March 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
A recent Consumer Reports study revealed that 10 synthetic hair products, commonly used for braids, extensions, and other hairstyles favored by Black women, contain cancer-causing ingredients. The study, published Thursday, found hazardous substances in artificial hair from well-known brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go.
Additionally, lead—known to cause serious health and developmental issues—was detected in nine out of the ten synthetic hair packs tested. One package of braiding hair contained a lead concentration exceeding the maximum allowable dosage by over 600%, according to the study. Since there are no federal regulations on lead content in synthetic braiding hair, Consumer Reports used California’s maximum allowable dosage level, calling it the “most protective available in the U.S.”
For years, synthetic hair has been an essential component of protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists, offering Black women a way to shield their natural hair from breakage, environmental damage, and frequent heat styling. However, Consumer Reports warned that the prolonged use of these styles increases exposure to harmful chemicals.
The research assessed synthetic braiding hair from 10 different companies, many of which manufacture their products using Kanekalon, a synthetic fiber developed by the Kaneka brand. When approached for comment, Kaneka did not respond to NBC News but told Consumer Reports: “Kaneka only manufactures the Kanekalon fibers that are used in various hair products, such as synthetic hair braids and wigs, and does not produce any of the final products.” The company explained that the dyeing and styling of Kanekalon fibers are handled by the braiding hair companies. Kaneka also stated that it would require more details to properly assess the complaint.
The study identified benzene, a known carcinogen, in products from Sensationnel, Magic Fingers, and other brands. The American Cancer Society has linked benzene to acute myeloid leukemia. Consumer Reports also detected methylene chloride, a substance classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a potential cause of liver and lung cancer after long-term exposure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits any level of methylene chloride in cosmetics.
“There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene,” said Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization focused on health. “When possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided as they are associated with serious health effects.”
The study confirmed the presence of lead in nine of the ten products tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that lead exposure can contribute to developmental disabilities in children and reproductive health complications in adults.
“There are no federal limits on the amount of lead in synthetic braiding products,” Friedman explained. “Lead is not permitted to be intentionally added to cosmetic products in the U.S. 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. However, Magic Fingers assured Consumer Reports that its customers “can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance.”
Sensationnel defended the safety of its products, stating, “We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products.”
Friedman acknowledged that while most tested products fell within the FDA’s limit for lead contamination in cosmetics, avoiding lead exposure whenever possible is advisable.
Both Magic Fingers and Sensationnel took issue with the study’s testing methodology, arguing that it did not accurately reflect how consumers use the products. Consumer Reports conducted its research by blind-coding 20 samples from 10 artificial braiding hair products and sending them to a laboratory for heavy metal analysis. Shake-N-Go did not respond to Consumer Reports’ request for comment.
Concerns over the safety of hair products marketed to Black women are not new. In 2022, hundreds of Black consumers filed a class-action lawsuit against companies producing chemical hair relaxers, alleging that the products contributed to uterine cancer. Several large-scale studies have linked chemical hair relaxers—widely marketed toward Black women—to increased risks of cancer, infertility, and other health complications.
Friedman emphasized that the Consumer Reports findings highlight a broader and “alarming trend” of toxic beauty products disproportionately marketed to Black women.
“On average, women use 12 personal care products a day, which can expose people to mixtures of harmful chemicals,” she noted. “And studies show that repeated exposure to mixtures of chemicals can pose far greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient.”
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has examined over 4,000 beauty products marketed to Black women and found that most are at least moderately hazardous to human health. To help consumers make informed choices, EWG created the Skin Deep database, which classifies beauty products based on their level of hazard—low, moderate, or high.
“Everyone deserves access to safe products,” Friedman stated. “Manufacturers should prioritize safety for consumers.”
Source: NBC News
