against using dye for your case

Your doctor can help assess your individual situation and risk factors. Some people may be advised to avoid dye, while it’s safe for most. Get personalized guidance.

The Bottom Line

For most people with alopecia areata and other common forms of hair loss, using hair dye seems to be low risk if done carefully. Always do allergy tests with each application and limit processing damage by not over-dyeing. Speak to your dermatologist if you have any doubts or concerns about safely coloring your hair while experiencing alopecia symptoms. With some common sense precautions, you can safely change up your look with dye even if you have alopecia!