I had my eyebrows tinted with henna on June 21 after not having this service for several years due…read moreto not being local. Before the appointment, I mentioned that I have sensitive skin. Despite that, there was no discussion about whether the henna formula had changed since my previous visits, no explanation that the product contained PPD (a common allergen), and no offer to perform a patch test before applying the tint.
Within hours of leaving the salon, my eyebrows became swollen, red, and intensely itchy. By the following day, I had developed clusters of blisters where the tint had been applied, and my skin was clearly having an allergic reaction. I spent Sunday treating the symptoms with Benadryl and Cortizone-10, and by Monday I had to seek care at urgent care, where I was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and prescribed a stronger steroid cream. On Tuesday morning, I wrote an email requesting a refund and attaching a photo to which I have received no acknowledgment or reply.
Unfortunately, the experience didn't end there. On Tuesday morning, I experienced an anxiety attack because of how severe the reaction had become. Later that afternoon, I developed a severe migraine, and over the following days I noticed eyebrow hairs beginning to fall out in the affected areas.
The urgent care provider explained that my reaction was consistent with an allergy to PPD, a chemical commonly added to henna dyes to create a darker, longer-lasting color. While I understand that allergic reactions can happen and that salons are not medical professionals, PPD allergies are well documented. Given that I specifically mentioned having sensitive skin, I believe the salon should have informed me that the product contained PPD, discussed the risk of allergic reactions, asked about prior sensitivities, or at minimum offered a patch test before proceeding.
I've had this same service at this salon in the past without incident, which makes the lack of any conversation about the product or potential risks even more disappointing. What should have been a routine cosmetic service resulted in weeks of pain, medication, medical treatment, significant stress, and temporary hair loss.
I cannot recommend this service or salon based on my experience and the fact that I've received no reply to my email. Note that I am too upset over the event to call the salon again. I hope the salon takes additional precautions to better inform clients and help prevent someone else from going through what I did. While I previously supported this small business, I will never return.
