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I’ve wanted long, natural, healthy hair for as long as I can remember. So it’s no surprise that I am here for a bomb protective style.
Braids that last for weeks? A flawless sew-in that transforms my look in hours? The perfect braid-down so my wig melts and lays flat? We’re talking snatched edges, low maintenance, and a break from daily styling – what’s not to love?
Of course: Sign me up. And I know I’m not alone.
Protective styling is a staple in our community. It’s a way to celebrate our hair, experiment with different looks, and save serious time and energy. However, a recent Consumer Reports (CR) study found that the very styles we rely on to protect our natural hair might actually be putting our health at risk.
Keep scrolling to see how.
Consumer Reports Study Shows Synthetic Braiding Hair May Contain Cancer-Causing Chemicals
The February 27 CR study sheds light on certain synthetic braiding hair companies and products that have us side-eyeing everything.
Turns out, some of the most popular synthetic braiding hair brands – found everywhere from local beauty supply stores to Amazon and TikTok – allegedly contain cancer-causing ingredients and heavy metals.
The report calls out benzene, methylene chloride, lead, and more as part of popular synthetic hair product blends. These ingredients are a problem – and here’s why.
According to the study, news outlets, and regulatory sources, benzene and methylene chloride have been linked to cancer in multiple studies. Researchers found these ingredients in all the synthetic hair products they tested.
Brands mentioned include Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, Kanekalon, and Shake-N-Go.
Further, all but one of the Sensationnel products contained lead. Other chemicals that most would think shouldn’t be near our heads, like acetone, were detected in all products.
(It’s important to note that these harsh chemicals can become even more harmful when boiled or heated. In other words, when a stylist boils, curls, or finishes up your protective style, these chemicals can be emitted as gases directly into the air, or worse our noses and throats.)
Consumer Reports Hair Study Has Us Permanently Side-Eyeing: So What Can We Do About It?
This study has major implications for our health. Protective styles are worn for long periods – that’s the nature of them – causing possible extended exposure. Synthetic hair is also used in other products like full lace wigs and hair extension pieces. While these products weren’t studied here, many of these same companies manufacture them, too. And we should be concerned.
We should also recognize signs of irritation and stop use immediately. CR says that symptoms can appear on the skin right away, including redness, swelling, and rashes on the scalp, neck, or face.
Opting for human hair or thread can be a safer alternative, helping to strengthen braids, enhance style, and extend their longevity—without unwanted chemical exposure.
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Source: RoGina Montgomery / Getty
This isn’t the first time researchers and advocates have sounded the alarm on harmful chemicals in products marketed toward Black women. Lawsuits against chemical hair relaxer companies are ongoing, and similar cases have emerged against certain makeup brands and hair care products.
Staying informed is key to staying fly. Let’s explore safer alternatives that allow us to rock the protective styles we love—while keeping our health a priority.
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