Photo credit: Emily Innes-Leroux/The Chronicle
The practice of gluing hair extensions onto the scalp of women of African ancestry should be avoided to prevent the occurrence of alopecia, said dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, who presented at the second annual Skin Spectrum Summit in Toronto.
“I am extremely opposed to the use of hair glue,” said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, dermatologist and director of Ethnic Skin Care in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami. “I recommend to all my patients to avoid glue because it can put them at risk for permanent alopecia.”
Dr. Woolery Lloyd added that the glue used to apply hair extensions is toxic and contains ingredients such as natural rubber, latex, ammonium hydroxide and colour.
Hair glue has been found to be associated with an anaphylactic reaction, said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
Presently, there seems to be a movement toward more natural hairstyle practices among women of African ancestry, said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
“This natural hairstyle trend will hopefully prevent the occurrence of hair disorders among women of African ancestry,” she said.
More information about the Skin Spectrum Summit at www.skinspectrum.ca