Okay. So, today was one of those days. I overslept like a dork. I felt like the Dolly Parton song and “stumbled into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of ambition.” I needed my morning coffee in the worst way! So, I yawned, scratched, and pointed the remote to turn on the morning news. That’s when I learned about a Consumer Reports investigation on synthetic hair and carcinogens! I’ve been wearing braided hair and crochet hair for over 30 years! I couldn’t believe it.
That definitely woke me up!
The segment explored the alarming link between popular synthetic hair and carcinogens found in the brands!
This frightened me because, like many women of color, I have worn braided hairstyles for years.
In addition to embracing the deep cultural significance they hold, they are easy hairstyles to manage.
Note: Now that the song “9 to 5” is in my head, I had to include the video.
Braids – conveniently convenient
At any rate, braided hairstyles are amazing because they are low maintenance. Convenience has made braided hairstyles a “go-to” choice for many women of color!
Having them installed once means you have weeks and sometimes months of almost zero hair maintenance.
Braided hairstyles mean women can wake up and leave the house without any concern for styling!
It’s heaven!
When my hair is braided, I needn’t bother with using heat products or worrying about the effects of humidity on my hairdo.
Shrinkage is real!
This means braided styles seamlessly fit into my busy lifestyle while still allowing me to showcase my personality.
Braids connect the past to the present
Just so you know – if you don’t – braids are not just a fashion statement; they are a nod to my ethnic background.
Steeped in history and tradition, they connect me to generations of women who have adorned themselves similarly.
I think this is one of the reasons why other Black women wear braids, too.
Beautiful braided hairstyles celebrate our rich heritage, evoke a sense of community, and empower us to embrace our magnificence in all its forms.
As you can imagine, if you’re part of my GodsyGirl family, I often do my own braids.
It is a great way to express myself and be creative.
Hey, I am a kitchen beautician from way back!
The versatility is second to none
Additionally, they add length to hair, enabling me to experiment with various lengths and looks without the long wait for growth.
With countless variations and designs of braid styles, such as fishtails, box braids, cornrows, two-strand twists, crochet braids, and more!
It’s virtually impossible to get bored with the styling possibilities of braids!
Furthermore, braided hairstyles can be adorned with accessories like beads, clips, or ribbons, adding an extra flair to the look.
Braids as a defense against breakage
As an added benefit, they also help protect the hair from damage caused by external elements.
That is why we often refer to them as “protective styles.” They protect the hair.
Braids can ensure hair remains healthy and strong, making them a favorite choice for women of all ages.
All of this is absolutely incredible, right?
But the ominous question has been raised: Could synthetic hair be putting my health at risk?
Let’s talk about the dangerous elephant in the room: synthetic hair and carcinogens.
What I learned about synthetic hair and carcinogens
It is important to note I am not a researcher or a medical professional.
The information I am sharing is based on my thoughts, research, and response to studies concerning synthetic hair and potential carcinogens.
This post is not intended to provide medical advice or recommendations.
Please consult with a qualified medical professional or researcher for advice related to your specific health concerns or questions about synthetic hair products.
With that said, let’s keep going!
Consumer Reports investigation raises concerns!
If you live outside the United States, let me tell you about a nonprofit organization called Consumer Reports. They were the catalyst for this blog post on synthetic hair and carcinogens.
Consumer Reports has been dedicated to providing unbiased product testing, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy in the United States forever!
They’ve been around my entire life, and I trust their reports.
Founded in 1936, they provide independent reviews and ratings of various products and services, from electronics to household items.
They help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and more.
Again, Consumer Reports has been a trusted source of information for years.
I am immensely grateful they are exploring synthetic hair and carcinogens.
The “morning java” segment I watched this morning was a Consumer Reports investigation.
Brace yourself.
According to their report, they have found carcinogens in 100% of synthetic hair products.
THAT IS ALL OF THE HAIR THEY TESTED!
You can visit their site to see all the brands they ran tests on.
They tested ten popular braiding hair brands!
Many of these are familiar to me and likely familiar to you, too!
The link to one of their reports is: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/dangerous-chemicals-detected-in-braiding-hair-cr-tested-a4850978424/
Actually, the ones I used most are:
- Sensationnel
- Shake N Go
- Sassy Collection
Ugh.
Are you ready for another “Ugh”?
Wigs are included!!!!!!
Link to a Consumer Reports article:
What he said…
The segment I watched as I prepared my coffee included a short interview with James Rogers, the director of product safety at Consumer Reports.
Regarding synthetic hair and carcinogens, he said that three of the brands tested high for benzene, a known carcinogen!
