Protective hair styles are extremely popular among Black women. Not only do they allow natural hair to get a break, they also offer the wearer “time off” from doing their hair. Braids also come with the freedom to experiment with different hairstyles and textures with less damage.
For many braid lovers, affordable synthetic hair is often the option for completing a look. In fact, some stylists even include this hair type in the cost of braiding. However, a recent study by Consumer Reports reveals that many brands of this budget-friendly hair option are harmful to your health. The investigation, published February 27, unveiled alarming findings regarding synthetic braiding hair brands.
General Details About the Report
The study tested ten popular brands of synthetic braiding hair, including Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go among others. The testing led James E. Rogers, PhD, showcased hazardous chemicals, including known carcinogens, in every single sample. These revelations raise significant concerns about the safety of products integral to many Black women’s hairstyles. Additionally, the lack of regulation in the synthetic hair brand had many online using the findings as proof of anti-Black racism in the beauty industry.
Cancer Risk From Synthetic Braiding Hair
Consumer Reports revealed that all of the hair brands tested contained carcinogens. According to the American Cancer Society, “Some carcinogens cause cancer by changing a cell’s DNA. Others do not affect DNA directly, but lead to cancer in other ways.”
Researchers found carcinogens in all 10 synthetic hair brands. For more clarity, lead researchers and testers in the study separated the carcinogens into three categories: known, probable, and possible. Three out of 10 hair brands contained Benzene. Benzene is a well-established carcinogen. Regular exposure, even at low levels, can increase the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders.
“It [Benzene] is strictly regulated and discouraged to use in laboratories because of its potential to cause cancer,” Rogers said to Consumer Reports
A Surprising Finding about Dipping Braiding Hair
One especially disheartening finding in the report is that dipping completed braids in hot water to seal them may be problematic. Braiders practice this technique to bond the hair and prevent it from unraveling. This often looked forward to step signals the end of the braiding process. However the report found a striking fact: boiling synthetic hair releases volatile organic compounds.
According to the American Lung Association, “Breathing VOCs can cause health issues such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.”
Lead In Synthetic Braiding Hair
Another finding in the report was the presence of lead in synthetic braiding hair. Researchers found lead in nine of the 10 hair brands. Multiple reports claim that long-term exposure to lead is dangerous.
Consumer Reports agreed with this sentiment, stating, “CR has reported that it can damage the brain and nervous system and may suppress the immune system, cause reproductive issues, damage the kidneys, and lead to hypertension.”
Shake-N-Go FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched and Sensationnel Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braid were among the hair brands that contained lead. This is especially harmful for children, as kids sometimes wear synthetic braids.
What Are Safer Hair Alternatives?
For those on the hunt for affordable and safe braiding hair, there’s many options to choose from. Rebundle is one brand, founded by Ciara Imani May. It offers non-toxic braiding hair from repurposed banana stems.
“A lot of chemicals are used to give plastic synthetic hair the same shine, smoothness, and style as human hair extensions. These ingredients can easily cause a negative reaction on your scalp. These toxins are known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and huge pollutants in the environment,” she said in a 2023 interview with InStyle.
Conclusion/ Next Steps
Obviously, the health risks associated with synthetic braiding hair makes people hesitate on continuous use. If you’re looking for better braiding hair, follow precautions. This includes staying informed on product recalls, updating yourself on the latest research regarding hair care products, and investing in safer products.
Moreover, it’s vital to take necessary breaks from wearing synthetic hair. Consumer Reports recommends avoiding back to back braid styles as a way of limiting exposure to toxic hair. Black women shouldn’t have to compromise their health for vanity. Collectively, the more Black people know about the products used, the more the community can push for industry changes that prioritize health and well-being over profit.