Hair Loss from PPD

I have been getting requests about hair loss from PPD. I did some research, and I was able to find very little information on this subject. There was one article on PubMed stating that hair loss can happen from a severe PPD allergy. (Severe Hair Loss of the Scalp due to a Hair Dye Containing Para phenylenediamine.
Ishida W, Makino T, Shimizu T.) For me to explain what I learned from this, and one other article I found, I will explain how hair grows in three cycles.

There are three cycles of hair growth, anagen, or growing, cantogen, or resting, and telogen, or falling out. At any given time, 30% of your hair should be in one of these phases, or moving into one of them. In the article noted above, the patient is diagnosed with severe allergic contact dermatitis, including skin lesions, and this resulted in telogen effluvium. (severe hair loss) This was determined to be from a reaction to PPD. The lesions were severe enough, or the allergy alone caused trauma to the scalp, which has forced the anagen and cantogen cycles to move to telogen. The skin lesions gradually improved after starting treatment with the systemic, or oral, corticosteroids. "The possibility that allergic contact dermatitis from hair dyes may be responsible for telogen effluvium should always be considered in a patient with increased hair loss." This was the end of the article.  I had noted that the skin improvement was mentioned, but the hair loss was not addressed. I don't know why it was not said if it had improved, stayed the same, or worsened. So, we have proof that hair loss from PPD exists.

There was one other article from Germany that I found on EuroPubMed "Idiopathic chronic telegon effluvium in the woman", but I am not sure that it has much more information from what was reported above. One of the most interesting points in the article was that they used information from  based on observation from the sheep wool industry and clinical experience. Sheep?! The treatment had and extra note "They include the use of L-cystine-containing oral preparations and of corticosteroids." Again, no notations on how the results were.

It is very disturbing to me that I have more than 6 requests right now from across the country, one from England, and I do not know what the results are. I can write what I suspect the results are, but I am not a doctor, just a hairdresser. I am just guessing. My GUESS is that the hair grows back, as the articles do not suggest that the problem is permanent. They also do not say that treatment is hopeless, or permanent, or anything dramatic. If you are the one who is losing the hair, that is dramatic enough.

One more note, if you are facing losing some hair and are looking at extensions, look at halo extensions. Anything that will apply traction or pulling on your hair can be detrimental. If you need to, you can always contact me.

Congress, the FDA, and the GAO on PPD

I have been doing some questioning lately, and I have actually been getting some answers. According to Ms. Beth Meyers, of the FDA, the FDA has no authority over PPD in hair color  This has to do with a law passed by Congress, "The Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938", which was enacted in part from 107 people dying after taking the Elixir Sulfanilamide, a that was sold as a "healing  tonic". This toxic chemical is now used for chemotherapy. Congress was also moved by Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt's "Chamber of Horrors", which had been a publicized failure of the FDA's ability to remove Lash Lure from the shelves in spite of the fact that several women had been blinded, and there was one fatality. Once the law was passed, they were finally able to remove Lash Lure from the shelves.

Apparently, because of this ruling, which I have not been able to find copies of, hair dye is exempt from FDA approval. In the 1938 law, there was a law passed that you can not dye eye lashes, or eye brows. The rest of the hair is exempt. Ms. Meyers was lovely enough to give me some information to look for, so I went searching, to the Government Accountability Office. I had not heard of this branch before, but the information I found was very interesting. Basically, they had said that they felt that the law should be reviewed again, and that the FDA should have some amount of control over coal tar hair dyes. (or Para-Phenylene Diamine, PPD) They also mentioned several studies that were done, and that they felt that the PPD and cancer situation needed to be studied more. They also said that hair color is definitely absorbed through the scalp, so that it should give the FDA a reason to go to Congress for a repeal of 601 (a) and 601 (e) of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act. The GAO also recommended that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should direct the commissioner of the FDA to evaluate the safety of coal tar hair dye and require, where applicable, cancer AND OTHER  appropriate warnings on the labeling.  This information is from December of 1977.

http://www.gao.gov/assets/130/120763.pdf

Most people are still un-aware that hair dye can cause cancer. Most people are still un-aware that allergic reactions can send you to the emergency room, and can be life threatening. This includes hairdressers. In fact, it includes most doctors. How to get the word out? I was just reading on the SBA.gov link about educational grants. Maybe of someone was a much better writer than I was, they could apply for a research education grant. A grant to educate the public, the hairdressers, and doctors about this. If the word was out, maybe Congress would listen. That's what happened with Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons. They got the word out. They said, I don't want my daughter to die from anaphylactic shock from a tampon. Now, in every box of tampons, there is a note, about this. Even though it's rare, and it might not happen to you, it's in the box. Is it a lot to hope for? Probably.

