The daily use of lace wig adhesives on the skin has not been officially studied for long-term health hazards but it should be known that a small percentage of people are sensitive to the chemicals found in various lace wig adhesive products. It is also possible that using these products yearly on a daily basis could have some negative short and long-term effect on any users health. Until proper scientific studies have been conducted, every consumer uses these products at their own risk.
Toluene
A mentionable ingredient found in some popular lace wig glue adhesives is Toluene. Toluene is found in gasoline, acrylic paints, varnishes, lacquers, paint thinners, adhesives, glues, rubber cement, airplane glue, and shoe polish. At room temperature, toluene is a colorless, sweet smelling, volatile liquid. According to Scorecard – The Pollution Information Site, by comparison toluene is more hazardous than most chemicals in 2 out of 10 ranking systems.
Inhalation of toluene fumes can be intoxicating, but in larger doses nausea-inducing. Toluene may enter the human system not only through vapor inhalation from the liquid evaporation but also from absorption through the skin. The dangers of this chemical are very serious. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the short-term effects include: minor nervous system disorders such as fatigue, nausea, weakness, confusion. EPA has also concluded that the long-term effects of toluene has the potential to cause more pronounced nervous disorders such as spasms, tremors, impairment of speech, hearing, vision, memory, coordination; liver and kidney damage. A few notable products that contain this ingredient, so take caution when applying and read the ingredient list.
Latex
Latex is also known to be hazardous to some people that wear lace wig adhesives. This form of plastic is found in some lace wig tapes. This may cause concern for individuals that suffer from latex allergies. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, shock may occur; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.
Medically Safe Adhesives
Increasingly becoming more popular with full lace/front lace wig wearers and medically safe is Vapon, contact liquid adhesive and Supertape, which is formulated with a water-based adhesive that is skin and environmentally friendly.
By being educated about the ingredients used in lace wig adhesives and our bodies’ reaction to them, we are preserving our health while maintaining a great look.