Synthetic Hair Marketed to Black Women contains Carcinogens and Lead, Report Finds
A Consumer Reports study found cancer-causing ingredients in 10 synthetic hair products commonly used in braids, extensions, and other hairstyles popular with Black women. Brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go were among those containing harmful chemicals. The study also revealed that nine of the 10 synthetic hair packs tested contained lead, with one exceeding the allowable dose by more than 600%. Since there are no federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair, Consumer Reports used California’s stricter standards.
Synthetic hair is widely used in protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists, which can be worn for weeks at a time. This prolonged exposure increases the risk of absorbing toxic chemicals. Many synthetic hair products are made from Kanekalon fibers, produced by Kaneka, a company that only manufactures the fibers but does not create the final products. Kaneka stated it would need more information before analyzing the complaint.
The study found that some products contained benzene, a known carcinogen linked to acute myeloid leukemia. Another chemical detected, methylene chloride, is associated with liver and lung cancer. The FDA prohibits methylene chloride in cosmetics, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against chronic exposure.
Lead, detected in most of the tested products, poses serious health risks, including developmental disabilities in children and reproductive issues in adults, according to the CDC. While lead is not allowed to be intentionally added to cosmetic products in the U.S., it may be present due to contamination.
Magic Fingers and Sensationnel defended the safety of their products, with Magic Fingers stating they meet customer expectations for fashion and performance. However, both companies challenged the testing methods used in the Consumer Reports study, claiming they did not accurately reflect how consumers use the products. Shake-N-Go did not respond to requests for comment.
Concerns over toxic ingredients in hair products are not new. In 2022, manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers faced a class-action lawsuit from Black women who claimed the products caused uterine cancer. Studies have linked chemical hair relaxers to increased cancer risks, infertility, and other health issues.
Alexa Friedman of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) emphasized the alarming trend of toxic products being marketed toward Black women. On average, women use 12 personal care products daily, leading to repeated exposure to harmful chemicals, which can have compounded health effects.
EWG tested over 4,000 products marketed to Black women and found most were at least moderately hazardous. The organization created a database, Skin Deep, to help consumers identify safe beauty products. “Everyone deserves access to safe products,” Friedman said, urging manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety.