But a girl can dream.

Another PPD death

April 18th, 2013. A woman who was a daughter, a wife, a mother, gave up her fight for her life after falling into a coma last October. She died not from breast cancer, not from heart disease, or a car accident. She died from coloring her hair. You did not read this wrong, SHE DIED FROM COLORING HER HAIR. She lived in the United Kingdom.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4663539/Tragic-mother-dies-after-year-long-coma-caused-by-hair-dye.html

Many people don't read the tiny note inside the box of hair color where it says, "WARNING, This product contains a chemical that might cause skin irritation. Do not use on eyelashes or eyebrows, to do so may cause blindness"  If you did read that, would you think it could take your life? Would you assume that the skin irritation was an allergic reaction, and that along with that, could come anaphylactic shock, which in turn, can block your airway? You can't call 911, because you can't speak. You can't drive yourself to the emergency room, because without air, well, you most likely won't make it there. If you had proper warning, maybe you could take some benadryl, but it may not be strong enough. Basically, there needs to be a choice. We at least should be allowed to KNOW that this can happen. Yet, the warning label is still just a rash.

PPD, or PARA PHENYLENE DIAMINE has been the number one allergen in Europe since 2006. It is in the top 20 in the United States, yet I continue to get e-mails week after week  from people that they are finding their own diagnosis, and can not find a doctor who has ever heard of it. How is it that a doctor can offer patch testing for allergies, yet not offer the FDA's most current list? I believe that in the U.S. the number of people that are allergic to hair color is sadly under reported. If doctors had the proper information, and hairdressers had the proper information, we would have a fighting chance.

Right now, the warning was put into effect in 1938 by Congress. We would have to fight congress to have this changed, and it would be a tough fight. We may be able to get the allergies on the label, but it might not make any difference. The FDA does not have ANY ruling over this, as I have been in contact with them. I am working with the state on how to educate, it's not looking good. I think the best solution might be through the truth in advertising, and the FCC.

So, that is going to be my next adventure. I am working with the FDA to collect more information. I am going to see how much "truth" there actually is in all of this. If I can prove that these companies know that there is more than a skin irritation, that will help. If I can prove that the TDS colors that claim to be "PPD FREE", are known to have higher cross allergies, and they know it, then we just might have a fight.

Wish me luck! - Gina xx

The allergy had to happen to me?! ...and about that TV

Well, I finally had an allergic reaction to Wella Koleston hair color. This is a Toluene-Diamine Sulfate based color. The industry claimed it should have reduced my chances of developing an allergy. Apparently this is just as I had expected. The whole purpose of the industry wide move to TDS was because it was safer, and there were going to be less reactions. There were going to be less cross reactions. I found information that said 3%, up to 30% would cross react with TDS. I now know it is closer to 60 to 90%, in my experience, depending on the severity of the allergy.

I colored my hair on a Wednesday afternoon, in between clients. I took Benadryl that night because I could not sleep. Late morning, the next day my forehead and the sides of my face itched. (None of my clients said a WORD!) After a few hours more, I finally looked closer in the mirror, and I noticed I had small blisters all over! When I went home for the evening, I took Zyrtec, Benadryl, and smeared it with a drying cream. Friday it seemed less itchy. Saturday morning, BLISTERS! Back on the Zyrtec and Benadryl! I am still taking the Zyrtec, and it seems fine now, but I am going to take it for a few weeks to be sure. I am also drinking lemon water to cleanse my system.  I was very lucky to have a friend of mine remind me that I was having a PTD reaction, and to take some allergy meds, or I would have been even MORE blistered. Sometimes, I am so busy giving out advice, I forget to take it myself! (Thanks Kristi!!)

