Hazardous Chemicals Found in Hair Extensions Pose Health Risks, Disproportionately Affecting Black Women
A comprehensive US study by the Silent Spring Institute identified 169 hazardous chemicals, including cancer-linked substances like organotins, in popular hair extension products. This research highlights significant health risks from largely unregulated beauty items, disproportionately affecting Black women who widely use extensions. The findings prompt urgent calls for stronger industry oversight, ingredient disclosure, and policy changes, with legislative efforts already underway in New York and New Jersey to protect consumers.
A landmark study by the Silent Spring Institute has unveiled the alarming presence of 169 hazardous chemicals in widely used hair extension and braiding products, with significant health implications. Published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, this comprehensive US analysis provides the strongest evidence to date of potential health risks from these largely unregulated beauty items. The chemicals identified include flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins, substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption, developmental problems, and immune system effects. Dr. Elissia Franklin, lead author, emphasized that the industry has long overlooked the health of Black women, who represent over 70% of hair extension users, often feeling pressured to conform to professional beauty standards. The study involved analyzing 43 popular products using advanced non-targeted analysis techniques, revealing over 900 chemical signatures. Researchers were particularly surprised by the prevalence of organotins, heat stabilizers in PVC, which are linked to skin irritation—a common complaint—as well as cancer and hormone disruption. With the global hair extension market rapidly expanding, these findings underscore an urgent need for stronger oversight. Policy change is gaining momentum, with new legislation proposed in New York and New Jersey to mandate ingredient disclosure and ban harmful chemicals. Federally, the Safer Beauty Bill Package aims to direct the FDA to regulate these products. In response, British entrepreneur Jacqueline Shaw, a breast cancer survivor, launched The Canerow Company, offering plant-based hair extensions as a safer alternative to synthetic options.
