Skin expert warns commonly-bought Christmas decoration could make your hair fall out

If you’re a fan of poinsettias, it’s not great news because it turns out that the sap from them could actually cause hair loss – experts have warned to stay away from them

Decorating your house for Christmas can be really fun – putting up the wreaths, decorating the tree and purchasing your poinsettias symbolises the start of the festive period. You may choose to get ultra festive and have a mulled wine or a hot chocolate as you deck the halls, and Mariah Carey is, of course, compulsory.

But you may want to be ultra careful this year when choosing your decorations, as a hair expert has said a popular Christmas decoration could make your hair fall out if it touches your scalp. Poinsettias are common in Christmassy homes, but the sap from it can cause irritation and hair loss.

Sam Cinkir, CEO of leading skin and hair clinic Este Medical Group, explained that the sticky substance can shockingly have a similar effect to commercial hair loss products such as Veet.

He explained: “The festive foliage’s sap contains chemicals that can have a depilatory effect and remove the hair shaft, meaning it could have the same dissolving effect as hair removal creams.

“While this is unlikely to happen without prolonged contact, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any chance of temporary hair loss.”

Poinsettias, with their vibrant red and green leaves, are indigenous to Central America and have become a firm symbol of Christmas since the last century. Their star-shaped leaves are often associated with the Star of David, which led the Three Wise Men to Jesus.

Despite the fact that they look gorgeous, and can grow up to 4m high, and their sap – or Latex – can easily be seen if you snap one of the leaves in half.

Gökhan VAYNİ, hair loss and transplant expert at Vera Clinic, explained further: “If the sap is left on any part of the body with hair including the scalp for a long period of time, it can cause hair loss when wiped away.

“Although the chances are unlikely, it is very important to be aware that close contact with a poinsettia’s sap could potentially encourage hair removal. To avoid this from happening it’s important to handle the plants with extra caution and ensure you do not go too close to the plant.

“As the plants are popular in homes this time of year, I would especially recommend leaving them out of reach of young children. If you do come into close contact or touch the plant’s sap, always thoroughly wash your hands to remove any residue as quickly as possible. If irritation occurs contact an emergency number or your GP.”

Will you still be purchasing a poinsettia this year? Let us know in the comments.