-and about that television. The Doctors, a TV show that often has information in quick small bits that people actually remember, finally had a PPD bit on a teen and his mom who is a hairdresser. The teen wanted his hair colored, and didn't do a patch test. He took photos of his reaction, and they showed them. The clip was a bit misleading, as it did not explain that you have to be exposed to PPD once before you can react, and did not explain that you can react the second time or the thousandth time. It mentioned to go to the FDA web sight to fill out the form if you have had a reaction.  It did not mention anything about the miss-diagnosis problems, or the lack of doctors who know about this, or can treat this problem. It did not mention that there are multiple ways that you can react, or that there is a T.R.U.E. test that is safe, and can help.  If you have had a problem finding a hairdresser who can help, contact me. If you have had a problem finding a doctor who can help, contact me. I will do my best to get you information that can help.

Gina xx

EDIT - The photo journal of the teen that was on The Doctors is on this blog. Just look for PPD and Teen. That's him. :)

Spring bling...or not to bling. Tattoo information from the FDA

I was just reading my FDA update e-mail that I get once a week, and the education section caught my eye. It said something about the warm weather coming up, and with more skin being visible, here was an update on tattoos. 1 in 8 adults regret getting a tattoo done. I was surprised at this number, as it seems am always hearing about someone getting a new tattoo. I get asked about ink problems with getting a tattoo if you have PPD allergies. I usually reply that a good tattoo artist will be able to give you the M.S.D.S. information on each ink s/he is going to use, so you can read what is in it. The colors to be watchful of are the oranges and yellows. Read on.

The information in this article completely floored me. The FDA considers tattoo ink to be cosmetic, and NONE of them are approved for injection. NONE of them are approved for CONTACT within skin. Some, are even closer to printers ink, or automobile paint?! With spring coming, you might just want to look a little more carefully into what kind of ink is actually going into your skin before you get one. Not everyone will need to worry...

 If you have never had any color allergies, you may not have to worry, there are a lot of people who have had tattoos with no problems. Allergic to diamines, PPD, PTD, AZO's, nitro's, any type of dye at all?  You should take heed. You can never be too careful, or read the backs of too many bottles, or too many FDA articles. If you are one of the sufferers, this information might help.

• FDA considers tattoo ink to be a cosmetic. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none are approved for injection into the skin. In fact, many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.
• FDA takes action on ink safety issues. Because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. However, FDA takes action to prevent consumer illness or injury when safety issues arise related to the inks. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by state and local authorities
  
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The FDA, and More On Bleach Allergies

Happy St. Valentine's Day! I just got off of the phone with the FDA, and I finally was able to speak with a real person. The phone chain put me through to a guy in partnerships who is going to actually get back to me today about the PPD allergies. Cross your finger, but don't hold your breath...

On a second note, I was doing some reading about the hair bleach, and thanks to the availability of industrial hazards and reporting, I found that there actually is a problem with two of the main ingredients in hair bleach. These are: Ammonium Persulfate, and Potassium Persulfate. They are known allergens, I found the information by way of another channel, and now it will come up easily by google search. It works the same way that the PPD does, once you are sensitized, you can not use it. It is also used in pool chemicals, and in stronger concentrations, spas and hot tubs.


To anyone who lives near the Cicero area, look for the ad in the Cicero Life Magazine, we are running this half page for one year. If you go to the Syracuse Basketball games, look for the Salon Taro ad on the monitor when you go in at the front gates, that's where the ticket booths are. ;)

I hope that you are keeping warm where you are, we had a high of 37 degrees yesterday, woo hoo! Happy Friday, everyone!

Gina xx

Colorist Education, New Cosmetologist Education

Happy New Year! I have been reading more and more e-mails lately that tell me I have to find a way to get more education out there. New students have NO idea what PPD, PTD, or TDS is, let alone a seasoned colorist. (Okay, most DOCTORS don't know what it is, so why would hairdressers?) It is very overwhelming for me to even begin to think about how to address this situation. I have the information and knowledge to help train others to save a lot of people from being hurt, but how do I begin? I think this is more of a rant than an actual blog today. I have received 2 e-mails from people who said they were allergic to PPD but the colorist still used color with PPD because they were not properly educated. I hear this ALL the time. "No, you aren't allergic to that, it's the ammonia. let's try this." Before you know it, the client is in the emergency room with her eyes swollen shut, and she can't breath. Okay, I am not going to complain any more, I hope everyone is having a great new year!

