Trichocare Diagnostics readies hair dye allergy test

UK-based Trichocare Diagnotics says it has applied for marketing authorisation for the sale of its Colourstart hair dye allergy test as a medical product.

Once authorisation has been granted, the company says that approval would mean the kit could be sold directly to consumers through pharmacies and to the hair care salon industry.

The kits test for sensitivity to PPD- para-phenylenedimine, a chemical that is used in many permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes, and which has also been linked to serious allergic reactions for some users.

The company claims that in recent years the wider uptake up hair dyes - especially amongst younger and male consumers, has made this type of allergic reaction a more widespread problem.