Specializing in health and beauty for many years, there have been hundreds of women that find Kasia Organic Salon because of our ZERO Ammonia hair color line.   I started with Mastey (our color line) 4-5 years ago and through pioneering a truly ammonia and substitue free line, I've seen many guests with growing allergies that have been blessed through what our alternative gives to them.

More women are becoming allergic to ingredients in hair color. It isn’t a common occurrence but for those who are it can be quite the annoyance!

The most common allergen found in hair color is PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which is mostly found in permanent hair color. If you have never had your hair colored, or if PPD allergy runs in your family, there is an easy way to find out if you are allergic in the salon. Licensed Cosmetologists can do a patch test in the salon, which will determine if you will have a skin reaction to PPD-based hair color. Ingterestingly, PPD is also found in fur coats and wigs.

“Positive patch test reactions to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) are common. PPD is used in oxidative hair dyes and is also present in dark henna temporary ‘tattoos’. Cross-sensitization to other contact allergens may occur.”

About 25% of people allergic to PPD may also be allergic to ingredients found in semi-permanent hair colors, of which may also be found in pen inks and may be used to color certain foods and pharmaceuticals. Semi- permanent and demi-permanent hair colors are usually ammonia-free but the ammonia substitute, ethanolamine, may produce a reaction in some people. Again, a patch test can be done in the salon to determine if you are allergic to either semi- or demi-permanent hair colors that are carried in the salon. Reactions to PPD include

• Itching scalp/skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Mild dandruff like symptoms
• Scaly skin
• Pain
• Sneezing or other hay fever/cold like symptoms when ever hair dye applied
• Nausea when dye applied
• Sever swelling around eyes
• Scaly skin on ears, face and neck

The patch test is simple. Your stylist will apply a small amount of color mixed with developer to behind the ear (if your hair is short) or to the inner bend of the elbow. This has to be allowed to dry and to remain uncovered for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs between the time the patch test is applied and 72 hours is complete, the test is negative, and you can proceed to schedule a hair coloring service.

Kasia Salon is a urban retreat nestled in the heart of Southwest Minneapolis specializes in ammonia free/MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products.