Bleach Allergy, or Persulfate Allergy, Metal Allergies, and The MELISA test

While the majority of my clients are enjoying getting some holiday hilights, and happily going to their parties without any swollen eyes, or blisters. It has just been brought to my attention that there actually might be a reason that some of the people I have been in contact with over the years have allergy issues with bleach. I have read the ingredients of several containers of bleach, and I assumed that there must be some PPD in some of the bleaches that have a little bit of blue added to the normal color. This is not true with the bleach that I use, and there is nothing in the bleach that I use that is a major allergen. I know this because I have researched each chemical myself. I had just done the same for a patron of a board I often reply on, when she had posted that one of her past bleaches had contained "Titanium Dioxide"

Titanium Dioxide - also known as titanium oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6, or CI 77891. Generally it is sourced from ilminite, rutile and anatase. It has a wide range of applications, from paint to sunscreen to food coloring. When used as a food coloring, it has E numberE171. (from Wikipedia)

I Googled hair bleach, and titanium dioxide, and the first one that came up was Redkin, Up  to 7 . Here are the ingredients:
Potassium Persulfate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Persulfate, Corn Starch/Zea Mays, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, PPG-2-Ceteareth-9, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Stearate, Amorphous Silica, Mica, Ammonium Sulfate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Poloxamer 182, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Polyquaternium-22, EDTA, Sodium Sulfate (D5572/3)

Normally, you would not be allergic to bleach. If you were, you would know long before you were old enough to bleach your hair. You drink chlorinated water, swim in chlorinated pools, and have bleach added to your laundry. I checked this with an allergist to be sure. However, I have said that there are buffers and such that can be specific to manufacturers that you can be allergic to. Titanium Dioxide is used as a whitener, or to enhance pigment, and as a thickener. It is also used in the old surfer movies, on the noses of the dudes on the top of the tower, in the small, red swim suit. It is still being added to sunscreen today. It used to be added to desitin baby balm, and might be in some of the tubes, but not all of the mixes. It is used in styptic powder, and some tattoo inks. It seems to be lurking around when you least expect it.

The client who had alerted me to this quandary, has been having a difficult time because her only visible allergy has been to nickle and cobolt. Now it seems as if she might have to so new testing, as her T.R.U.E. test did not help her as much as it could have. Now she will have to re-test with the MELISA test.

http://www.melisa.org/faq.php

This is a special metals test done with a blood test, that you might need of you are not showing that you are allergic to any thing on the T.R.U.E. test.

Hope you get to spend some time this year with loved ones,
Gina

Extra information on each ingredient in hair color, IN ENGLISH

Happy Holidays! During this holiday season, I have found some extra special information that I decided I didn't just want to share,  but I wanted to add as much information to it as I could, as simply and cleanly as I could. I find that with as much information that there is out there, there still seem to be large gaps where people don't grasp why they react to this, but not that. I hope that the more information that I post, the more gaps get filled in. I am trying to make the very difficult chemistry as simple as I can. Please ask questions if I lose you!

Component                    Function                     Sample Ingredients

Solvent                          Dye vehicle               Water, Propylene glycol,  Ethanol,  Glycerin

Surfactant              Foaming, thickening          Sodium lauryl sulfate, Ceteareth-  Cocoamide MEA, Oleth-5

Alkali                      Swell hair, bleaching                   Ammonia, Monoethanolamine

Buffer                    Stabilize, reproducible             Disodium phosphate, Citric acid

Dye precursors             Impart color                    P-Aminophenol,1-Naphtol,P-Phenylenediamine,
                                                                              4-Amino 2-hydroxytoluene

Fatty alcohols                           Emollients                  Glycerol stearate, Cetearyl alcohol

Quaternary compounds      Conditioning                 Polyquaternium, Cetrimonium chloride

Peroxide                         Oxidant, bleaching                      Hydrogen peroxide

Propylene Glycol - Propylene glycol (PG) is a clear, colorless liquid with the consistency of syrup. It is practically odorless and tasteless. It is hygroscopic (attracts water), has low toxicity and outstanding stability, as well as high flash and boiling points, low vapor pressure and broad solvency. In addition, propylene glycol is an excellent solvent for many organic compounds and is completely water-soluble. These properties make PG ideal for a wide array of applications, such as, Antifreezes, Coolants and Aircraft Deicing Fluids, Chemical Intermediates, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Flavors and Fragrances, Food, Heat Transfer Fluids, Hydraulic Fluids, Pharmaceuticals, Plasticizers, Solvents and Thermoset Plastic Formulation. Propylene glycol (PG) is manufactured from propylene oxide, a petroleum-based raw material. As the leading global producer of PG, Dow manufactures approximately 1.2 billion pounds annually.

