Hair Allergies Preventing You from Wearing Quick Weaves and Sew-Ins
Hair Allergies Are Prevalent
And we sometimes dismiss them because it is just an itch. You can be allergic to the thread, hair glue, chemicals on hair or the hair type. The sad thing is you won't know until you have already had the quick weave or sew in done. While hair allergies seem to be rare, they are actually pretty, and you may have a hair allergy and not even know it.Type of Hair Allergies
Anytime your scalp is irritated and itching, there is something that is causing an allergic reaction to your hair. Whether you have a dry scalp or aAlkaline Base Coat on Synthetic Hair
This coat is placed on the synthetic strands to make it heat resistant. I mentioned this for two reasons: some people like to wear synthetic hair, and stylists use synthetic braiding hair for the base braid foundation of quick weaves and sew-ins. This chemical has been discovered to cause that itching you get when your hair is braided. Some people may think it is the actual hair extensions, but it more than likely is the synthetic braiding hair. While this does not entirely prevent you from getting a quick weave or sew in, this can cause considerable irritation to your scalp which will last throughout the installment of the hair extensions. To prevent this irritation/allergy merely use diluted vinegar and water to rid the hair of this coat. All you have to do is soak the braiding hair before your stylist installs the extensions. Soak the hair for 15-25 minutes or longer if you see fit, you will see the hair change a light brown color. Once the water turns a light brown, you will be able to tell that the alkaline base coat is no longer on the synthetic hair.Allergic Reaction to Hair Glue
When getting a quick weave, the stylist will glue the hair extensions onto a cap. If the stylist doesn't use a hair net, that glue can seep through the cap, onto your scalp possibly causing a red, itchy scalp. The reaction can also happen if you are directly placing the hair extensions onto your hair for a quick weave without a cap; which I do not recommend. If you realize that your scalp is allergic to the hair glue, that is because you are latex sensitive. Latex is a crucial ingredient in the traditional black hair glue, which explains its consistency. At the beginning of my hair extensions days, I glued a few tracks into my hair to add volume and definitely regretted it. Before I knew there was glue remover, I would glue tracks directly onto my scalp for a flat look while ignoring the itch. Little did I know that constant itching was my scalp trying to tell me that I was having an allergic reaction to the glue. An alternative to the black hair glue that we all are familiar with is to use the white hair glue, it has a water base, so it is the consistency of lotion. SalonPro has an excellent hair glue and takes water to come out of your hair. It does leave a little residue, but it does not irritate your skin because of the oils it contains. This glue is safer for your hair and scalp, most brands that I have seen or use essential oils. This is a common hair allergy that can prevent you from wearing quick weaves. While itching and redness seem mild, there are cases where the symptoms of the hair allergies can worsen. Once your scalp becomes irritated, it will flake badly which can cause tenderness to your scalp preventing you from being able to wear sew ins or quick weaves.Chemically Processed or Unprocessed Hair
It might not be for you. Sometimes, hair extensions don't agree with your scalp, and that will positively prevent you from wearing quick weaves and sew-ins. Chemically processed hair means the hair can be dyed, curled, etc. If you are buying hair extensions that are “natural black,” the dye can cause a hair allergy. Now all hair companies will not cause an allergic reaction but some may. And those are the ones you want to stay away from. Hair not chemically processed can be of lower quality. And while expensive doesn't always mean quality, super cheap hair may come unclean. Unclean hair can irritate as well, just as much as chemicals can. I have had one real allergic reaction to hair extensions, and It was my first time getting a sew in. I bought store bought hair because at this time the wholesale era was not a “thing” just yet. Long story short, I had to get medication from my doctor because my scalp was breaking out in hives; and was itching so bad I could not sleep. That was the last time I ever tried store-bought hair: lesson learned. If you buy store bought hair, don't let my experience turn you away. Just make sure that you are getting a reputable brand and washing the hair thoroughly before installation.Worth the Trial and Error
Beauty and hair are all about finding what works best for you and sticking with that. Its also about trial and error and trying new things. While there are more hair allergies to look out for, I feel these are some of the most important ones. And ones I can speak about personally. Look on forums, check out reviews and ask people about the brand of hair you decide to get. If you come across hair or products that cause a hair allergy that will prevent you from being able to rock your hair extensions, spread the word and leave that product/hair company alone. Remember, sharing is caring!2 comments
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Hello, about 11 years ago I went to my nephew’s aunt salon to get a perm and a rinse that was the worst beauty salon experience of my life. My hair was beautiful and I loved it but after the 3rd day my hair started itching real bad and i didn’t think nothing of it because i always thought as black women that was the norm we just pat our head but when I woke up that Saturday my face and head was swollen my eyes were swollen shut. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with sever scalp burns, and allergic reaction to PPD and had to go immediately to the Augusta Burn center for treatment to get the chemicals out of my pores. My scalp was red, irritated and oozing with pus from the pores being open. I had to take off from work for almost 1 month. They wanted to cut off all of my hair but one of the techs said they could put a solution of Dawn dishdetergent to strip the dye from my hair I had to go back and forth aswell as do it at home and put a sab on my scalp 4 to 5 times aday to help the oozing and heal the open pores. Well fast forward I haven’t had any type of perms, dyes or chemicals in my hair. I’ve been natural trying to save my hair but
ever since that incident I have been wearing wings or quick weaves. I even cut all of my hair off so I can start off fresh. Well i got a quick weave on December 05, 2022 and removed it in Jan 2023 because it started itching and I assumed it was from the black hair protector coat that she used. well as I started taking the weave out I noticed that I had bald spots on the side of my head and my hair line and a couple of bald spots throughout my head. this is something I never experienced before and was crying calling my daughter. I washed my hair made an appt. to a stylist who specializes in alopecia clients. I went in for a consultation and explained the situation and told him that I thought it was the black coat protector but wasn’t sure and if it was anything that he could do and to not use any type of black protector, black wraps and Ect. After looking over my head he said he would be able to do my hair well i went to get serviced on March 16, 2023 which at this time he washed my hair braided my natural hair up because you have to remember my hair started coming out so he said braiding it up would be better. He used a clear protector on my head after applying a stocking cap. It’s March the 23, 2023 and my hair has once again started to itch, tingle a little and feel like its possibly oozing so I’m going to wash it out when I get off. I just don’t understand whats happening to me and causing this reaction. I just paid 190.00 to get my hair done. I purchased 27 pieces and one pack of human hair. Now at this point I’m going to cut all my hair off bald and try to start from scratch again but I need to know is there anything that I can do to stop this itchy scalp. PLEASE i’m begging for help.
I recently got a quickweave using the glue and protestant. The stylist also used two caps just as an added protection. After 3 days my scalp began to itch and then burn. I had to remove the hair and when I did, my scalp was red and sore. I have alopecia so in the winter I prefer a style over a wig. But I am really wanting to do the weave. Could I be alergic to both the glue and protestant?
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