UPDATE: A bar manager from Cwmbran, South Wales, has shared a shocking account of a severe allergic reaction to Clairol Nice ‘n Easy hair dye that left her face grotesquely swollen, comparing her appearance to a character from the movie “Drop Dead Fred.” Tiffany Clissett, 36, experienced the reaction just days after applying the dye on October 2, 2025.
Clissett had been coloring her hair black for nearly a decade but decided to try Clairol’s product without performing a necessary patch test. Just three days later, she reported feeling a tightness in her scalp, which quickly escalated. “I looked in the car mirror and could see my head was swollen and poking out. It looked really tight and shiny like I’d had Botox,” she stated.
The alarming progression continued as the swelling spread to her eyes, causing them to nearly close. Waking up on October 6, Clissett discovered pus-filled blisters on her scalp had burst, leaving her hair wet and prompting an urgent visit to her GP.
At the medical appointment, doctors confirmed her fears: she had suffered an allergic reaction to the dye. Clissett was prescribed antihistamines and steroid cream for her inflamed scalp. “Everyone said I looked like Drop Dead Fred when he got his head slammed in the fridge,” she recalled, describing the surreal mix of laughter and concern among her friends.
Following the traumatic incident, Clissett needed to take a week off work to recover from the swelling and pain, which she described as a painful ordeal. “This was quite traumatizing to go through. People need to make sure they do a patch test as it’s not worth it,” she emphasized, advising others to prioritize safety before using at-home dye kits.
Clairol has been contacted for comment regarding this incident, which has raised awareness about the potential dangers of hair dye products. Experts recommend conducting a patch test before every application, regardless of previous use, as some individuals may develop sensitivities over time.
The hair dye industry often overlooks these risks, but Clissett’s experience highlights the importance of consumer awareness. As she recovers, Clissett is now considering professional hair dye services to avoid further incidents.
This alarming case serves as a crucial reminder for anyone using hair dye products: always perform a patch test to avoid potentially severe allergic reactions.
