Scientists at Imperial College London are now looking into the link between Covid-19 and allergic reactions, specifically how the disease could be reprogramming our immune system.

It comes after hairdressers say they have seen an increased number of clients suffer new allergic reactions to hair dye after catching Covid.

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Oxford hairdresser Anne Veck says she has not seen this in her salon but like all hair salons have insisted on skin allergy patch tests for all colour clients for a 'very long time'.

She said: "We now ensure that all clients receive a skin test every six months or if they are having an extreme colour change. The reported increase in allergic reactions to colour due to Covid, reinforces the necessity for this.

"A few years ago there was a campaign called 'keep colour professional'. Which means, don't get your colour done at a salon that does not insist you take an allergy test and, please, don't DIY at home with a box kit.

"To keep safe, get your hair coloured in a reputable salon that does regular skin testing."

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