Bar Manager Suffers Severe Allergic Reaction to Hair Dye

UPDATE: A bar manager in Cwmbran, South Wales, is recovering after a severe allergic reaction to Clairol Nice N’ Easy hair dye left her face swollen and painful. Tiffany Clissett, 36, experienced a dramatic transformation after dyeing her hair on October 2, 2025, leading to a shocking medical emergency just days later.

Clissett, who had been dyeing her hair black for nearly a decade, decided to try the Clairol product without performing a patch test. Three days post-application, she reported feeling a tightness in her scalp, describing it as if she had undergone Botox. As the day progressed, her forehead began to swell, ultimately causing her eyes to nearly close.

On October 6, Clissett woke to find her hair wet from pus-filled blisters that had erupted on her scalp. Alarmed by the severity of her condition, she immediately sought medical attention. At her appointment, the doctor confirmed she had suffered a significant allergic reaction and prescribed antihistamines and steroid cream.

In an emotional recount, Tiffany stated, “Everyone said I looked like Drop Dead Fred when he got his head slammed in the fridge. It got a bit serious as the swelling increased.” She further reflected, “By the next morning, I looked like I had been in a ring with Mike Tyson.”

Clissett’s condition forced her to take a week off work due to the severity of the reaction. Thankfully, after following her treatment regimen, the swelling subsided within a week, and the scabs healed over the next three weeks. However, she still bears the physical reminders of her traumatic experience.

Now, Tiffany is urging others to prioritize safety when using at-home dye kits. “I will maybe now go to a hairdresser and do a proper patch test,” she stressed. “People need to make sure they do a patch test as it’s not worth the risk.”

Experts recommend conducting a patch test before applying hair dye to avoid adverse reactions. This test should be performed behind the ear or in the inner elbow, regardless of previous use of the product.

Clairol has been contacted for comment regarding this alarming incident.

This shocking story serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers associated with hair dye and reinforces the importance of safety precautions. As Clissett’s case highlights, neglecting a simple patch test can lead to life-altering consequences.

Tiffany Clissett’s experience is a wake-up call for anyone considering at-home hair treatments. Share this urgent warning to ensure others stay informed and safe!