A Scottish backpacker has issued a stern warning after a popular Australian's swim caused her hair to fall out in clumps – but experts claim there is nothing to worry about.
Carly Gillon recently traveled to K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in Queensland and swam in Lake Mackenzie.
The traveler got a nasty shock when her hair started falling out dramatically in the shower later and blamed it more for her accident.
“Huge lumps came out of the shower,” she said in a video. 'Be careful if you go to Fraser Island and come from Britain: your hair may fall out.'
Speaking to FEMAIL, professor of water and environmental engineering Ataur Rahman claimed that Lake K'gari is unlikely to cause such a strong reaction as the water is extremely clean and soft.
Carly Gillon recently traveled to K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in Queensland and swam in Lake Mackenzie – only to have her hair fall out in clumps later that day.
“Lake K'gari is not connected to urban areas or agricultural land,” the professor said. “There are no pesticides, herbicides or other pollutants that can cause hair loss.”
The expert said a likely cause could be an allergy or Ms Gillon swimming in other bodies of water with high concentrations of chlorine or other chemicals.
“The lake has a low mineral content, which means it is good for your skin and health,” he said.
Professor Rahman recommended always using an oil or other type of lubricant to protect your hair before swimming, and washing it immediately afterwards with clean water and shampoo.
“When people travel abroad, temperature differences and stress can have negative effects on their bodies – something that could be the case here,” he speculated.
Water and environmental engineering professor Ataur Rahman claimed that Lake K'gari was unlikely to cause such a strong reaction as the water is extremely clean and soft.
Ms Gillon used a hair mask to treat the damage and revealed she was 'slowly' recovering.
The traveler also claimed that while it could be a coincidence, she suspected the lake or water in Australia was reacting badly to her hair.
“It's crazy, my hair was absolutely fine until that trip,” she said.
Some other European travelers also complained about their hair after the trip Down Under.
'My hair has been terrible since I've been to Australia – I'm glad it's not just me!' one exclaimed.
'Oh my god, mine is the same! “I came here two weeks ago and I've had so much trouble, that never happened until I came here,” said another.
But others had no problem with the water in the lake.
'I'm in Australia and just got back from Fraser myself. I had no problems – I swam in Lake Mackenzie three times,” one woman revealed.