After Cancer-Causing Toxins Found in Popular Braiding Hair, Philly’s Braid Wearers Sound Off

Across races and cultures, hair is used as a tool for expression. This is overwhelmingly true within African American culture. Synthetic braiding hair is commonly used by Black women as a means of protective styling. These protective styles can last up to 2-3 months. Protective styles such as braids, twists, and weaves are particularly popular during the spring and summertime.

Black history shows that hair, particularly braids, has been utilized for innovation, resistance, survival, and joy.

Cancerous braiding hair is a clear opponent to that joy.

A Consumer Reports investigation revealed cancer-causing substances in the majority of popular braiding hair brand samples. These brands include; Sensationnel, Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Shake-N-Go, Hbegant, Debut, and Darling. Scientists at Consumer Reports found carcinogens in 10 different types of synthetic pack-hair, popularly sold in beauty supply stores nationwide. These carcinogens include; lead, benzene, cadmium, and more.

What are Carcinogens? The American Cancer Society defines carcinogens as substances and exposures that can lead to cancer. The carcinogen, benzene, was found in Senationnel and Magic Fingers’ products. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long exposure to benzene can result in leukemia.

The Director of Product Safety Testing at Consumer Reports, James E. Rodgers, took notice after personal accounts of Black women experiencing extreme side effects from braiding hair began to emerge. Consumer Reports began their investigation of the issue in 2024. The study includes 20 samples of 10 different types of synthetic hair. The results — worrisome.

“All the synthetic braiding hair products we tested contained multiple carcinogens,” stated Leigh-Ann Jackson, in the Consumer Reports’ study breakdown. High levels of lead were detected in 9 out of 10 of the products.

Consumer Reports’ test results show that Senationnel’s ‘X-Pression 3X Pre-Stretched Braid, 58"’ and Magic Fingers’ ‘3X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair, 52"’ contain the highest amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The Sassy Collections’ 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid carries the highest levels of lead.

“It’s crazy,” reacted Attrobena Issac, after purchasing Barclay Hair and Wigs in UpperDarby, PA. “A lot of African American women use braiding hair. So I feel like that’s a target.”

At the time of the interview, Issac was rocking a protective style. When asked if she was wearing any of the toxic hair brands, she replied saying, “I pray to God not”.

Another hair store customer, Keeana Johnson, said that she will not be wearing braiding hair anymore.

“Never again,” said Johnson. “My sister just got braids, my niece has braids and my friend does hair. I need to educate them on this. I didn’t even know about this.”

The manager of Barclay Hair and Wigs - Discount Plus, Alex Park, said that he plans to combat health concerns by educating his clientele. Park emphasized that not all braiding hair is dangerous. “Obviously, I don’t want anybody having cancer or being hurt by using beauty hair,” said Park. “Most of the braiding hair itself is not toxic. It is when you put it in hot water or add certain chemicals like oils.”

According to Consumer Reports’ findings, Park’s understanding is false. Yes, braiding hair is more harmful when boiled, but even untouched, toxins were detected

“They should ban them,” stated Isaac, referring to the companies who are producing the toxic hair.

“This is really dangerous to our kids. Our kids get braiding hair!” Park says that Barclay Hair and Wigs does sell non-toxic braiding hair. He recommends the brand Spectra, which claims to be anti-bacterial, non-toxic, and itch-free. Investing in human hair was his only other suggestion. Braiding hair, along with other widely consumed beauty products, is not FDA-regulated.