A brand new Shopper Stories investigation has discovered that each examined pattern of artificial braiding hair contained dangerous chemical compounds, elevating severe considerations in regards to the security of broadly used hair merchandise in Black communities used across the nation and world.
The examine examined 10 well-liked manufacturers—together with Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go—and located carcinogens, heavy metals, and unstable natural compounds (VOCs) in each product.
Among the many most alarming findings was the presence of benzene, a recognized cancer-causing agent linked to leukemia, in a number of merchandise. Methylene chloride, a possible carcinogen, was present in all examined samples. Lead, which may trigger neurological and developmental injury, was detected in 9 out of 10 merchandise, with some exceeding California’s Most Allowable Dose Stage (MADL) by over 600%.
VOCs, that are launched when artificial hair is heated throughout styling, pose one other important danger. The examine discovered that each one examined merchandise emitted VOCs, with some manufacturers releasing over 5 million micrograms per kilogram—an quantity that would result in respiratory points, nausea, and long-term injury to the nervous system.
Artificial braiding hair is a staple in Black communities, providing a protecting styling choice that reduces the necessity for frequent manipulation of pure hair. The $2.79 billion U.S. hair extension trade disproportionately markets these merchandise to Black shoppers, making the findings notably troubling.
Dr. Tamarra James-Todd, a professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan Faculty of Public Well being, stated that these chemical compounds usually are not simply sitting on the hair however are inhaled and absorbed into the scalp. She pointed to analysis exhibiting that publicity to endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds, discovered in lots of private care merchandise, might affect reproductive well being and enhance the danger of continual diseases.
Regardless of the regarding outcomes, no federal laws require artificial hair producers to reveal components or take a look at for hazardous chemical compounds earlier than promoting their merchandise. Shopper Stories contacted the examined manufacturers for remark. Nonetheless, solely Sensationnel and Magic Fingers responded, disputing the examine’s conclusions whereas failing to handle whether or not they take a look at for lead or VOCs earlier than merchandise attain shoppers.
Shopper security advocates say these findings expose a long-standing situation of unregulated magnificence merchandise concentrating on Black ladies. With no federal oversight, prospects are left to navigate well being dangers on their very own.
“There’s no cause corporations can’t do higher,” stated James E. Rogers, Shopper Stories’ director of product security testing. “Some merchandise had decrease ranges of those chemical compounds, proving safer options are attainable.”
Till stricter laws are in place, specialists advocate that buyers analysis manufacturers, wash artificial hair earlier than use, and restrict extended publicity.
Nevertheless, as one professional put it, “The burden shouldn’t be on shoppers to determine which merchandise gained’t poison them. That’s the job of regulators and producers.”
