Cancer Chemicals Found in Many Hair Braiding Products

A recent study found that all synthetic hair products tested for braiding and extensions had chemicals that can cause cancer. These products are often used by Black women. Health experts are concerned about this finding.
By Newsroom | Health, Consumer Safety |

A recent study by Consumer Reports has found that 100% of the synthetic braiding hair products tested contained chemicals linked to cancer. These findings raise significant health concerns, particularly for Black women who frequently use these products for popular hairstyles. The chemicals were present in products from well-known brands, prompting questions about product safety and regulatory oversight in the beauty industry.

Study Details and Product Analysis

Consumer Reports conducted an analysis of ten different synthetic hair products, specifically focusing on those used for braiding and extensions.

  • All tested products were either black or dark brown in color.

  • Multiple cancer-causing chemicals, including benzene, were detected in every single product.

  • Brands identified in the study include Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go.

The presence of benzene, a known carcinogen, in these widely used hair products is a primary point of concern.

Read More: New Papers Show Epstein Had Health Problems with Sex Hormones

Scientists issue an urgent warning over HAIR EXTENSIONS - as analysis reveals they contain dozens of cancer-causing chemicals - 1

Brands and Manufacturer Responses

The study identified several popular brands whose products contained concerning chemicals.

  • Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go were among the brands tested.

  • Shake-N-Go did not provide a comment when approached by Consumer Reports.

  • Sensationnel and Magic Fingers stated that they disagreed with the testing methods used by Consumer Reports, arguing that the methodology did not reflect how consumers actually use the products.

"Ingredients that can cause cancer were found in 10 synthetic hair products used in braids, extensions and other hairstyles popular with Black women, including artificial hair from popular brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go, according to a Consumer Reports study published Thursday." - NBC News

Manufacturer responses indicate a disagreement on the validity of the testing methodology, suggesting a potential dispute over how product exposure should be assessed.

Broader Health Concerns for Black Women

This report highlights a pattern of health risks associated with beauty products marketed towards Black women.

Read More: TOXIN SHOCK: Danone Formula RECALLED as Babies FALL ILL – Is YOUR Infant at Risk?

Scientists issue an urgent warning over HAIR EXTENSIONS - as analysis reveals they contain dozens of cancer-causing chemicals - 2

  • Studies show that women use an average of 12 personal care products daily.

  • Exposure to a mixture of chemicals, even in small amounts, can lead to greater health risks than exposure to a single chemical.

  • The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has previously found that many products marketed to Black women pose moderate to significant health hazards.

The findings in synthetic hair align with existing evidence suggesting a disproportionate exposure to hazardous chemicals among Black women through beauty products.

Expert Commentary on Chemical Exposure

Health experts have weighed in on the implications of chemical exposure from consumer products.

  • Dr. Sarah Friedman noted that repeated exposure to chemical mixtures can have amplified health risks.

  • The long-term use of synthetic hair products, often worn for extended periods, could mean prolonged exposure to detected chemicals.

Read More: Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 from Bowel Cancer; Early Signs Often Missed

“And studies show that repeated exposure to mixtures of chemicals can pose far greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient.” - Dr. Sarah Friedman (cited in Drugs.com MedNews)

The cumulative and combined effects of multiple chemical exposures from everyday products are a significant public health consideration.

Regulatory and Consumer Impact

The presence of carcinogens in widely used consumer products raises questions about the current regulatory framework.

  • The report emphasizes the need for greater scrutiny of chemicals used in beauty products.

  • Consumers may need to reconsider the use of certain synthetic hair products pending further investigation.

  • The debate over testing methodologies suggests a need for standardized approaches to product safety assessment.

The study's findings necessitate a thorough review of product safety standards and the potential for enhanced regulatory action to protect consumer health.

Sources

Read More: Know the Early Signs of Colon Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the study find?
The study found that all synthetic hair products tested for braiding had chemicals that can cause cancer.
Q: Which brands were tested?
Brands like Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go were tested.
Q: What do the companies say?
Some companies disagree with the study's testing methods.
Q: Why is this a worry?
These products are often used by Black women, and repeated use of products with chemicals can be bad for health.