Getting our hair braided can be a game-changer—it gives us a stress-free couple of weeks and frees up time to focus on what matters most, without the daily question of "How do I style my hair today?" But what if I told you that some braiding hair products may be harmful to our health? Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain brands contain toxic chemicals, with some even linked to cancer-causing substances.
Chrystal Thomas, a researcher who studied at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the City University of New York, has conducted compelling research into the chemicals used to make Kanekalon braiding hair. Her findings have sparked an important conversation about the potential health risks and how these products impact our community.
Picture: Stock Images
by: Porscha Ford
The Brands and Models
Here are the brands and models that were analyzed for heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
| Brand | Model | Known | Probable | Possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensationnel | Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Kids Braid 12" | Benzene | Methylene Chloride, Chloroform, Styrene | Naphthalene |
| Sensationnel | X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 58" | Benzene | Methylene Chloride, Styrene, 1, 2-dichloroethane | |
| Magic Fingers | 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair 52" | Benzene | Methylene Chloride, 1, 2-dichloroethane, Styrene | |
| Sassy Collection | 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid | Chloroform, Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Naphthalene | |
| Shake-N-Go | FreeTress 3X Pre- Stretched Braid 301, 34" | Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Ethylbenzene, Isopropylbenzene, Naphthalene | |
| Hbegant | Afro Twist Pre-Fluffed Wrapping hair 24" | Methylene Chloride, 1, 2-dichloroethane | Isopropylbenzene, Naphthalene | |
| Shake-N-Go | Organique Mastermix Water Curl Weave 30' | Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Ethylbenzene, Naphthalene | |
| Debut | Wavy Hair Weave 20" | Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Isopropylbenzene, Ethylbenzene, Naphthalene | |
| Sensationnel | Lulutress Crochet Braid Passion Twist 12" | Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Ethylbenzene, Isopropylbenzene, Naphthalene | |
| Darling | Flexi Rod Curls Crochet 14" | Methylene Chloride, Styrene | Ethylbenzene, Naphthalene |
*** KNOWN- has three or more confirmed sources
**PROBABLE- has at least two to three confirmed sources
*POSSIBLE- has one confirmed source or there are disputes in the scientific community
Which Toxin is Linked to Cancer?
Did you know there are two harmful toxins commonly linked to cancer? These are benzene and methylene chloride. As shown in the chart above, three of the products contain benzene, while all of them include methylene chloride. But what exactly are these chemicals?
Benzene is a well-documented carcinogen associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Methylene chloride, on the other hand, has been linked to liver and lung cancer with prolonged exposure. What’s even more alarming is that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methylene chloride is not supposed to be present in any cosmetic products. Yet, here it is.
What are the Companies Saying?
Of all the brands tested, only two responded to Consumer Reports. Magic Fingers stated, "Count on us for braids and extensions that meet the highest expectations for fashion and performance." But I have to ask—how can they truly believe this? As a professional braider and consumer, I find their claims disappointing. In my experience, they are falling short of expectations by distributing toxic hair products.
Then there’s Sensationnel. They assured Consumer Reports, "We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products." While it’s commendable that they stand behind their brand, making safety claims doesn’t hold weight when evidence points to the contrary. These companies can say whatever is necessary to protect their image, but I firmly believe these products are not safe for anyone in any capacity.
References:
Consumer Reports- https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/dangerous-chemicals-detected-in-braiding-hair-cr-tested
Dermatology Advisor- www.dermatologyadvisor.com/news/lead-toxic-chemicals-found-in-synthetic-braiding-hair/
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