Baller Alert
  • Home
    • News
    • Entertainment
    • The Baller Alert Show
    • Baller Alert Lists
    • Baller Alert Exclusives
    • Let Me Liv
    • Ballerific Music
    • That’s Baller
    • Fashion
    • Metaverse
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Op-Ed
    • Travel
    • Health
  • EVENTS
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • About
  • Political News
  • en español
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • News
    • Entertainment
    • The Baller Alert Show
    • Baller Alert Lists
    • Baller Alert Exclusives
    • Let Me Liv
    • Ballerific Music
    • That’s Baller
    • Fashion
    • Metaverse
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Op-Ed
    • Travel
    • Health
  • EVENTS
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • About
  • Political News
  • en español
No Result
View All Result
Baller Alert
No Result
View All Result

Consumer Reports Finds Toxic Chemicals in Popular Synthetic Braiding Hair Brands

by thinktank
March 7, 2025
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Consumer Reports Finds Toxic Chemicals in Popular Synthetic Braiding Hair Brandss

Woman with long, braided hair

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Braided hairstyles remain a popular choice for Black people, offering a versatile and low-maintenance way to protect natural hair. However, a new Consumer Reports investigation has raised concerns about the safety of synthetic braiding hair, revealing that some of the most widely used brands contain hazardous chemicals, including carcinogens, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Testing on ten popular braiding hair brands found toxic substances in every sample. Among the brands tested were Sensationnel X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braid, Magic Fingers 3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, and Shake-N-Go FreeTress 3X Pre-Stretched Braid 301. Three products contained benzene, a known carcinogen linked to acute myeloid leukemia, while nine out of ten had unsafe levels of lead, which can cause brain damage, kidney problems, and reproductive issues. Acetone, a respiratory irritant, was also detected in all products.

Consumer Reports Test Results Synthetic Braiding Hair
Consumer Reports Test Results Synthetic Braiding Hair

Many consumers have reported adverse reactions, such as skin irritation, scalp discomfort, and lingering chemical odors after installing synthetic braids. Chrystal Thomas, a medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and CUNY, began researching the risks of synthetic braiding hair after experiencing symptoms herself. “I couldn’t sleep well, my throat felt irritated, and I had trouble focusing on any type of work I was doing because of the smell,” she said. Even after multiple washes, the chemical odor remained, leading her to remove the braids after just over a week.

Experts warn that these chemicals may pose long-term health risks. Tamarra James-Todd, an environmental reproductive epidemiologist, explained that many of the substances found in synthetic braiding hair act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormonal system. “These [chemicals] don’t operate in isolation; they’re operating together,” she said, adding that Black women have been found to have higher levels of these chemicals in their blood and urine. She also noted that exposure occurs through direct contact with the scalp, inhalation, and hand-to-mouth transfer.

Despite its widespread use, synthetic braiding hair remains largely unregulated by the FDA, leaving consumers with little information about potential risks. Some manufacturers, such as Kaneka (which produces Kanekalon fibers), say they only provide raw materials, while third-party companies process, dye, and distribute the final products.

The Black haircare industry, valued at $2.79 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $6.34 billion by 2029, highlighting the growing demand for hair extensions, wigs, and braiding hair. However, the findings from this investigation raise concerns about safety and regulatory oversight in the market. Until more research is conducted, experts suggest limiting the use of synthetic braiding hair or thoroughly washing it before installation to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Discover more from Baller Alert

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Related Posts

Keke Palmer, SZA Returning for One of Them Days Sequel
News

Apparently, Rent Still Ain’t Paid—One of Them Days Is Getting a Sequel

June 5, 2025

Get ready for another wild ride—TriStar is bringing back One of Them Days, and yes, Keke Palmer and SZA are...

Trump’s New Travel Ban Hits Africa —Blocking Entry from 19 Countries
News

Trump’s New Travel Ban Hits Africa —Blocking Entry from 19 Countries

June 5, 2025

Donald Trump just signed off on a sweeping new travel ban, shutting down entry into the United States for people...

Lyft's CEO Is Aiming To Reduce Surge Pricing For Customers
News

Lyft Driver Held Hostage Inside Georgia Sheriff’s Office After Passenger Pulls Knife

June 5, 2025

An early morning Lyft ride in Georgia turned terrifying when a passenger pulled a knife and forced the driver to...

jane doe
News

Diddy’s Former Flame Testifies: Freak-Offs, Hotel Hookups, and Alleged Pressure to Perform

June 5, 2025

Another woman has stepped forward in the ongoing case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, offering new testimony that paints a picture...

Next Post
Bhad Bhabie’s Home Targeted in Attempted Break-In

Bhad Bhabie’s Home Targeted in Attempted Break-In

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Baller News

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

* indicates required

Follow Us

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

© Copyright 2024, Baller Alert Inc. All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • News
    • Entertainment
    • The Baller Alert Show
    • Baller Alert Lists
    • Baller Alert Exclusives
    • Let Me Liv
    • Ballerific Music
    • That’s Baller
    • Fashion
    • Metaverse
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Op-Ed
    • Travel
    • Health
  • EVENTS
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • About
  • Political News
  • en español
%d