A study by Consumer Reports found that 10 synthetic hair products commonly used in braids, extensions, and other hairstyles popular among Black women contain ingredients that can potentially cause cancer. This includes synthetic hair from well-known brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go. Additionally, lead, a substance known to cause serious health and developmental issues, was detected in nine out of the ten surveyed products. Notably, one package of braiding hair exceeded the maximum allowable lead dosage by more than 600%. Consumer Reports used California’s maximum allowable lead levels, which they describe as the “most protective available in the U.S.,” as a benchmark because there are currently no federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair.
Synthetic hair has long been a popular choice for protective hairstyles among Black women, including braids, locs, and twists. These styles can be worn for several weeks, helping to shield the hair from breakage, environmental damage, and daily heat styling. However, this extended use can result in longer exposure to chemicals, according to Consumer Reports. Synthetic hair is widely available at local beauty supply stores and online. Researchers from Consumer Reports evaluated braiding hair from ten different companies, many of which use synthetic materials made from Kanekalon, a product developed by the Kaneka brand.
Kaneka did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment, but in a statement to Consumer Reports, it clarified, “Kaneka only manufactures the Kanekalon fibers used in various hair products, such as synthetic hair braids and wigs, and does not produce any of the final products.” The braiding hair companies are responsible for dyeing and styling the Kanekalon fibers, Kaneka added. The company also mentioned that it would need more information to properly assess the complaint. According to the study, products from Sensationnel, Magic Fingers, and other brands contain benzene, which is recognised as a cancer-causing ingredient. The American Cancer Society indicates that benzene is likely linked to acute myeloid leukaemia.
Consumer Reports discovered the presence of methylene chloride in some products, a chemical that the EPA warns can lead to liver and lung cancer with prolonged exposure. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits cosmetics from containing any level of methylene chloride. “There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene,” stated Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, which is a research and advocacy organization focused on health. “Whenever possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided, as they are linked to serious health effects.” The report also found that nine out of the ten products tested contained lead. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead can cause a range of developmental disabilities in children, as well as reproductive problems in adults.
“There are no federal limits on the amount of lead in synthetic braiding products,” Friedman said. “Lead is not permitted to be intentionally added to cosmetic products in the US but may be present as a contamination of certain ingredients.” Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-n-Go did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Magic Fingers told Consumer Reports that its customers “can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance.”
Sensationnel told Consumer Reports, “We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products.” “While most of these products are below the FDA standard for lead contamination in cosmetics, when possible exposure to lead should be avoided,” Friedman said.
Both Magic Fingers and Sensationnel did not agree with the methodology used to test the products, saying it was not representative of consumers’ use of the products. Consumer Reports tested 10 artificial braiding hair products and a total of 20 samples, blind-coding them and sending them to a laboratory for heavy metal analysis. Shake-n-Go did not respond to Consumer Reports’ request for comment.
In 2022, companies that make chemical hair relaxers, which straighten hair, were sued in a class-action lawsuit by hundreds of Black people who said the products led to uterine cancer. Several wide-scale studies have been published in recent years showing heightened rates of cancer, infertility and other illnesses among women who use chemical hair relaxers, which are generally marketed to Black women.
Friedman pointed out that the Consumer Reports study reveals an “alarming trend” in the marketing of toxic products aimed at Black women, a concern that the organization has been monitoring. “On average, women use 12 personal care products each day, which can expose them to mixtures of harmful chemicals,” Friedman stated. “Research indicates that repeated exposure to combinations of chemicals can pose significantly greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient.”
EWG tested more than 4,000 products marketed toward Black women and found that most of them were at least moderately, if not highly, hazardous to human health. EWG has developed a database, Skin Deep, where consumers can look up beauty products and see whether they’re classified as low, moderately or highly hazardous by the group. “Everyone deserves access to safe products,” Friedman said. “Manufacturers should prioritize safety for consumers.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
