Hazardous Chemicals Found in Hair Products

A recent study published in the journal Environment & Health reveals that many chemicals commonly used in pipes, pesticides, and floor tiles are also found in some wigs and hair extensions. Researchers from the Silent Spring Institute, a nonprofit scientific organization based in Massachusetts, analyzed 43 hair extension products bought online and in local beauty supply stores. They identified a total of 169 chemicals, including several harmful substances like flame retardants and pesticides.

Among the findings, a dozen of the identified compounds are noted in California’s Proposition 65, which alerts the public to chemicals known to cause serious health issues such as birth defects and cancer. Moreover, 36 samples tested contained 17 compounds linked to breast cancer.

In recent years, the discussion around harmful hair products, particularly those aimed at Black women, has gained significant attention. Reports last year pointed out that carcinogens were present in samples from ten popular synthetic hair brands, with lead detected in nine of those samples.

The dangers don’t stop there; chemical hair relaxers have also been linked to severe health risks. According to a 2023 study, postmenopausal Black women who frequently used these relaxers were found to have a 50% higher risk of developing uterine cancer. Another study showed that using hair straighteners more than four times a year significantly increased the chance of developing uterine cancer.

Dr. Chris Pernell, director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity, explains that the harsh chemicals within these hair products can penetrate the scalp, leading to irritation and other adverse reactions. There’s also a risk of inhalation during hair styling, as well as absorption through the skin for hairstylists and braiders who frequently handle these products.

Pernell emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of these exposures. While some chemicals are known carcinogens, it remains uncertain how they may specifically affect health in the context of hair products. The presence of such harmful substances warrants regulatory attention.

Study Findings

The recent study examined a mix of synthetic and human hair products. Out of the 43 tested, 41 were found to contain hazardous chemicals. Only two products, from brands Spetra and Latched & Hooked, were identified as non-toxic.

The findings were cross-referenced with the PlastChem database, which catalogs chemicals in plastics, revealing that various samples contained hazardous substances—particularly in raw and blended hair types. Chemicals such as benzyl chloride, potentially carcinogenic and harmful to respiratory and digestive health, were identified.

A concerning aspect of the findings was the presence of organotin compounds in four samples, which are not typically found in consumer products. These compounds, linked to cancer and hormone disruption, stand out as a significant concern.

Lariah Edwards from Columbia University remarked that the discovery of organotins in hair extensions is particularly troubling, especially given their potential link to endocrine disruption.

For many Black women, hair braiding is considered a protective style that promotes healthy hair growth. The revelation that this practice might expose them to toxic chemicals is disheartening, calling attention to yet another troubling dilemma.

Calls for Legislative Change

While more research is required to pinpoint exactly how individuals are exposed to these harmful chemicals, there is growing pressure on companies to eliminate them from their products. The current packaging for hair extensions often fails to disclose chemical ingredients. Legislative initiatives are underway, with Rep. Ayanna Pressley and others reintroducing a package aimed at enhancing FDA regulation of cosmetics, focusing on communities of color and salon workers.

Furthermore, the FDA proposed a ban on formaldehyde in hair relaxers, although it has yet to act decisively on this issue. At the local level, New York state is considering a bill requiring labels for hair extensions that contain toxic substances.

For those concerned about the safety of their hair products, Franklin suggests seeking brands labeled as non-toxic. A home remedy involving apple cider vinegar might help reduce chemical residue, though its effectiveness is limited.

Dr. Pernell advocates for limiting the use of synthetic hair and exploring safer, plant-based alternatives. She stresses the importance of consumer advocacy, stating that communities, especially those historically marginalized, deserve to use products without facing disproportionate health risks.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the brands considered free of hazardous chemicals. They are Spetra, which is not Black-owned, and Latch & Bundle.