Should I expect regrowth after hair loss from dye?

Question

I unfortunately suffered from a bad case of TE twice in the last year (still somewhat have it). Hair went very gray so I have been coloring it. A few days ago I got it colored. I don’t know if it was left on too long or because I was in the sun a lot following dis but 3 days later the front of my hairline felt like it was stinging. I noticed my hair came out there. It’s not red or blistered just burns/stings. Is this going to cause permanent hair loss in this spot or will hair grow back?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Hair loss due to dye or other chemical treatments can indeed be distressing. Here's a bit of information that might help you understand your situation better:

1. **Telogen Effluvium (TE)**: TE is usually a temporary form of hair loss that occurs after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event. It causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. TE usually resolves on its own within 6 to 9 months, and hair typically regrows once the underlying cause is addressed.

2. **Chemical Damage from Hair Dye**: Hair dye can sometimes cause chemical burns or allergic reactions, leading to hair loss. If the dye was left on too long or if the scalp was exposed to the sun right after dyeing, it could exacerbate the damage.

3. **Symptoms of Chemical Damage**: Stinging, burning, or irritation are signs that the scalp may have been damaged by the dye. If the scalp is not red or blistered, it might indicate a milder form of irritation.

4. **Regrowth Possibility**: In many cases, if the hair loss is due to chemical damage and the scalp itself is not severely damaged, hair can regrow. The hair follicles typically recover if the scalp is not subjected to further trauma and is given time to heal.

5. **Steps to Take**:
   - **Avoid Further Chemical Treatments**: Give your hair and scalp a break from any further dyeing or harsh treatments.
   - **Gentle Hair Care**: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh brushing.
   - **Consult a Dermatologist**: It's essential to see a dermatologist who can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatments. They might suggest topical treatments to soothe the scalp and promote healing.
   - **Nutritional Support**: Ensure you are getting adequate nutrition, as deficiencies can affect hair health.

6. **Monitoring**: Keep an eye on the affected area. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or if the hair does not start to regrow within a few months, follow up with your healthcare provider.

While it's possible that the hair will regrow if the damage is not severe, it's crucial to take steps to protect and nurture your scalp and hair. Consulting a dermatologist will provide you with a tailored approach to address your specific situation.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Be sure to see a dermatologist. there is clearly a recent issue (hair dye) but you’ll want to exclude other conditions in the background that can affect regrowth (mainly androgenetic alopecia). But for most people, an isolated event like this won’t cause long term issues. now if there is background androgenetic hair loss, the rules are different and these episodes sometimes don’t fully recover but do recover 70-90 %. Another reason to see a dermatologist as soon as possible is to figure out if a little bit of topical antii flammatory medication now can impact the long term outcome. for hair dye related irritation, some of my own patients will use something like betamethasone valerate 5 times weekly for 1 week and then 3 times weekly for one more week to squash any kind of inflammation the hair dye has brought about. I can’t say if a plan like this is right for you as I just don't have enough information about your full story. please see an expert. usually stories like the one you shared have good outcomes.

Should I expect regrowth after hair loss from dye?

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Should I expect regrowth after hair loss from dye?

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