Feria Hair Color

[raisin]

It does not contain "any gluten ingredients" .. Yet all 3 times I used it, I had extreme reactions. While the dye was in my hair I had a bad headache, and was rather lightheaded. After washing it out, and once again when using it's conditioner a week later, I had a "gluten episode."

I don't know how, or in which part, but there is some kind of gluten in that product. Maybe it's processed on 'unsafe (reused from some old line or currently shared)' equipment.

I know I'm not crazy, so I am hoping someone else has shared this experience with the seemingly-safe product.

[Tallforagirl]

It does not contain "any gluten ingredients" .. Yet all 3 times I used it, I had extreme reactions. While the dye was in my hair I had a bad headache, and was rather lightheaded. After washing it out, and once again when using it's conditioner a week later, I had a "gluten episode."

I don't know how, or in which part, but there is some kind of gluten in that product. Maybe it's processed on 'unsafe (reused from some old line or currently shared)' equipment.

I know I'm not crazy, so I am hoping someone else has shared this experience with the seemingly-safe product.

It sounds like you had an allergic reaction to one or other of the ingredients. Not sure how you deduce that it's gluten.

In any case, you can't get "glutened" as in have a reaction/gut damage related to celiac disease, from a topical product, unless you swallow it.

Usually in the instructions for this type of product, they advise a patch test before you go ahead and do the full dye job, in case you get an allergic reaction.

[raisin]

It wasn't an allergy, I had a standard gluten reaction. I have known allergies, but the reaction is very different. I have also never had an allergic reaction to any other hair dyes I have used in the past.

It is possible for anything that touches your hands or face to get into your mouth/nose and be swallowed, even if only in trace amounts, even if you are careful. I have been glutened by many non-food items, many times. If you haven't, good for you.

[Tallforagirl]

It wasn't an allergy, I had a standard gluten reaction. I have known allergies, but the reaction is very different. I have also never had an allergic reaction to any other hair dyes I have used in the past.

It is possible for anything that touches your hands or face to get into your mouth/nose and be swallowed, even if only in trace amounts, even if you are careful. I have been glutened by many non-food items, many times. If you haven't, good for you.

That's why I said "unless you swallow it". I'm not sure how you managed to swallow your hair dye. Be a bit more careful next time.

[Nantzie]

You absolutely can get glutened by topical products, for the reasons that raisin stated. If this wasn't possible, why would we have to worry about cross contamination at all? It's basically the same thing happening. Gluten on your hands, either from touching a piece of gluten bread, or not realizing you ran your hands through your hair before you used your hands to eat something and you're going to get glutened. Some people just react to smaller amounts than others. That's why the E.U. just passed a restriction lowering the requirements for labeling something gluten-free from 200ppm to 20ppm. That's a huge drop. But they apparently felt it was important enough to create new legislation.

I understand that not everyone reacts to topical products, and like raisin said, good for you. I'm totally jealous. Seriously. But many people do. And anyone who has been gluten-free for a while knows what their particular gluten reaction feels like. Of course there are other things someone can be reacting to, but when someone says it's definitely a gluten reaction, I believe them. I tell people that being glutened is like getting a papercut. I've never actually SEEN paper cut my finger. But there's nothing that feels like a papercut. And that tiny little cut hurts like nothing else too.

I'm going to stop now before I really get on a soapbox.

Anyway...

I haven't tried any of the Feria products. I do have gluten reactions to the products I've tried from Neutrogena's gluten free list. I've tried three or four and I get slammed every time. So whatever trace amounts that are in there are enough to gluten me.

Sorry you're having a reaction. For me even three years after going gluten-free, I still don't have all of my topicals figured out. I think the reason there does end up being gluten in these topical products that are supposed to be gluten-free (and the company probably absolutely believes they are) is exactly why you say. I can't imagine that L"Oreal is going through and dismantling and sterilizing their production lines every time a product is switched. Just like cross contamination occurs that way with food, it occurs that way with topicals. Gluten is gluten.

