Tony Varghese, a 41-year-old sales director from Rainham, east London, experienced a severe allergic reaction to hair dye that left his head swollen and red after a family wedding.
On July 24, Varghese applied an over-the-counter hair dye to cover some grey hairs before attending his cousin’s wedding in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. He skipped the recommended patch test for allergies.
During the wedding on July 25 and 26, Varghese began feeling itchiness on his scalp. By July 26, he noticed his ears and face were swelling, though it was not immediately obvious to others. Despite this, he continued with the celebrations.
The following day, as his symptoms worsened, Varghese realized the severity of his condition when he saw his swollen face. Concerned for his health, his cousins urged him to call an ambulance. He was taken to the hospital, where he received treatment including IV fluids, antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamines, and stayed for four days.
Varghese, who had never experienced an allergic reaction before, admitted he was initially careless about the risks of hair dye. He remarked, “I never imagined it would be this severe. I thought the worst I’d face was a bit of an itchy scalp.”
Now, Varghese plans to embrace his grey hair and avoid future dyeing. “I have a full head of hair with a few grey strands, and that’s enough for me,” he said.