A recent study has revealed the alarming presence of hazardous chemicals in hair extensions, some of which are linked to cancer and hormone disruption. Conducted by researchers at the Silent Spring Institute in Massachusetts, the findings suggest that Black women are disproportionately exposed to the health risks associated with these products.
Dr Elissia Franklin, a research scientist involved in the study, noted that companies often fail to disclose the chemicals used in hair extensions. These products, which can be made from both human and synthetic hair, are frequently treated with various substances to enhance their properties, including flame resistance. “Consumers are left in the dark about the health risks from prolonged wear,” Dr Franklin stated.
The research team analyzed 43 hair extension products purchased online and from local stores, encompassing extensions made from human hair and synthetic materials such as Kanekalon, Aquatex, Spetra, and Mastermix. Among the samples, 19 claimed to be flame retardant, three were water resistant, and nine were heat resistant. Notably, three samples advertised themselves as “non-toxic” or “PVC-free.”
Health Risks Uncovered
The study employed advanced machine learning techniques to identify approximately 900 chemical signatures within the products. In total, researchers detected 169 different chemicals, many associated with serious health issues, including flame retardants, phthalates, and pesticides. Alarmingly, every sample except two contained hazardous substances. The study found that 17 of these chemicals, linked to breast cancer, were present in 36 samples. Additionally, nearly 10% of the samples contained toxic organotins, compounds heavily regulated in the UK and European Union due to their potential health risks.
Dr Franklin expressed concern over these findings, stating, “We wanted to get a better picture of the extent of the problem. This is an industry that has long overlooked the health of Black women, who should not have to choose between cultural expression, convenience, and their health.”
In light of the study’s publication in the American Chemical Society journal, Environment & Health, advocacy groups are calling for increased regulatory action. A spokesperson for the campaign group Level Up emphasized that the findings validate long-standing concerns among Black women regarding overexposure to harmful chemicals in hair care products.
“This evidence should be more than enough to prompt action from regulators, corporations, and government agencies,” the spokesperson said. “Black women and our children should be able to trust that the products we use will not put our health at risk.”
Calls for Transparency and Regulation
Jacky van Driel-Nguene, a consultant trichologist based in the Netherlands and chief executive of Trichology Europe, echoed the need for greater transparency in the hair extension industry. “Unlike many cosmetic products, these materials often provide little or no information about chemical treatments or additives,” she remarked. “This lack of transparency complicates the ability of professionals to advise clients and makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.”
The study’s findings highlight a pressing need for enhanced safety oversight and ingredient disclosure in the hair extension market. Advocates argue that consumers deserve to know what they are putting on their bodies, especially when it involves products that come into direct contact with the scalp for extended periods.
In conclusion, the research underscores the urgent need for regulatory reform to ensure the safety of hair extensions and protect the health of consumers, particularly those who have been disproportionately affected. As this issue gains more attention, the hope is that regulatory bodies will take necessary steps to safeguard public health.