Have you tried Garnier? I'm very sensitive and I can use Garnier. I use their hair color - Cool Tea, I think the color is called, which is a dark brown. I also use their shampoo and conditioner for colored hair. I don't have any problems and I've been using them for a couple of months. If you haven't tried Garnier, it might be worth a shot. Your mileage may vary of course..

Nancy

[Nantzie]

That's why I said "unless you swallow it". I'm not sure how you managed to swallow your hair dye. Be a bit more careful next time.

Oh my God!! That is re-freaking-diculous. I just posted my reply before I saw this. Are you seriously going to be this rude to someone who is just saying that this product might be a problem. Obviously this is not directed at you because you don't react to topical product (and again, congratulations - still jealous too). So if this topic doesn't pertain to you, then move on.

I used to be active on this board and I stopped coming, in small part because I didn't like the way things were heading. I was seeing a lot more back biting and I was tired of spending an increasing amount of my time here standing up for with people who were being snipped at for no reason.

I've been lurking around again for a couple of months and I'm glad to be back to see a lot of the old faces, although I've only posted a couple times. But it makes me sick to see how common this type of snide behavior has gotten here. Usually one of the currently active experienced members steps in and says something. But I've really had enough.

Raisin, just ignore her. There are always people like this on the playground. There are a lot of people here who have the same problems with topicals and you and I do. If you're sensitive to topicals that many people don't have a reaction to, it makes me wonder if you are especially sensitive to gluten in general. Do you feel like you're more sensitive to cc in food products too? If you are, you might want to check out the thread for Super Sensitive people if you haven't already.

Good luck and my gosh!

Ugh!

Nancy

[raisin]

Thank you for the information, Nancy.

Oh tell me about it! I finally made my diet clean.. only to realize CC was also an issue in topical items. I could swear the sticky part of a bandaid glutened me. Wheat in the glue?

I just emailed the company and asked if their equipment was CC-free, and will wait for their response before 'playing with fire'. I have heard nothing but good things about them. c: I will post their response here.

[raisin]

I've come to expect 1-3 posts like this in every thread I start about the safety of an item.. and I post a lot of those threads. It does make me think twice before posting, whether I find an item to be unsafe, or simply have a question, but in the end this is the only online community to find answers from, so I get over it. It makes me laugh to imagine someone thinks I ate hair dye.

Actually, I posted the thread that inspired the Super Sensitives thread. It was a thread complaining about how less sensitive people on this website keep accusing the more sensitive people of practically being hypochondriacs. The SS thread is a little big and hard to read through, though.

[Nantzie]

I've come to expect 1-3 posts like this in every thread I start about the safety of an item.. and I post a lot of those threads. It does make me think twice before posting, whether I find an item to be unsafe, or simply have a question, but in the end this is the only online community to find answers from, so I get over it. It makes me laugh to imagine someone thinks I ate hair dye.

You are KIDDING me!!! That's ridiculous. That's so sad because most of the people here are great. But it gets exhausting dealing with the vocal minority. I agree that it's the only community to find answers. Even when I haven't been an active member, this is the place I go when I need information. But I had been limiting my time here to searching for information and then leaving for the most part.

The thing is that I'm relatively sensitive, but I'm not as sensitive as most of the people on the supersensitive thread. I can eat most gluten free products with no problem whatsoever. But there are some specifically labeled or researched things from major mainstream food manufacturers that get me every time.

I remember watching one of those Food Network shows where the narrator says "the lines are thoroughly cleaned between batches" (I think in this case it was for color changes in candies or something). And then they showed some guy with a hose just standing there casually spraying the equipment down like he was spraying down his driveway on a Sunday afternoon. He wasn't even trying to get into the corners or anything. (WTH!!!). So my fantasy of teams of celiacs going at the corners and seams of the equipment with toothbrushes was completely shattered.

