WHEN Zara Sutton tried to dye her hair, she never imagined the result would be anything like this.

The dye left her face and head swollen and blotchy, and 15-year-old Zara will need to take steroids and anti-histamine drugs to reduce the swelling.

Within days of using the non-permanent dye, Zara needed medical attention.

Now manufacturers Procter & Gamble have promised to pay for a dermatologist to investigate the cause of her reaction.

Zara, of Tang Hall Lane, York, used the £3.99 Clairol Lasting Color product, which is designed to provide "rich, natural-looking colour".

Its formula is described as "ammonia-free" and "truly gentle". The colour is intended to wash out after 24 shampoos.

Zara's mother, Sharon, said: "Zara did her hair last Sunday. She felt a burning sensation on her head the next day, and it just got worse and worse from then on.

"It got so bad we took her to the doctor, and now she's on a course of anti-histamines and steroids. She'll be on the steroids for four days, and she'll have to take the anti-histamines until the swelling goes down. She's used different types of hair dyes before, but nothing like this has ever happened.

"It was a terrible shock for all of us. The doctor told us it's a severe allergic reaction, and eventually it will get better. We just have to wait until nature takes its course.

"School term started this week, but obviously she won't be able to go back just yet - she can hardly see out of her eyes. Until now she had a 100 per cent attendance record.

"We contacted Clairol straight away and they've been very helpful. They apologised, and told us that it can sometimes happen. They said we did the right thing by contacting the doctor."

Zara said: "It's really sore and it stings a lot. The doctors told me it should start to get better this weekend, but it was a horrible way to start the New Year. It's definitely put me off dyeing my hair ever again."

Andrew Richardson, a colour specialist at Blow Hairdressing, in Fishergate, York, said: "My advice would be always be careful with these kits, and test any product on a patch behind your ear before using it."

A spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble (P&G) said: "We are sorry to hear about Ms Sutton's reaction. Hair colourants are safe consumer products. However, in rare instances some people can become sensitive to a particular ingredient.

"We will refer Ms Sutton to a conveniently-located dermatologist, who will carry out patch testing at P&G's expense to help determine the cause of her sensitivity."

She urged anyone who wanted more information about hair dyes to phone the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfume Association on 0207 4918891.

Updated: 10:32 Friday, January 07, 2005