He went on to say benzene is “highly regulated” and is not often safe enough to use in labs because of its cancer-causing effects.
Say what???
Nine of the products they tested contained lead!
At the same time, he also asserted that there are no permissible levels of lead exposure.
Scary!
Forgive the exclamation marks! But synthetic hair and carcinogens are serious business.
Who in the world told “them” about this???
You know how some parts of our culture are sort of secret?
Notably, one is our hair.
We don’t like people touching it, and we don’t like people (we do not know) from other cultures asking how we do it.
Well, the segment on synthetic hair and carcinogens put all our business in the streets!
The news segment spoke of the practice of dipping hair in hot water to seal the curl or seal the ends.
Listen, this is a major problem as well!
According to the report, this practice (which does sound crazy when you think about it) releases compounds VOCs that can interfere with your eyes, throat, and even your lungs!
You can learn about them in this study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1178630219890876. The full citation is below for your reference.
Many of my friends have asthma and have worn braids for years, which is really concerning.
These people do not care
It seems of all nine of the companies tested, only two replied to these findings.
Their replies were underwhelming, to say the least.
No, they were insulting.
According to the segment, Sensationnel and Magic Fingers were the two companies that responded to the claims regarding synthetic hair and carcinogens.
I’ve only used Sensationnel products before.
I was greatly disappointed by their reply. It essentially just says they are assured of their products’ safety and that we should keep using them.
Yeah, right.
They might as well have kept their mouths shut.
It’s painfully obvious they have zero concern for my safety.
I’ll bet they only care about their bottom line.
Doesn’t that bother you? It sure does bother me!
I would have appreciated their feedback on the testing being conducted, and at the very least, expressing some concern would have been nice, in my view.
According to the news segment, the brand Magic Fingers also “strongly” stands by its brand.
It appears that no one really cares, or at least that’s my impression.
I am at a stage in my life where if you, as a company, don’t care about me, I don’t care about you.
This means you won’t be getting my money.
Ask Target and Walmart.
How fake hair is made – Part 1
Again, I’m no expert.
Since this is such an important topic about synthetic hair and carcinogens, I want to try my best to understand it.
With that in mind, I’m curious about synthetic hair and carcinogens.
I needed to know how this stuff was made and produced!
After reading Lesia Whitehurst’s piece featured in the Yale National Initiative, I learned that synthetic hair (commonly used in wigs and hair extensions) is primarily composed of man-made fibers.
These are designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural human hair.
Duh, right?
Coupled with common materials like acrylic, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these can present specific issues.
From what I can tell, these synthetic fibers are chosen because they can be manufactured at a lower cost than natural hair.
It’s all about the cash—their cash.
Below, you can read Lesia Whitehurst’s unit, which elaborates on this skillfully.
I’m sorry I couldn’t link to the piece – which is a curriculum unit. I don’t want to violate copyright laws. Here it is:
How synthetic hair is made – Part 2
From what I understand, the manufacturing process of synthetic hair involves several intricate steps.
Initially, synthetic polymers such as acrylic or nylon are melted and extruded through fine openings to create individual hair-like strands.
These strands undergo chemical treatments, including exposure to solutions like caustic soda, to alter their surface structure.
The result is light refraction properties similar to those of our natural hair.
Additionally, then there are mechanical processes such as polishing or rubbing to further enhance the realistic appearance of the fibers.
Then, you have synthetic hair and carcinogens all up in your head, as I did in the picture below.
Regardless, here is my source for this information:
What I understand carcinogens to be
Carcinogens are substances or agents that can cause cancer in living tissue.
Their link(s) to cancer is well established through extensive research and studies.
Science backs it.
These harmful agents can take many forms, including chemicals (like inside synthetic hair), physical substances (like synthetic hair), or even biological agents such as certain viruses.
Carcinogens cause changes in genes or cell processes.
This is what leads to the uncontrolled growth of cells, which is a key feature of cancer.
Check this out: common examples of carcinogens include tobacco smoke, which contains numerous harmful chemicals, as well as excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to skin cancer.
As I mentioned before, benzene, formaldehyde, and certain dietary factors are also classified as carcinogenic.
Did you know some handbags are, too? Read this.
Formaldehyde is often found in beauty products. Check out this site: https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/
Back to the whole carcinogenic synthetic hair situation
Synthetic hair is often comprised of several common chemicals that contribute to its durability and appearance, including toluene, styrene, and polyethylene.
Toluene is used in the production process as a solvent, helping to dissolve other substances and giving the hair its desired texture.
Styrene, on the other hand, is included for its ability to enhance pliability and manageability, ensuring that the synthetic strands can mimic the softness and movement of natural hair.