PG is the main ingredient in the oil dispersant Corexit, and was used in great quantities during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill . Corexit has come under scrutiny for probable adverse effects on marine life and humans that are exposed to it. Propylene glycol has also come under scrutiny, as it is the chemical that disperses Corexit and the oil to subsurface depths.

Ethanol  - alcohol also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid.

Glycerin - Glycerol (or glycerine, glycerin) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol is sweet-tasting and of low toxicity.

 Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). SLES is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. SLES, SLS, ALS and sodium pareth sulfate are surfactants that are used in many cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. They behave similarly to soap -also a known irritant.

Ceteareth 25 - Ceteareths are the polyethylene glycol esters of Cetearyl Alcohol. The properties of Ceteareths are dependent on the degree of polymerization of the polyethylene glycol segment. In cosmetics and personal care products, they are used as surfactants. Ceteareth-2 to -18 are used asemulsifying agents; Ceteareth-20 to -40 are used as solubilizing and cleansing agents; Ceteareth-22 is used as an emulsifying agent and a viscosity decreasing agent; and Ceteareth-50 to -100 are used as cleansing agents.

Cocamide MEA is derived from the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). In cosmetics and personal care products, Cocamide MEA is used in the formulation of bath soaps and shampoo.

CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel considered data from previous safety assessments of Coconut Oil and its derivatives, Monoethanolamine (MEA), Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine), Stearamide DEA and MEA, Isostearamide DEA and MEA, and Myristamide DEA and MEA in the evaluation of Cocamide MEA. These data suggested little acute, short-term, or chronic toxicity associated with dermal application. The CIR Expert Panel noted that MEA vapor was highly toxic but did not consider this significant since there was no vapor that arises from Cocamide MEA. The CIR Expert Panel noted that, unlike DEA, MEA has not been found to form a stable nitrosamine. However, MEA can react with an aldehyde to form DEA, which then can be nitrosated. Dermal application of Cocamide MEA at concentrations of 50% was nonirritating to only mildly irritating tests. Cocamide MEA was negative for mutagenicity in bacteria. In clinical tests, Cocamide MEA at a concentration of 50% was not irritating in a single-insult patch test.

OLETH-5: Oleth-5 is a polyethylene glycol ether of Oleyl Alcohol (q.v.). Function(s): Fragrance Ingredient; Surfactant - Emulsifying Agent Synoym(s): PEG-5 OLEYL ETHER; POLYOXYETHYLENE (5) OLEYL ETHER, mineral oil.

Monoethanolomine -  used in  the following applications:  Cement – to enhance strength, reduce drying time and protect against the effects of freezing and thawing , Gas treating – for a variety of natural gas, petrochemical, and oil treatments , Metalworking fluids – to neutralize acid components in lubricants, prevent corrosion and rusting, and for proprietary corrosion inhibitors and biocides, Personal-care products – to make ethanolamine-based soaps for use in hand lotions, cosmetic creams, cleansing creams, shaving creams, and shampoos; also for dry-cleaning solvents and heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents, Pharmaceuticals – as raw materials in the production of certain pharmaceuticals, Printing inks – to control pH in the formulation of packaging and printing inks, Textiles and textile additives – as aids to clean and scour textiles, facilitate wetting, and improve lather and ease of soap removal, Wood treating – for wood-preservative alternatives (arsenic is one chemical that was once used)

Disodium phosphate - Disodium hydrogen phosphate, (Na2HPO4)   is sodium salt of phosphoric acid. It is a white powder that is highly hygroscopic and water soluble. [1] It is therefore used commercially as an anti-caking additive in powdered products. It is also known as disodium hydrogen orthophosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate or sodium phosphate dibasic. It is commercially available in both the hydrated and anhydrous forms.  PH of disodium hydrogen phosphate water solution is between 8.0 and 11.0.

