How to Treat Chemical Burns From Hair Dye

Frequent and improper dying can cause scalp chemical burns.

Chemical burns caused by hair dye or similar products can severely damage your scalp and be extremely painful. Severe burns require immediate medical attention. Superficial chemical burns from hair dye, however, can be treated at home with ordinary materials to help you heal comfortably.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Cup white vinegar
• 1 Cup purified water
• 20-oz. Spray bottle
• Lanacane or other numbing spray
• Linen cloth

Instructions

1. Combine the white vinegar and cool purified water in the spray bottle. Shake it for a minute to mix the solution. The vinegar neutralizes chemical burns.

2. Hold the spray bottle approximately 4 inches from the affected part of your scalp. Spray a fine mist over the chemical burn. This should immediately cleanse the area, while providing you with slight relief.

3. Pat the area dry with a clean, dry linen cloth.

4. Shake a can of Lanacane, or similar topical analgesic spray (sold in the first-aid sections of most stores). Hold the can 4 to 5 inches from the burn and spray the entire area. Repeat this process daily.

Tips & Warnings

• Immediately make an appointment with your physician or dermatologist to make sure your burn isn't severe. Even seemingly harmless chemical burns on the scalp can cause nerve damage and affect hair growth.

References

• Acta Dermato-Venereologica; Chemical Burns to the Scalp from Hair Bleach and Dye; Charlotte D. Jensen and Heidi Sosted