“Hair braiding is actually unregulated, so we don’t know exactly what’s in it,” says the Los Angeles-based dermatologist. zoe indigo smithMD. “But what we do know is that one possible cause of scalp irritation is the coating,” Smith says.When hair is heated, other compounds are released from the coating. It points out that this is possible and may cause further concern.
What are the possible risks of wearing synthetic hair braids?
The main concerns people experience with synthetic hair are scalp irritation and the side effects of irritation. Dr. Smith says that allergic reactions (and associated inflammation) caused by any of the ingredients in synthetic braided hair can cause further side effects, particularly hair loss. “Hair is like grass. If the soil isn’t right and it doesn’t get the nutrients it needs due to inflammation, the grass will spring up,” says Dr. Smith. In this case, the grass may be hair. Dr. Smith says that if left untreated, irritation can contribute to a type of hair loss.
There has also been speculation that synthetic braids may be linked to cancer due to the use of vinyl chloride in the hair’s chemical coating. one study shows that when synthetic hair is scorched or heated to temperatures above 250°C, toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are released. Inhaling these VOCs could theoretically increase health risks for both knitters and knitters, but further research is needed to clarify risks of this magnitude.
How to properly clean synthetic braid before installation
When using synthetic hair, the best way to prevent scalp irritation is to properly cleanse your braided hair. All you need is an apple cider vinegar rinse. A hairstylist based in Chicago will be in charge. brenda johnson (No relation to Cynthia) Apparently it’s a mixture of 2/3 water and 1/3 ACV. Mix this up in a large container large enough to hold all of your hair or in the sink and let your synthetic braids soak in the rinse solution for up to an hour.
This is more effective than using other cleansing products such as shampoo. Because raw ACV (even when diluted with water) is acetic acid, and its chemical coating can neutralize the alkaline nature of your hair, making it more compatible with the natural state of your scalp. pH. “Like Kanekeron hair, the coating on braided hair has a high pH,” explains Cynthia, a cosmetic chemist. Apple cider vinegar lowers the pH of synthetic hair (usually 9-11 after processing) to the pH of natural human hair and skin (4.5-5.5).
https://www.allure.com/story/synthetic-braiding-hair-irritation