A mother has been left scarred for life and says her life was ruined after having an allergic reaction to a bottle of hair dye.
Tammy Parker, 31, is now warning others about the dangers of dying their hair without doing a skin test and says her carelessness left her with painful and itchy skin.
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The mother-of-two had used Clairol Nice N Easy permanent black dye before, but in January she topped up her roots without testing it on her skin.
The next morning Tammy claims she woke up to a pillow drenched with black dye, a swollen cone-shaped head and an angry red rash over her face, neck and chest.
After a trip to the doctors the following morning, Tammy was told she was suffering an allergic reaction and prescribed antibiotics, steroid tablets, steroid cream and antihistamines.
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While the initial rash cleared up in a week, Tammy says it then spread to her arms, legs and stomach and was so itchy the mum would wake up bleeding after scratching in her sleep – leaving permanent scars.
Full-time mum Tammy has been forced to chop off eight inches of damaged hair and will never be able to dye it again.
Tammy of Hull, East Yorks, said: It has been awful. The past 15 months have been a living hell. I can honestly say it has ruined my life. Im covered in scars and Ill never be able to dye my hair again.
My rash felt like a really bad sun burn, my skin was on fire. I kept telling my husband I was burning up. It felt like if I ran a brush through my hair it would have all come out.
When I went to the doctor I was really dizzy and breathless. They knew immediately that Id had a bad reaction to my hair dye and gave me steroids, antibiotics and creams.
It was so itchy I would scratch in the night and wake up bleeding. If you just touched one of the bumps of the rash it would drop off and bleed.
I was all swollen and gained weight from the steroids, I felt disgusting and drained of all energy. Parts of that year are just a horrible blur.
I spent all of last summer in the blistering heat, wrapped up trying to hide my red skin. Ive got permanent scars now but Im trying to accept it.
The mum, who lives with her husband Gavin Parker, 34, and their kids Aimee Parker, 10, and Ryan Parker, two, said: I had used the exact same brand so many times before that I just didnt realise I could suddenly have an allergic reaction to it.
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I always thought Id been really safe with my hair, avoiding bleach and using the same product but looking back now not doing a skin test was stupid.
Dyes are filled with strong chemicals and I know now first-hand how serious the consequences can be.
Even if they told me I could dye my hair again now, I wouldnt, its just not worth the risk. And I will never let my daughter use a home dying kit.
While Tammy insists she has nobody to blame but herself for the agony she endured, Clairol manufacturers Coty said they were sorry to hear what the mum had been through.
A spokeswoman for Coty said: The safety of the people who use our products is our first and most important priority so were very concerned to hear about Tammys experience.
Allergic reactions are very rare and hair colourants are extensively researched to ensure they are safe when used as directed.
We would appreciate it very much if Tammy would contact us to discuss the matter further.
We remain committed to making hair colour a safe and enjoyable experience.
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