Are synthetic hair extensions safe: Uncovering the risks for black women

For many black women, hair braiding represents not just a cultural practice but a crucial aspect of hair maintenance and protection.

These protective hairstyles serve to reduce hair breakage, minimise manipulation and shield hair from environmental damage. However, recent investigations have unveiled alarming findings regarding the safety of products used for hair braiding, igniting concern among consumers and health advocates alike.

According to a report by "Consumer Reports", an independent non-profit dedicated to product safety, testing revealed that harmful substances are prevalent in synthetic hair braiding extensions. The organisation tested ten popular products and discovered that single sample contained potentially dangerous chemicals.

Among the findings were:

• Carcinogens: 100% of samples tested positive for cancer-causing substances. Notably, benzene - a known carcinogen linked to acute myeloid leukaemia - was detected in three products.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): All samples emitted VOCs, which when exposed to heat - as is common in hair braiding - can increase health risks such as nausea and reproductive problems.
• Lead: Detected in nine out of ten products, lead exposure has serious health implications, especially for children, including immune system suppression and nervous system damage.

The health ramifications of prolonged exposure to these toxic materials have alarmed experts.

Dr. James Rogers, the director of product safety testing at "Consumer Reports", emphasised the widespread use of synthetic braiding hair among black women and children in the US.

He stated: “Despite its popularity, most synthetic braiding hair products lack ingredient disclosure, potentially exposing consumers - and hair braiders - to these harmful chemicals.”

This raises urgent questions about the safety of these widely used beauty products.

Consumers have not remained silent on social media platforms. Comments from black women around the world resonate with the report's findings.

TikTok user @geegee_arts quipped: “We gotta go back to them yarn braids,” highlighting the need for safer alternatives, while others expressed familiarity with the discomfort, noting their experiences with itching scalp and irritation.

Speaking to the SABC, Sonto Pooe, the CEO of hair and body care brand Native Child, reflected on the ongoing issues surrounding toxic substances in hair products.

“It’s quite alarming particularly for black women because we tend to use hair products about six times more than other races do,” she pointed out.

Pooe urged consumers to be more discerning about their purchases and avoid to toxic products, reminding them that products applied to the scalp can be absorbed into the body. 

The public’s awareness of hazardous chemicals in personal care products has been growing, yet many remain uninformed. This recent investigation serves as a wake-up call for consumers, advocating the importance of research and careful selection in beauty products.

As the conversation expands, the industry must respond to these findings, pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the production of synthetic hair braiding materials.