Hair can be transformed in many ways. You can dye it, curl, straighten or braid it. You can also add extensions or other similar hair accessories.
However, while a transformed mane may look great and boost your confidence, it can also harbor dangers that you may be unaware of. Here are some of the dangers lurking in a transformed mane.
Chemicals
Transforming your hair often involves the use of chemicals, especially when dyeing your hair. The chemicals in hair dyes can be very hard on your hair, scalp, and even your overall health.
The chemical ingredients in hair dyes include ammonia, peroxide, and lead acetate, which can cause skin irritation, hair breakage, and even cancer. If you must dye your hair, make sure you go to a professional who uses organic hair dyes to mitigate the risks.
Heat Damage
Styling your hair with hot tools, such as straighteners or curling irons, can cause heat damage to your hair. Repeated use of such tools can lead to breakage, split ends, and dullness of your hair.
Moreover, if the heat tools are not used carefully, they can burn your scalp too. Always make sure you use heat protectant products before using hot tools, and resist the temptation to use them more frequently than necessary.
Hygiene
Transformed manes, especially those with extensions or weave-ons, require extra care to maintain their hygiene. Your hair extensions can harbor bacteria that can cause scalp infections, dandruff, and even stunted hair growth.
You may also unknowingly pick up lice or other pests if you share combs, hats, or hair accessories with others. Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent these problems, including regular shampooing, conditioning, and disinfecting your hair accessories.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, you can develop an allergic reaction to the chemicals used in hair dyes or even the glue used to attach your extensions. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include itching, rashes, and swelling, which can lead to hair loss if left untreated.
Always test a small patch on your skin before using a new chemical or hair accessory on your hair. Also, make sure you seek treatment promptly if you notice any allergic reactions.
Damage to Natural Hair
If you use extensions frequently, it can put a lot of strain on your natural hair. The weight of the extension can cause traction alopecia, a condition where hair loss occurs due to constant pulling.
Traction alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss around the hairline, a condition that requires medical treatment. Make sure you give your natural hair a break from extensions and other styling tools, to give it time to breathe and recover.
Cancer Risk
Several studies have suggested that frequent use of hair dyes may increase your risk of cancer. The chemicals used in hair dyes can penetrate your scalp, get into your bloodstream, and potentially cause cancer cells to develop.
However, the research on this area is still inconclusive. To reduce your risk of cancer, you can opt for less harmful hair dye products such as henna or organic hair dyes.
Hair Loss
Transforming your hair frequently can also lead to excessive hair loss. Bald patches, thinning hair, and receding hairlines are all signs of hair loss.
Hair loss can be caused by several factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and even improper hair care. To reduce your risk of hair loss, you should take care of your scalp and hair, eat a healthy diet, and reduce stress levels.
Conclusion
A transformed mane can make you look amazingly beautiful. However, it can also hidden dangers that can affect your overall health, looks, and confidence. It is crucial to be aware of these dangers and take precautionary measures to avoid them.
Always go to a professional stylist, use organic hair products, and maintain proper hygiene to keep your transformed mane looking great while keeping you healthy.