Actually, I posted the thread that inspired the Super Sensitives thread. It was a thread complaining about how less sensitive people on this website keep accusing the more sensitive people of practically being hypochondriacs. The SS thread is a little big and hard to read through, though.

That's cool... I agree completely. I'm not singling out the other person on this thread at all. But I agree. And it is sooo insulting. Like I said earlier, so many celiacs were accused of the same thing for years or even decades. My husband thought I had finally lost my mind when I told him about gluten causing health problems. He told me that I needed psychiatric help because I was obviously doing for attention. Six months later he made a special trip to a store to buy me gluten free stuff for Valentine's Day.

And this isn't a rare story around here. There are people whose lives have changed by going gluten-free years ago and their friends and family still think they've lost their nut.

So people come online to try to find some support or just be around people who have to deal with gluten-free, and they get attacked for being more sensitive??? You'd think that the super sensitive people would be the ones getting pissy with the ones who don't have to worry so much. The people who can tolerate a more varied diet should just be grateful they don't have to deal with an even more restricted diet.

Sigh...

Nancy

[raisin]

It's always an uphill battle when your telling someone "Oh, by the way, bread slowly kills me, and crumb can incapacitate me for a week." even if they can wrap their heads around the basic concept, it goes on to the more complex stuff "I can't eat anything that has touched anything that has touched wheat at any point, even if it's been washed." "I can't use most medicines, soaps, beauty products, coffees and teas, and basically everything else you personally like. Eek, don't offer me a cough drop, that's poison!" I remember how crazy I sounded to myself when I first found out.

If it makes you feel any better, I do get angry every time I see someone intentionally eat/use something they know contains gluten. I just find it to be better not to scold someone on safety or personal responsibility when they obviously doesn't care and it's none of my business.

[hermitgirl]

A lot of people are very sensitive to hair color. I have topical reactions to most brands out there, and there is an ingredient in most over the counter and professional colors, which many people are allergic to. There is definitely a difference though between a topical reaction and a glutened issue. I seem to have both. Like the comment was made earlier, anything that has the possibility to enter your mouth needs to be avoided. That being said, make sure that you are washing your hands after applying your color, as well as after washing your hair when the time is up. Depending on the ingredients in the color, some can leave a residue on the hair or the skin that can be the issue. Can't forget the extra "conditioner" many brands include for after the first color. That can be an issue.

I just tell people that "sorry, i would rather not spend a week in bed. It isn't you, it's me." I love the reactions I get to that.

[raisin]

Ah, safe hair dye is a must for any "hair toucher," when you bring up residue. Another residue problem - Not everything washes off of your hands so easily. Also, what is that powder in those gloves they put in the dye kits? It irritated my hands to no end.

[ravenwoodglass]

For a safe hair dye you may want to try Herbatint. I get it in either my healthfood store or in Wegmans but I believe you can also order it on line. Be aware that the conditioner sample they give in with the dye is not safe. I like this product also because you don't have to use the whole product at once. I have short hair and one package would be good for two dye jobs and a couple touch ups.

[raisin]

I had not heard good things about herbatint. The company is very hard to contact, and no one seems to know much about it.. The fact that their conditioner has gluten makes me all the more weary. Because of how severe my reactions are, I am not willing to tough/use anything that may contain CC.

[Sailing Girl]

Hi Raisin,

I'm another super-sensitive who's been glutened by shampoo and conditioner (and no, I didn't *eat* the stuff -- but once some shampoo ran down my face into my mouth, and another time some of my hair blew into my mouth in a strong wind). Since then, I've methodically (some would say neurotically) eliminated all gluten-containing products from my home, and cut my mystery glutenings by 75% or more.

I've been using Surya henna cream (I use the golden blonde and the light blonde) without incident and I like it. It does cover 100% of the grey, as advertised. But it's not considered a permanent hair color -- it washes out after about two weeks. I like the fact that it covers the grey but leaves the rest of my hair its natural color, and I don't find it too big a deal to redo it every couple of weeks. And, it's reasonably natural (not entirely, but largely). Just another potential product to consider.

