Synthetic Braiding Hair Contains Cancer-Causing Chemicals: Consumer Reports

High levels of lead and volatile organic compounds were also frequently detected.

A new investigation suggests that multiple cancer-causing chemicals are found in all synthetic hair braiding products.

The study was published by Consumer Reports on February 27, warning of the presence of benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride, styrene and other chemicals either known to cause cancer, or classified as likely carcinogens, while also revealing high levels of lead in nine out of 10 products tested.

Synthetic hair braids, commonly made from vinyl chloride and modacrylic, are popular among African American women and are typically worn for several weeks at a time, leading to prolonged exposure to these materials.

In recent years, a large body of medical research has raised concerns over the potential cancer causing side effects from exposure to multiple types of hair products, including hair relaxers and hair dyes.

As a result, thousands of hair relaxer lawsuits have been filed by women across the U.S. who claim their consistent exposure to the chemicals in the straightening products have caused them to develop uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer.

In addition, studies have also linked hair stylists’ exposure to hair dye chemicals to an increased risk of bladder cancer and breast cancer. Similar to the allegations raised in hair relaxer complaints, a growing number of hair stylists and cosmetologists are filing hair dye cancer lawsuits against product manufacturers for failing to warn about the side effects from routine exposure.

In the latest study, Consumer Reports researchers tested 10 popular synthetic braiding hair products, looking for carcinogens, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using 20 samples. Researchers tested products from brands including Sensationnel, Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Shake-N-Go, Hbegant, Debut and Darling.

According to their findings, all of the products contained cancer-causing chemicals and VOCs, such as acetone, while nine out of 10 of the products contained lead. The highest levels of lead were found in Sassy Collection’s Jumbo Braid, which exceeded safe levels by 610%. Sensationnel X-Pression was the only product tested where no lead was detected.

The most VOCs were found in Magic Fingers products, which contained more than five million VOCs, including acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane. The lowest number of VOCs were found in Hbegant, which contained only 59.

Immediate adverse effects from the chemicals in these products include rashes caused by the chemicals, and tenderness in the scalp. However, Consumer Reports warns that long-term problems could include disruptions to the human hormone system and cancer.

The researchers noted that all of the side effects cannot be predicted, as the products are using multiple cancer-causing chemicals, VOCs and lead in various combinations. They also pointed out that no synthetic braid products have ever been recalled.

“It’s appalling that toxic chemicals are in these products with so little scrutiny from those who are supposed to protect people, like the FDA,” Oriene Shin, Consumer Reports manager of safety advocacy, said. “Consumers should never have to risk their health when choosing personal care products, and yet, harmful ingredients in products marketed to Black women continue to go unaddressed. This inaction has failed Black women for too long, and policymakers should take the steps necessary to address these gaps and hold companies accountable when they put consumers at risk.”