Nickel release from metal tools in the German hairdressing trade – a current analysis

Background

Nickel is one of the most common contact allergens. Despite EU regulations concerning maximum permissible release of nickel from metal objects, nickel release at inappropriately high levels from metal objects was detected in various studies.

Objectives

To screen the current nickel release from metal tools in the German hairdressing trade.

Methods

Two‐hundred twenty‐nine metal tools from the German hairdressing trade were tested with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test for nickel release. Additionally, an employee survey was conducted to collect data about the metal tools.

Results

The DMG test showed that 21 of 229 metal tools (9.2%) released nickel. Nickel release was detected in eight of 45 hair clips (17.8%), two of 27 tail combs (7.4%) and eleven of 17 tweezers (64.7%).

Conclusion

It must be assumed that hairdressers in Germany have prolonged skin contact with nickel releasing metal tools. This should prompt further testing for nickel release from metal tools as well as the development of regulation to eliminate nickel releasing metal tools in the (German) hairdressing trade.

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