Chemical burns to scalp from hair bleach: a retrospective case series

Background: Hair bleaching has become a common cosmetic procedure and the use of cytotoxic chemicals can cause serious burns to the skin. Methods: A retrospective case series from 2016 to 2020 in the two major statewide tertiary referral burns centres in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Results: We present 14 patients (mean age 27 years) with skin burns secondary to hair-bleaching procedures. The majority of these burns had full thickness components (71%, n = 10) requiring grafting surgery (n = 6). The mean size of all burns was 0.6 per cent (0.1%–2.5%) of total body surface area. One patient received adequate first aid at the time of injury. Most burns occurred in a professional setting (71%, n = 10). Conclusion: This case series highlights the dangerous nature of hair-bleaching chemicals. Rigorous education, training, first aid management, and clear informed consent between proceduralists and clients are needed in order to prevent this physiologically and psychologically debilitating accidental injury.