Some synthetic hair brands contain carcinogens, lead, other harmful chemicals, study finds

A recent study conducted by Consumer Reports found that popular synthetic hair braiding products contained cancer-causing chemicals. 

Lead was prominent 

Dig deeper:

Ten different types of synthetic hair from eight brands were included in the test. 

Brands: 

• DarlingModel: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14"
• Model: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14"
• DebutModel: Wavy Hair Weave, 20"
• Model: Wavy Hair Weave, 20"
• Sassy CollectionModel: 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid
• Model: 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid
• HbegantModel: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapping Hair, 24"
• Model: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapping Hair, 24"
• Magic FingersModel: 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52"
• Model: 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52"
• SensationnelModel: Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braids, 12"Model: X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braid, 58"Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12"
• Model: Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braids, 12"
• Model: X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braid, 58"
• Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12"
• Shake-N-GoModel: FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 301, 34"Model: Oranique Mastermix Water Curl Weave, 30"
• Model: FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 301, 34"
• Model: Oranique Mastermix Water Curl Weave, 30"

Consumer Reports tested for arsenic, lead and cadmium, all of which can lead to prolonged health issues if exposed to them for a long time.

None of the brands had arsenic in them and while some of them had traces of cadmium, it was not enough to pose a health risk, according to Consumer Reports. 

Lead, however, was the most prominent and dominant heavy metal detected in nine of the 10 products that were tested. 

Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Children are particularly at risk as it could hinder brain development and cause irreversible damage.

"Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness and death," according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Lead levels from least to most

Sensationnel

Model: X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braids, 58"

Lead level: Not detected

Shake-N-Go

Model: FreeTress 3X Pre-Streched Braid 301, 34"

Lead level: 123%

Sensationnel

Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12"

Lead level: 128%

Hbegant

Model: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapped Hair, 24"

Lead level: 150%

Debut

Model: Wavy Hair Weave, 20"

Lead level: 198%

Sensationnel

Model: Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braid, 12"

Lead level: 338%

Shake-N-Go

Model: Organique Mastermix Water Curl Weave, 30"

Lead level: 435%

Darling

Model: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14"

Lead level: 585%

Magic Fingers

Model: 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52"

Lead level: 603%

Sassy Collection

Model: 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid

Lead level: 610%

VOCs in synthetic braiding hair

Just like regular hair, using curling irons, straighteners, and other heating tools to give synthetic hair a desired look is fairly standard procedure. However, depending on what the synthetic product is made of, it could be dangerous.

Dig deeper:

Previous studies have found that heating certain synthetic hair products can release harmful VOCs into the air and overexposure could have impacts on your health.

"VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors," according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.   

VOC levels from most to least

Hbegant

Model: Afro Twist Pre Fluffed Wrapped Hair, 24"

VOC levels: 59 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, 1,2-dichloroethane, isopropylbenzene

Sensationnel

Model: Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist, 12"

VOC levels: 226 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, ethylbenzene, isopropylbenzene

Debut

Model: Wavy Hair Weave, 20"

VOC levels: 303 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene

Shake-N-Go

Model: Organique Mastermix Water Curl Weave, 30"

VOC levels: 348 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene

Shake-N-Go

Model: FreeTress 3X Pre-Streched Braid 301, 34"

VOC levels: 1,203 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, ethylbenzene, isopropylbenzene

Darling

Model: Flexi Rod Curls Crochet, 14"

VOC levels: 510,039 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, chloromethane, ethylbenzene

Sassy Collection

Model: 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid

VOC levels: 1,050,066 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, chloroform

Sensationnel

Model: Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braid, 12"

VOC levels: 1,900,192 kilograms

VOCS detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene, chloroform, chloromethane

Sensationnel

Model: X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braids, 58"

VOC levels: 4,200,248 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane

Magic Fingers

Model: 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52"

VOC levels: 5,250,280 kilograms

VOCs detected: Acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane

Other harmful chemicals detected

Benzene

The study also found that some of the synthetic hair products that were tested contained benzene, a chemical that is widely used in the U.S. to make other chemicals, plastics, resins, rubbers, dyes, pesticides, and more, according to the American Cancer Society ACS).

Some studies have found exposure to benzene increased the risk of leukemia in humans and if inhaled or swallowed, could also cause certain tumors to emerge, according to the ACS. 

Methylene chloride

All but one of the hair products contained methylene chloride, a chemical used to strip paint, cleanse and degrease things.

People who are regularly exposed to this chemical are at an increased risk "of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation," according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated this particular chemical is a prohibited ingredient and it "is not allowed in cosmetics at any level." 

Some companies respond to CR

What they're saying:

Consumer Reports stated it reached out to each hair brand for comment on its recent study and only two – Sensationnel and Magic Fingers – responded.

Hair Zone/Sensationnel response: "We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products, and our company urges consumers to continue to confidently use Sensationnel products. At Hair Zone/Sensationnel, we pride ourselves on producing the finest quality hair products on the market. As a family-run business with a 35-year history, we value the trust and loyalty of our customers around the world and take the safety of our products seriously. We are constantly evaluating our materials and processes with customer safety in mind."

Magic Fingers response: "Magic Fingers is proud of the safe and top-quality hair products we provide to our customers. Our customers know they can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance." The company said that CR’s methods "do not fairly match the real-world way that our customers use our Magic Finger products. We strongly stand by the safety of our products and the quality materials used to make them."

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