Why Son Jina doesn't dye her gray hair? "Itchy and inflamed"

On the 18th, actress Ji Daehan and Son Ji-na appeared on KBS JOY's "Ask Anything" and shared their concerns about their acting careers.

First, Ji Daehan mentioned, “I’ve been in the film industry for about 30 years. From small roles to supporting roles, I’ve never played a good character. Even as a detective, I played a corrupt one, not a righteous one. We’re not as bad as we seem. I have a gentle look and have been told that I’m good at comedy and want to try romantic roles, but no one offers them to me. Do I have to keep playing gangsters with this face?” He expressed his frustration.

Lee Soogeun commented to Son Jina, saying, “You left a strong impression as Yeonjin’s mother in The Glory, but in person, you’re so gentle.” Seo Janghoon then asked Son Jina, “Do you dye your hair?”

In response, Son Jina explained, “This is my natural hair. I do dye it occasionally when necessary, but my skin is sensitive, and my scalp reacts with irritation and fluid discharge, so I have to scratch it for about a month, which is painful. I get white hair, but I thought maybe I could make use of it instead.”

Sensitive Scalps or Allergies Can Make Hair Dyeing Difficult

For people with sensitive scalps like Son Jina, dyeing hair can be problematic. The chemical ingredients in hair dye can cause irritation. Hair dye typically contains PPD (para-phenylenediamine) and oxidizing agents, which, when mixed, can partially oxidize the PPD. This may lead to symptoms such as stinging, itching, redness, and discomfort on the scalp, especially for those with sensitive skin.

If someone has an allergy to these ingredients, the symptoms can be more severe. Itching, redness, and rashes may develop, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur, leading to difficulty breathing, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention by calling 119 or going to the emergency room.

How to Safely Dye Hair with Sensitive Scalp

However, there are ways to dye hair safely even with a sensitive scalp. One method is to apply a scalp-protecting product before dyeing, which prevents the dye from coming into direct contact with the scalp. It’s important to apply this product thoroughly around the hairline and crown of the head, where dye tends to touch most.

Choosing the right dye is also crucial. These days, there are hair dyes formulated with low-irritation ingredients, such as those that exclude ammonia. When dyeing, it’s important to avoid applying the dye directly to the scalp, and if there’s any inflammation or injury on the scalp, it’s better to avoid dyeing altogether.

After dyeing, it’s essential to rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly to remove any residue and to use scalp-soothing products to calm the irritated scalp. For a few days after dyeing, avoid irritating the scalp, and use a mild, low-irritation shampoo.

Always Perform a Patch Test Before Dyeing

Before using any dye, it’s crucial to perform a patch test. This test checks the skin's reaction to the dye’s ingredients. To perform the patch test, apply a small amount of dye to the inside of the arm or behind the ear (about the size of a coin) and wait. If there’s itching, hives, or redness, the dye should not be used.