Sailing Girl

[raisin]

Thank you for the info Sailing girl.

I have heard henna is very messy, and I am Native American so my hair is kind of weirdly resilient. Water tends to "fall over it" in staid of getting wet into it, I can't really style it, and only the strongest dyes even take to it (feria faded significantly after 2-3 weeks). All of that considered, I have been hesitant to try henna. Would it really work for someone like me?

Also, I totally get you on the de-glutening products thing. People look at me like I've lost my marbles all the time.. but loosing my marbles sure is helping.. It went from near constant contamination to more like once every 5-10 days and improving.

[Sailing Girl]

Thank you for the info Sailing girl.

I have heard henna is very messy, and I am Native American so my hair is kind of weirdly resilient. Water tends to "fall over it" in staid of getting wet into it, I can't really style it, and only the strongest dyes even take to it (feria faded significantly after 2-3 weeks). All of that considered, I have been hesitant to try henna. Would it really work for someone like me?

Also, I totally get you on the de-glutening products thing. People look at me like I've lost my marbles all the time.. but loosing my marbles sure is helping.. It went from near constant contamination to more like once every 5-10 days and improving.

Hmmm ... I'm not sure how it would work for you. But I think it's perhaps worth a try (you never know). I don't think it's any messier than other hair color products -- and it's not toxic, so unless you have a particular sensitivity to henna (some people do), you don't even need to wear gloves while applying it! I get mine from Lame Advertisement.com -- nice people there.

Yup, most family and friends think I've lost my mind. My best friend definitely thinks so -- especially now that I've told him I'm eliminating soy and dairy along with gluten because I'm reacting to them, too. It's a bit disheartening to be thought a hypochondriac. But the excellent health is *so* worth it. Now that I've identified a couple of nagging gluten sources (such as pepperoni labeled "no gluten added" that I really liked, but finally realized I was reacting to when I ate more than one or two slices), the only times I get glutened are when I eat away from home.

I hope the henna works for you .

[hermitgirl]

I am allergic to latex, so I never use those kinds of gloves. Any beauty supply that sells chemicals will have gloves, either latex or vinyl. Being a professional stylist I use gloves a lot, so I use the powder free vinyl. Eliminates the concerns about powder completely.

The ingredient I referred to in my last post that many are allergic to:

"PPD (4-ParaPhenyleneDiamine, C6H8N2)PPD is widely present on the market since 1909 and it is still used in over 2/3 of permanent hair dyes. Commercial hair dye product typically comes in two bottles: the one with PPD based dye (non-oxidized and thus colorless) and the other with oxidizer or developer, usually hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In the hair dying process initially the peroxide is used to break down the natural hair pigment melanin, and then the PPD is used to replace melanin. When PPD reacts with peroxide it becomes partly oxidized and colored and it is this form which may cause allergy. Fully oxidized PPD does not cause allergy, so PPD sensitive persons can wear fur coats dyed with PPD safely (3). PPD can also be found in some dark colored cosmetics and temporary tattoos. In France, Germany and Sweden PPD was banned as a hair dye because it was thought to be too dangerous for health. (4).

Alternative names for PPD: PPDA, Orsin, Rodol, Ursol.

PPD and PPD Related Substances

Other hair dye substances which can cause allergy: 6-hydroxyindole, Isatin, p-Methylaminophenol (5).

Related substances to PPD which may also cause an allergic reaction: Azo groups (chemically: R-N=N-R) used in temporary hair dyes, ballpoint pen inks, gasoline and as coloring agent in foods and medications. local anesthetics benzocaine and procaine, sulfa drugs, Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in sun-protective creams, para-aminosalicylic acid used for tuberculosis.

Hair dyes producers misleadingly use some terms.

[rinne]

Thanks for the topic and the discussion.

[debmidge]

Thank you for the information, Nancy.

