by beautyschoolremix

What are PPDs in Hair Color? An Introduction to Paraphenylenediamine

An Introduction to Paraphenylenediamine

In an age of information, clients are becoming more educated and aware of the products you are using behind the chair. When it comes to artificial hair coloring, you’ll need to know the talking points so you can educate your clients when they have questions. Specifically, what are PPDs in hair color? What is a PPD allergy? What hair dye can I use when allergic? If you can’t answer these for your clients, you should keep reading.

There’s a lot of information out there about understanding artificial hair color. Therefore, we’re here to help you with the most efficient learning lesson that won’t leave you feeling lost or confused. Let’s get started.

what are ppds, and what is a ppd allergy?

In particular, PPDS are a vital component in permanent artificial hair color. Their existence is what makes permanent color, in fact, actually permanent. PPD’S function to:

Assist in how deeply dye molecules can penetrate the cortex
Needed for the formation of oxidative pigments
Contribute to satirical hair colors longevity, so it can be shampooed without becoming de-colored
They are significant for full-gray coverage and lifting.

So, why are people paying attention to PPDs now?

Well, simply, because they can be an allergen. To summarize, mild reactions include itching and contact dermatitis. More severe reactions can be dermatitis to the upper eyelids, rims of the ears, and swelling of the scalp and face. In the rarest and severe cases, anaphylaxis occurs. It’s important to note that PPD allergies can come out of nowhere.

In fact, you’ve probably heard in beauty school the steps to take in terms of dealing with PPD. Always perform a patch test on your clients to determine if they have the allergy.

Like we talked about before, clients have now, more than ever, knowledge about product and method disputes in the industry. For instance, a client comes in, geared up with questions about PPDs. Can you consult them? What do you say? It’s your responsibility to adhere to their concerns and make them feel comfortable and safe in your salon with you behind their chair.

are ppds safe?

It’s easy to think about PPDs like peanuts. Peanuts are safe unless you have a peanut allergy. Similarly, with PPDS, it’s the same thing. Even so, it’s subjective to each unique client. Undoubtedly, there’s no way to avoid it.

Nonetheless, if your client happens to be allergic to PPDs, you need to be realistic and ready with options in mind to replace that ingredient. PPD-free permanent colors do exist and are up-and-coming with many mainstream color lines. Subsequently, it’s still going to struggle to get the depth of pigment for gray coverage. So, always do your research.

With this mind, those that have an allergy need to figure out what to do, such as:

Stop using oxidative permanent artificial hair color
Try a PPD-Free hair color
Try a semi-permanent or a PPD-Free Demi-Permanent
Stop coloring hair all together

hot-button questions

What is Indirect vs Direct Dye?

Difference between Acid Color and Alkaline Color?

Why does hair turn brassy?

What’s the pH of hair, haircolor, and hair products?

Difference between Oxidative Color and Non-Oxidative Color

Ammonia vs Non-Ammonia

If you can’t answer these questions, you’re going to want to.

For more information, enroll in the first Haircolor Foundations lesson with Beauty School Remix. You’ll learn:

Different Types of Artificial Hair Color
Different Types of Dye Molecules
Ammonia vs Ammonia-Free Options
What are PPDs

Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to grow your knowledge in artificial hair color, dye molecules, ammonia, and PPDs. Click here to enroll, or check out our other courses here.