New Study Reveals Toxic Chemicals In Braiding Hair — Here’s What To Use Instead (2025)

In the Black community, protective hairstyles are essential and often the go-to hairstyle for any occasion.

Box braids, cornrows, twists, faux locs, weaves, crochet hair–the possibilities are endless. But are these beloved styles more harmful rather than helpful? Synthetic hair, commonly used for protective looks, are reportedly costing consumers their livelihood and health. A new study, published by Consumer Reports in February detected dangerous chemicals in several synthetic hair brands.

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What Are The Benefits Of Protective Hairstyles Like Braids?

Protective styles are meant to safeguard natural hair from environmental elements such as heat and water. These hairstyles are widely worn among people with textured hair–ideal for extended stays, vacations, and even routine hair maintenance. Braids, for example, can be worn for weeks at a time especially when styled with hair extensions. Braids and other protective styles reduce manipulation and limit daily styling as a result of interweaving artificial hair with natural tresses. Protective styles also retain moisture, prevent breakage, and even promote hair growth.

​​Carcinogens And Lead Were Found In Synthetic Hair Marketed To Black Women

For the Consumer Reports study, 10 popular synthetic hair braiding products (a total of 20 samples) were sent to a lab for analysis. Synthetic hair is typically made from Kanekalon, a material produced by the Kaneka brand. Another well-known synthetic fiber used for hair is Toyokolan, made by Denka Company Limited. Synthetic hair used for braiding and other styling methods can be purchased online or at a local beauty supply store. The brands included in the study were Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, Shake-N-Go and more, many of which included Kanekalon.

Nine out of 10 brands surveyed contained high levels of lead, per the report. “There are no federal limits on the amount of lead in synthetic braiding products,” said Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group, according to NBC News. ​​“While most of these products are below the FDA standard for lead contamination in cosmetics, when possible exposure to lead should be avoided,” Friedman added. Lead exposure over time is linked to significant health issues such as nervous system damage, scientists involved in the study claimed.

What’s more, when heat is applied to synthetic hair–mostly to secure the ends of braids, volatile organic compounds also known as VOCs are released. VOCs are human-made chemicals used in common household products. The VOCS are emitted as gases and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Consumer Reports additionally found cancer-causing chemicals like benzene, methylene chloride and chloroform in the following synthetic hair products, which can be absorbed through people’s skin and scalp.

Magic Fingers and Sensationnel both released statements ensuring the safety of their products. Furthermore, Kanekalon responded to Consumer Reports saying, “Kaneka only manufactures the Kanekalon fibers that are used in various hair products, such as synthetic hair braids and wigs, and does not produce any of the final products.” Kaneka added, “The braiding hair companies themselves dye and style the Kanekalon.”

There Are Alternatives For Synthetic Braiding Hair

Black women are reportedly the primary consumers of extensions and wigs, a market valued at $2.79 billion. In fact, 34% of Black women wore braids with synthetic extensions in 2022 alone. Braids are also the second most popular hairstyle among Black women in the U.S. ages 18–34. To achieve sought after braided looks, there are many alternatives. Eco-friendly synthetic hair brand Spetra, hypoallergenic synthetic hair brand Dosso Beauty, pre-cleansed synthetic hair, human hair blends, and even acrylic yarn are a few options.

Conversely, consumers can ditch synthetic hair altogether and opt for much safer choices. In addition to 100% human hair, plant-based hair brands such as Rebundle and Lillian Augusta Beauty are nontoxic and synthetic free. Alternatively, human hair and plant-based hair products cost twice or three times as much as synthetic hair. In most cases, human hair can be reused with proper care and plant-based hair is biodegradable.

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