Empire State Review Team 
Health Risks Linked to Chemicals in Popular Synthetic Hair Products
A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has unveiled alarming findings regarding synthetic hair braiding items, highlighting the presence of cancer-causing chemicals.
Concerns About Lead and Other Toxic Substances
The study examined ten different synthetic hair types from eight brands, focusing on their content of harmful chemicals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium.
- None of the products contained arsenic.
- Traces of cadmium were found but deemed insufficient to pose a health risk.
- Lead was detected in nine out of ten tested products, raising severe health concerns.
According to the Mayo Clinic, even low-level exposure to lead can result in long-term health impacts, particularly affecting children’s brain development and potentially leading to irreversible damage.
Lead Levels among Tested Products
The products were measured for lead levels, showcasing significant variations:
- Sensationnel – Model: X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braids, 58″: Not detected
- Shake-N-Go – Model: FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 301, 34″: 123%
- Sensationnel – Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12″: 128%
- Hbegant – Model: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapped Hair, 24″: 150%
- Debut – Model: Wavy Hair Weave, 20″: 198%
- Sensationnel – Model: Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braid, 12″: 338%
- Shake-N-Go – Model: Organique Mastermix Water Curl Weave, 30″: 435%
- Darling – Model: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14″: 585%
- Magic Fingers – Model: 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52″: 603%
- Sassy Collection – Model: 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid: 610%
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Additional Hazards
Further testing showed that synthetic hair products release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when subjected to heat from styling tools. Prolonged exposure to such VOCs can lead to adverse health effects.
The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that indoor concentrations of VOCs can be significantly higher than outdoor levels, intensifying health risks.
VOCs Detected in Tested Products
Here are the VOC levels along with specific compounds found in various models:
- Hbegant – Model: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapped Hair, 24″: 59 kilograms (Acetone, methylene chloride)
- Sensationnel – Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12″: 226 kilograms (Acetone, methylene chloride)
- Debut – Model: Wavy Hair Weave, 20″: 303 kilograms (Acetone, methylene chloride)
- Shake-N-Go – Model: FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 301, 34″: 1,203 kilograms (Acetone, methylene chloride)
- Darling – Model: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14″: 510,039 kilograms (Acetone, methylene chloride)
Presence of Other Dangerous Chemicals
Benzene
This study also detected benzene, a chemical linked to increased leukemia risks and other tumors if inhaled or ingested, as per the American Cancer Society.
Methylene Chloride
Most hair products tested contained methylene chloride, a toxic chemical often used in paint strippers. Exposure to this compound is associated with a heightened cancer risk and other severe health complications, as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Industry Responses and Future Outlook
Consumer Reports reached out to the brands that participated in the study. Two brands, Sensationnel and Magic Fingers, provided statements reaffirming their commitment to customer safety.
“We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products. We are constantly evaluating our materials and processes with customer safety in mind,” said a representative from Sensationnel.
“Magic Fingers is proud of the safe and top-quality hair products we provide. We strongly stand by the safety of our products and the quality materials used to make them,” stated their representative.