Oh tell me about it! I finally made my diet clean.. only to realize CC was also an issue in topical items. I could swear the sticky part of a bandaid glutened me. Wheat in the glue?

I just emailed the company and asked if their equipment was CC-free, and will wait for their response before 'playing with fire'. I have heard nothing but good things about them. c: I will post their response here.

Raisin,

I wanted to ask you about the band-aide glutening....what was the reaction?...was it confined to your skin area where the sticky part of the band aide sticks? Was it a brand-name band aide or an Off-Brand?

On a side-note, my sister in law is allergic to the ingredient in detergent which acts as a whitner & britener. She's allergic to Ivory Snow detergent which is used for baby clothes.

Hair color has so many chemicals - It's a wonder non-celiacs don't react to it more than what they do. I have been wondering lately this question and it's off topic but here goes and I do not require an answer: what happens with all those chemicals every hour every day going into our sewer system and eventuallly winding up in our land/water? Is using hair dye ruining our world? Ok, back to the regular subject.

[raisin]

I did not notice a skin reaction, but I only applied three to my significant other (only touched my fingertips) and I didn't I washed my hands afterward. It was some store's discount off brand, hypoallergenic version (I have learned not to trust that word).

Off topic question : All I know is they filter and semi-purify water that goes down our drains. We dump nasty chemicals to clean our sinks, we excrete, and we flush personal hygiene products, too. I don't think dye is any worse than the rest.

[Jestgar]

Sooo, just musing here....read to the end before you decide whether or not to be mad at me

I have a hard time believing gluten would be in a hair product - most of them are straight chemicals - so that leaves (in my mind), 2 possibilities:

1) You are reacting to a chemical, and your response is indistinguishable from gluten.

or 2) There is gluten in the packaging (inks, glue, within the paper).

I don't know anything about bandaids (ok, or hair dye, for that matter) but it seems unlikely that they would share chemicals. This leaves packaging. Have you considered how you open the packages? Do you make make a little bit of dust when you rip something open and inhale it? Do you use a hand lotion, or have sweaty hands that might cause some of the ink to come off on your fingers?

Maybe you're blaming what's inside the box, when it's really the box.

[caek-is-a-lie]

That's why I said "unless you swallow it". I'm not sure how you managed to swallow your hair dye. Be a bit more careful next time.

Tallforagirl. I'm only going to say this once. Stop being so judgmental of people who are more sensitive than you. Especially since you are apparently not that sensitive at all. I've had enough! Your replies are inappropriate and they need to stop. I will not argue with you about this. Say what you want in response, I will not reply. That is all. Thank you.

[tennlady70]

Tallforagirl. I'm only going to say this once. Stop being so judgmental of people who are more sensitive than you. Especially since you are apparently not that sensitive at all. I've had enough! Your replies are inappropriate and they need to stop. I will not argue with you about this. Say what you want in response, I will not reply. That is all. Thank you.

I'm new here, diagnosed 3 weeks ago. I appreciate your attitude. Actually, every heathcare professional I've encountered so far, including a dietitian, tell me it is possible to absorb some gluten products through the skin. Since it is easier to be safe than to lay for a week on the bathroom floor, I opt for gluten-free soap, shampoo, the works.

[ravenwoodglass]

I'm new here, diagnosed 3 weeks ago. I appreciate your attitude. Actually, every heathcare professional I've encountered so far, including a dietitian, tell me it is possible to absorb some gluten products through the skin. Since it is easier to be safe than to lay for a week on the bathroom floor, I opt for gluten-free soap, shampoo, the works.

Hi and welcome. The question of whether it can be absorbed is a source of constant debate on here. If you could ask them for some links to this information it would be very helpful to us supersensitives. I called a smokers quit line to ask for free patches and one thing the rep did say was that if I showed any gluten symptoms after starting them to please call and let them know. IMHO if there was no chance of absorption through the skin that request would not have been made. It also prompted to ask for the gum, which is certified by the company to be gluten-free.