4-Aminophenol is the organic compound with the formula H2NC6H4OH. Typically available as a white powder, it is commonly used as a developer in black-and-white film, marketed under the name Rodinal. Raw materials required: SULFURIC ACID Nitrophenol 4-NITROCATECHOL N-Phenylhydroxylamine Sodium 4-nitrophenoxide Hydrochloric acid 4-Nitrophenol Iron Sulfuric acid Sodium metabisulfite. Used in the production of sulfer, and AZO dyes.

1-Naphthol, or α-naphthol, is an organic compound with the formula C10H7OH. It is a white solid. It is an isomer of 2-naphthol differing by the location of the hydroxyl group on the naphthalene ring. Used in dyes, pesticides, and rubber production.

p-Phenylenediamine is an organic compound with the formula C6H42. This derivative of aniline is a white solid, but samples can darken due to air oxidation. It is mainly used as a component of dying hair and furs, but is also used as a vulcanization accelerator in rubber.

4-Amino-2-hydroxytoluene –   Synonyms: 5-Amino-o-cresol, 3-Hydroxy-4-methylaniline 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene is a substituted aromatic compound used in the formulation of permanent hair dyes, colors and tints. (From the European Commission) Based on the information provided, the Scientific Community for Consumer Products  (SCCP) is of the opinion that the use of 4-amino-2-hydroxytoluene itself as an oxidative hair dye substance at a maximum concentration of 1.5% in the finished cosmetic product (after mixing with hydrogen peroxide) does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer, apart from its sensitizing potential.

 Polyquaternium is the International calling card for Conditioner. (or,  if you  want to understand it) It is the nomenclature for the Cosmetic Ingredients designation for several polycationic polymers that are used in the personal care industry. Polyquaternium is a “name” used to emphasize the presence of quaternary ammonium centers in the polymer. INCI has approved at least 37 different polymers under the polyquaternium designation. Different polymers are distinguished by the numerical value that follows the word "polyquaternium". Polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-7, and polyquaternium-47 are three examples, each a chemically different type of polymer. The numbers are assigned in the order in which they are registered rather than because of their chemical structure. Polyquaterniums find particular application in conditioners, shampoo, hair mousse, hair spray, hair dye, and contact lens solutions. Because they are positively charged, they neutralize the negative charges of most shampoos and hair proteins and help hair lie flat. Their positive charges also ionically bond them to hair and skin. Some have antimicrobial properties. It should be said that numerous companies supply a variety of these polyquaternium products and hence there are many more trade names that could be listed under the trade names column.

Cetrimonium chloride is a topical antiseptic. It is also commonly used in hair conditioners and shampoos, as a conditioning agent EWG rates it as a 6. Cetrimonium Chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium salt that is used as a light hair conditioning agent. Its use in conditioners and cream rinses improves both wet and dry combing and reduces static electricity.  As it is cationic, it is used primarily in conditioning products rather than in shampoos.

The more I learn, the more I wonder...

Yesterday I went to the amazing skin doctor that I am so blessed to have. As I was sitting there, he was telling me that my face was finally doing okay. (Acne cream, still being applied at 44!) I mentioned to him that I have been having great results with the organic henna, and with adding the other herbals for pigment changes. He then asked me if I did any "patch testing", to which I replied, of course. I explained my 3 test theory, and how it seems to work well. I asked him why that was his first reaction, because most people don't ask me that. He continued to tell me that last week he had a man come in who had "blistering burns on his scalp from henna." I was immediately thinking that the patient he was speaking of must be using a box product, with compound henna, or possibly something with another ingredient. I know it is common to be reactive to indigo, but I could not tell this man who has been SO amazing any of the information I have learned in my research. (The horrors! Little 'ole me?) It does, however, show me that I do need to step up and get moving on taking the Organic Chemistry classes on the computer that I have lined up. It would help me explain some of the connections to the other chemicals better. I know I can't possibly be the only person who is re-searching this, as I have a friend in England who is doing similar work. I guess I have to wait to learn more, to connect more dots.

One more thing: Henna has Iron Oxide in it. That is what gives hair that orange look. Would it be possible that the man was allergic to that? PPD has an orange/gold  when used in food, and possibly cheap amber colored liquor, and also when you look into the pigments used in some tattoos. -I have been unable to make the complete connections with chemicals there, but I am working on it. I only know that there have been problems with people and allergies with these things, and that they could be related. Maybe there is another factor at play, and it is being missed? I have no idea, but I will keep working on it.

OR CHEM...BE DAMNED!!