Are Hair Systems Safe?

Like many other big purchases, people are going to have a lot of questions before they buy a hair system. How much will it cost? Is it going to look real? And possibly the biggest question:

Are hair systems safe?

The short answer is yes, but there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about hair systems. We’re here to bust them.

Myth: Wearing A Hair System Will Cause Extra Hair Loss

Fact: With Proper Installation, Hair Systems Won’t Cause Extra Hair Loss

Bio hair can be damaged in many ways – adhesives pulling on the hair, issues with installation or removal, and a variety of other factors.

Fortunately, most of these problems can be solved by proper hair system installation. This guide will help you install systems correctly without causing any damage. The essential steps include:

• A patch test, to ensure the products you use don’t cause any reactions to the skin.
• Cleaning all of the surfaces that can impact installation with 99% alcohol, and shaving your bio hair where the system will be applied for a stronger bond.
• Applying a scalp protector to protect their scalp from possible irritation or reactions that can cause damage.
• If you're a professional, consulting your client beforehand about their lifestyle, environment, body chemistry, and other factors that may affect installation.

The guide and steps above will help to prevent any damage to your bio hair, and protect it from any extra, unnecessary hair loss.

Myth: Chemicals in Tapes Could Negatively Affect Wearers

Fact: Chemicals in Tapes Are Rendered Inert

A natural concern about hair systems are the ingredients in the adhesives used to stick them, specifically tape and the chemicals they are made with. Fears about potential side effects due to long-term exposure can put off clients.

While these concerns are understandable, chemical ingredients used in tapes are flashed off during the curing phase of the manufacturing process.  This renders the chemicals inert, or inactive, meaning that they are safe to use to bond systems to your client.

This makes tapes the most secure and safest option to choose when it comes to installing hair systems.

There is also the possibility of simply just being allergic to certain tapes, which will be discovered and addressed when performing a patch test to find different tapes that work well for you.

Myth: Hair System Products can Cause Irritation or Reactions to Wearers

Fact: The Right Products Will Not Cause Irritation or Reactions

Other issues with irritation or allergic reactions can come from the wrong products being used.

You can perform a patch test to see if the products you’ve chosen cause any reactions or irritations. If they don’t, then you’re all set to use them!

For professionals, a pre-install consultation with your client is the best way to determine which products work for them. What their body chemistry is like, the environment they live in, activities, etc., will help determine the best products for them. After consulting with your client, you should then perform a patch test.

Myth: Users May be at Risk From Polyurethane Products and Systems

Fact: Polyurethane is Not Harmful for Wearers

A concern centered towards poly system wearers, is the use of polyurethane itself. Is it skin-safe? Are there side effects? The answers? Yes and no.

Polyurethane is an inert material made by blending polyol and di-isocyanate together. And depending on the blend of the ingredients, can make polyurethane even safer than other components used in hair systems. 

In fact, polyurethane is used almost everywhere. Medical equipment, spandex, baby equipment, and playgrounds are just a few uses of polyurethane. So the worry for any side effects or harm is minimal.

With Walker Tape®, you can avoid the problems listed above. We offer high quality products to help you achieve the best bond and wear experience.