Black Women Deserve Better Than the Carcinogens Found in Braiding Hair

Get the Full StoryAlthough significant progress has been made, the Black experience in America has always been limited - and the options for hair care are no exception. Before the rise of the natural hair movement, there were very few brands that catered to a Black woman's natural texture. Many were using methods like hair relaxers and straighteners to feel beautiful, but these practices were soon linked to uterine cancer. And though beauty companies have since elevated their offerings to include cleaner formulations that serve as an alternative to chemical treatments, the tale of products made for our community being harmful is far from over. The proof is in Consumer Reports' latest discovery, which found carcinogens in synthetic braiding hair.

On Feb. 27, the company's researchers published a new study that revealed carcinogens agents that can increase the risk of cancer are present in 10 popular synthetic hair-braiding brands, including X-Pression, Sassy Collection, and Sensationnel. Scientists tested each brand for heavy metals and volatile organic compounds VOCs revealing they were found in 100 percent of the samples. Lead was also found in nine of the 10 products, an ingredient that causes skin irritation, which explains why many users myself included have experienced an itchy scalp after getting fresh braids.

Three of the products tested also contained benzene, a known agent that causes acute myeloid leukemia. "It is strictly regulated and discouraged to use in laboratories because of its potential to cause cancer," Dr. James E. Rogers, PhD, the brand's director and head of product safety testing, said in a statement. All the samples also contained a probable carcinogen, methylene chloride, which is recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA as a certified hazard that can lead to cancer of the lung, liver, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

consumerreports Could protective hairstyles like synthetic braids do more harm than good? Our latest investigation revealed surprising findings in some hair available today. Learn more through the link in our bio. #hairtok #braidinghair #blackhairtiktok #protectivestyles original sound - Consumer Reports

These discoveries have created an uproar, especially on TikTok, but the CR team conducted these tests for good reason. According to a statement, when Dr. Rogers and his team began the research in 2024, he had three goals: to determine whether the chemicals were present, whether you could measure them and how much of each one was present, and to find out if there was a way to determine the possible risk to consumers who use these products. He also has two daughters who use extensions to get their hair braided, "I know firsthand that getting braids is part of the culture, and alternatives to synthetic hair aren't always accessible or affordable," he said.

He accomplished his mission, but I can't lie that hearing this news is disheartening - especially as a Black woman who wears braids. And though it's not entirely shocking, it brings up many questions: Why aren't there more regulations around hair extension products? Why are Black people put on the back burner in beauty? More importantly, why isn't this being discussed more so there can be a resolution?

Under CR's post on TikTok revealing the news, many users expressed their disappointment, commenting, "the attack on black women through hair products & extensions is crazy," and "this is a form of racism."

There's some truth to these statements. Hair extensions are primarily used by Black people and sold in Black neighborhoods, making our people the target market for these products and heightening our exposure to such harmful toxins - making it even more clear the lack of care for our demographic. With these products being most times the only affordable option at a local beauty supply, that speaks volumes. Even in 2025, Black people are still not a priority in beauty.

This void in the market is unacceptable, especially with Black consumers representing 70 percent of the hair extension industry, according to market data. We use braids as form of self-expression, creativity, and connection - and we shouldn't have to risk our health to get them. It's time to hold companies more accountable to delivering the high-quality hair we deserve. Our lives, quite frankly, depend on it.

Naomi Parris is a New York-based fashion and beauty writer with over seven years of experience. She served as an editorial operations associate at PS, specializing in all things fashion. Her work has also been seen in Elle, Essence Girls United, Bustle, and Elite Daily. Obsessed with telling stories that merge fashion and Black culture, her areas of expertise include Fashion Week coverage, high-profile interviews, shopping roundups, op-eds, and beauty stories.

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