How can material selection for hair stickers reduce damage to the scalp?

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I. Core principles of material selection: a scalp-health–driven logic

(1) Hypoallergenicity first, avoiding irritating ingredients
Approximately 35% of people have sensitive scalps, and the stratum corneum of a child’s scalp is only about one third the thickness of an adult’s, making it far less tolerant of chemical substances. Material selection should strictly follow the principle of “non-irritating, minimal additives,” prioritizing materials certified under EU REACH, U.S. FDA food-contact standards, or China’s GB/T 35950-2018 Safety Technical Specification for Children’s Cosmetics.
Particular attention should be paid to avoiding formaldehyde releasers, heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and pigments. These substances can easily penetrate through the scalp, triggering contact dermatitis or posing long-term health risks.

(2) Physical friendliness to reduce mechanical damage
Application and removal are the main stages where physical damage occurs. Materials must balance “moderate adhesion” with “easy removability.” Excessive adhesion can pull hair and scalp during removal, damaging hair follicles, while insufficient adhesion leads to frequent detachment and repeated reapplication, increasing friction and irritation.
At the same time, materials should be soft and conformable to avoid sharp or rigid edges scraping the scalp, thereby reducing pressure and friction damage during prolonged wear.

II. Core material selection: safety upgrades across three key modules

(1) Adhesives: the “first line of defense” in scalp contact
Adhesives are the primary materials in direct contact with the scalp, and their safety directly determines the risk of scalp damage.

Preferred safe options:
Medical-grade pressure-sensitive adhesives—such as acrylic and silicone PSAs—are the top choices. Medical-grade acrylic PSAs use water as a solvent and contain no volatile organic solvents such as toluene or xylene. They are extremely low in irritation, provide gentle adhesion, and leave no residue upon removal, making them suitable for most users, including children.
Silicone PSAs offer superior biocompatibility, with a soft, smooth feel and minimal friction against sensitive scalps, making them especially suitable for long-term wear or users with fragile scalps.

Adhesives to avoid:
Solvent-based rubber adhesives and hot-melt adhesives should be strictly excluded. Solvent-based rubber adhesives contain large amounts of VOCs that can easily cause redness and itching. Hot-melt adhesives have excessively strong adhesion, can pull hair during removal, and may generate harmful degradation products during high-temperature curing, posing long-term risks to scalp health.

(2) Base materials: the key to comfort and protection
As the carrier of hair stickers, the base material’s composition, thickness, and softness directly affect wearing comfort and scalp safety.

Preferred soft and breathable materials:
Nonwoven fabrics (especially pure cotton nonwovens), silk, and lightweight knitted fabrics are ideal options. Pure cotton nonwovens are soft and highly breathable, quickly absorbing sweat and preventing heat and moisture buildup. Silk is smooth and delicate, with an extremely low coefficient of friction, making it suitable for sensitive skin and children. Lightweight knitted fabrics combine elasticity with breathability, conforming well to the scalp contour and reducing pressure during wear.

Materials to avoid:
PVC rigid sheets and thick plastic films should be avoided. These materials are non-breathable and relatively heavy; long-term wear can cause heat and sweat accumulation, encouraging bacterial growth. Their rigid edges can also scrape the scalp, leading to physical injury.
If water resistance is required, breathable PU films can be used instead. Their breathability is 5–8 times higher than that of traditional PVC, and their softness prevents scalp compression.

(3) Decorative layer materials: balancing aesthetics and safety
Although decorative elements—such as prints, sequins, or feathers—do not directly contact the scalp, detached particles or released substances may indirectly cause irritation, so safety remains essential.

Printing materials:
Water-based inks or plant-based dyes are recommended, as they contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde, offer vivid colors, and resist flaking. Even if they come into contact with the scalp, they are unlikely to cause irritation. Solvent-based inks should be avoided, as their benzene derivatives readily volatilize, irritating the scalp and potentially harming health through inhalation.

III. Targeted material recommendations for special groups and scenarios

(1) Children: maximum gentleness and safety first
Children have delicate scalps and underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to scalp damage. Materials should meet “medical-grade safety standards.” Adhesives must be medical-grade PSAs; base materials should preferably be pure cotton nonwovens or silk; decorative layers should avoid sharp or small detachable components (such as small rhinestones or thin metal wires). Integrated printed designs or soft plush decorations are recommended instead.
In addition, products should have relatively low adhesion and be easy to remove. Parents are advised to conduct a 24-hour skin sensitivity test behind the ear or on the inner arm before use, and only proceed if no adverse reaction occurs.

IV. Material testing and usage support: further reducing risk

(1) Emphasizing third-party testing and certification
Beyond material selection, it is essential to review third-party testing reports to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards. EU REACH certification confirms the absence of substances of very high concern, U.S. FDA certification supports material biocompatibility, and China’s GB/T 35950-2018 standard imposes stringent safety requirements for children’s products. Products that have passed these certifications offer a higher level of assurance in material safety.