Health

The Hidden Dangers of Dyed Hair Extensions: Allergies, Rashes, and Health Risks

The use of dyed hair extensions has become a popular trend, offering a wide range of vibrant colours to enhance personal style. However, beneath the allure of these colourful hair attachments lies a growing concern over their potential health risks. Experts and users alike have raised alarms about the adverse effects of the chemicals used in hair dyes and extensions, which can trigger skin rashes, facial swelling, and other health complications.

Personal Experiences Highlight the Risks

For Itee Akrasi, an Akwa Ibom indigene, the use of coloured hair extensions came at a cost. She experienced tiny, reddish, and itchy raised bumps whenever she used synthetic hair extensions or applied hair dye. The discomfort was so severe that it led her to cut her long, natural hair.

“Any synthetic extension that is tough, regardless of the colour, once it touches my skin, I start reacting. It is an instant reaction, and that place (neck and other exposed skin) will be covered with rashes,” Akrasi told FRONTPAGE health.

Akrasi’s experience is not unique. Blessing Omoniyi, another user, shared her struggles with hair extensions on social media, revealing that she discovered she was allergic to them after years of discomfort.

The Science Behind the Reactions

Hair extensions and dyes often contain a cocktail of chemicals, including acrylics, acrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, PVC, silicone, polyester, and sometimes vinyl. Additional chemicals like formaldehyde, sulphates, and parabens may also be present, depending on the type of hair attachment.

According to Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, President of the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN), these chemicals can pose significant health risks. He explained that dyes, particularly synthetic ones, are used to enhance the visual appeal of hair extensions but can lead to allergic reactions, scalp burns, and even long-term health issues.

“Coloured hair extensions can pose more harm than black ones due to the chemical processes involved in achieving vibrant shades,” Ogunmoyela said. “The process usually involves strong bleaching agents like ammonia and peroxide, which strip the hair of its natural pigment before applying colour. This additional processing not only weakens the hair fibres but also leaves behind chemical residues that may irritate the scalp and skin.”

Health Risks Associated with Hair Dyes

The chemicals in hair dyes and extensions can cause a range of adverse effects, including:

Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Many users report itching, redness, and rashes after using dyed hair extensions. In severe cases, facial swelling and contact dermatitis can occur.
Respiratory Issues: Inhaling fumes from hair dyes, particularly those containing ammonia and peroxide, can cause breathing difficulties, especially for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Hair Damage: Frequent use of hair dyes and extensions can weaken hair strands, leading to hair loss and thinning.
Long-Term Health Risks: Some chemicals, such as Azo dyes and paraphenylenediamine (PPD), have been linked to carcinogenic effects and hormonal disruptions.

Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk

Certain groups are more susceptible to the adverse effects of hair dyes and extensions:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Chemicals like lead acetate, phthalates, and Azo dyes can affect hormonal balance and foetal development.
Individuals with Sensitive Skin or Allergies: Those prone to allergies or with sensitive skin are more likely to experience severe reactions.
Children and Teenagers: Their delicate skin and developing immune systems make them more vulnerable to irritation and allergic reactions.
Frequent Users: Prolonged exposure to hair dyes increases the risk of cumulative chemical exposure, potentially leading to long-term health concerns.

Market Trends and Consumer Awareness

The global hair extension market is booming, valued at $2.58 bi ll i o n in 2023 an d p ro j ec t e d t o re a c h$ 4.77 billion by 2032. In Nigeria, the demand for hair extensions continues to grow, driven by social media trends and the desire for versatile hairstyles.

However, many consumers remain unaware of the potential risks associated with dyed hair extensions. A visit to Yaba Market, a hub for hair extensions in Lagos, revealed that while some stylists and traders are cautious about the quality of products they sell, others prioritize affordability over safety.

Favour, a stylist and retailer, noted that certain colours, such as shades 27 (gold) and 30 (dark gold), are particularly popular. However, she acknowledged that synthetic extensions, which are cheaper, often come with a strong chemical smell and can cause adverse reactions.

Expert Recommendations for Safe Use

To minimize the risks associated with dyed hair extensions, experts recommend the following precautions:

Choose Natural or Certified-Safe Dyes: Opt for extensions dyed with natural, non-toxic, or certified-safe dyes.
Conduct a Patch Test: Before using a new hair dye or extension, test a small section on your skin to check for allergic reactions.
Avoid Prolonged Scalp Contact: Limit the time hair dyes and extensions are in direct contact with your scalp to reduce irritation.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Rinse extensions with sulfate-free shampoos to remove excess dyes or chemicals.
Monitor for Allergic Reactions: Watch out for itching, rashes, or breathing difficulties, and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.
Dispose of Old Extensions Properly: Over time, synthetic extensions may shed harmful microplastics or chemical residues.

Call for Regulatory Action

Prof. Ogunmoyela emphasized the need for regulatory bodies to enforce safety measures and ensure that manufacturers adhere to strict guidelines. He also called for greater consumer awareness about the potential hazards of hair dyes and extensions.

“Industries must responsibly use and dispose of colourants to prevent health risks and environmental damage,” he said. “Consumers and manufacturers should stay informed about potential hazards and safer alternatives.”

Conclusion

While dyed hair extensions offer a quick and easy way to change one’s appearance, the potential health risks cannot be ignored. From skin rashes and allergic reactions to long-term health concerns, the chemicals in hair dyes and extensions pose significant dangers, particularly for vulnerable groups.

As the hair extension market continues to grow, it is crucial for consumers to prioritize safety and make informed choices. By opting for natural or certified-safe products and following expert recommendations, individuals can enjoy the benefits of hair extensions without compromising their health.

Regulatory bodies and manufacturers must also play their part by ensuring that hair dyes and extensions meet safety standards and do not pose unnecessary risks to consumers. Only through collective efforts can the beauty industry strike a balance between aesthetics and health.