Additionally, various polymers can be present, which provide strength and resistance to wear, while materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) might be utilized for their affordability and versatility in creating diverse styles.
Understanding these chemicals is essential for us.
How synthetic hair could affect our health
I’ve been watching wig and hair videos on YouTube for years.
I’ve noticed some people soak their synthetic hair in vinegar because it irritates their scalps.
Learning what I am learning as I write this, I am not surprised!
No telling what is causing it!
I can easily see why people could experience many problems, such as the risk of inhalation of fumes from heated synthetic hair.
The truth is, though, that so much of what these studies are finding cannot be rinsed off.
Scary.
It seems that one key safety measure when using synthetic hair is not to leave it in too long.
I found this article (below) to be incredibly helpful and informative.
I admit it – I relaxed my hair
Full disclosure. I have relaxed hair, which means that I regularly use chemical treatments to achieve a straightened look.
It is also bleached in some areas.
I talk about my decision to relax my hair in this blog post.
Choosing to relax my hair was related to the most painful grief of my entire lifetime.
I’m still living through it.
I talk candidly about my decision and its risks in the video below.
While it lightens my load significantly because it is so easy to style, it has its drawbacks.
This means I have carcinogen exposure caused by the straightening chemical I apply about two times a year.
The potential health risks associated with these chemicals often weigh on my mind as I strive to balance beauty and safety in my hair care routine.
You can see my relaxed hair in the video below:
Even though I enjoy the sleekness and versatility of my relaxed hair, I remain cautious and informed about the ingredients in the products I use.
I am always on the lookout for safer alternatives to help minimize any harmful effects on my health.
In fact, at some point, I may opt to become what is called a straight natural.
But the jury is still out on that one.
Whatever I decide…
I prefer not to compound my risk by dealing with synthetic hair and carcinogens.
That is to say, my crochet braided style will be no more.
For this reason, this week, I plan to discard all the hair I’ve accumulated.
It’s just not worth it for me.
Still, dangers are everywhere
Carcinogens are all around us—found in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, the products we use, and even the environments we live in.
While some carcinogens are well-known and widely studied, others are less understood or even undiscovered.
In my opinion, we may never be able to eliminate our exposure to all harmful substances completely.
However, my approach is to minimize my exposure wherever possible.
Another moment of transparency.
As I type this, I am sipping a Coke Zero. SMH.
I also had chips with a sandwich earlier.
Making more conscious choices is on my goal list.
I will also try to be aware of potential risks.
Again, I think it’s impossible to live a perfectly toxin-free life.
So, I will take small steps to reduce exposure, which can make a meaningful difference over time.
At least, I hope.
The same is true for synthetic hair and carcinogens.
I have so many wigs, but I will be cautious with how often I wear them.
In conclusion, this topic of synthetic hair and carcinogens
Please do your own research on the products you use.
Also, don’t give your money to these nuts who don’t care about you.
It does matter.
Hit them in the purse long enough, and I’ll bet they will care.
I commend these studies and hope there is more transparency in the industry.
What do you think about all this?
Studies to know about
Here are a few investigations that have raised concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals in synthetic hair products, particularly those used for braiding.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that synthetic hair fibers can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated, which are potentially toxic or carcinogenic. (Thomas, 2023a) (Auguste & Miller, 2020)
Further research published in the Journal of the National Medical Association identified the presence of carcinogenic materials in synthetic braids, emphasizing an unrecognized risk of scalp exposure among Black women. (Thomas, 2023a)
These findings suggest a need for increased awareness and regulation concerning the chemical composition of synthetic hair products to safeguard consumer health. (Stoddard, 2025)
Here is a list of other studies and sources:
Auguste, D., & Miller, S. L. (2020). Volatile organic compound emissions from heated synthetic hair: a pilot study. Environmental Health Insights, 14. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178630219890876
Feldscher, K. (2025, March 5). Synthetic braiding hair used by Black women contain dangerous chemicals | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/synthetic-braiding-hair-used-by-black-women-contain-dangerous-chemicals/
Thomas, C. G. (2023). Carcinogenic materials in synthetic braids: an unrecognized risk of hair products for Black women. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, 22, 100517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2023.100517
Stoddard, C. (2025, March 8). Some synthetic hair brands contain carcinogens, lead, other harmful chemicals, study finds. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. https://www.fox9.com/news/some-synthetic-hair-brands-contain-carcinogens-lead-other-harmful-chemicals-study-finds
Lesia Whitehurst, Polytails and Urban Tumble Weaves: The Chemistry of Synthetic Hair (Yale University: Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute), http://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/ 3/20/2025. © Yale University. All rights reserved.
