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Hair Extensions Hide Toxic Chemicals
13 Feb
Summary
- Nearly all hair extensions tested contain dangerous chemicals.
- Disproportionate health risks fall on Black women who use extensions.
- New legislation aims to improve ingredient transparency and safety.
A new study has uncovered alarming levels of hazardous chemicals in hair extensions, raising significant health concerns, particularly for Black women who use these products at higher rates. Researchers detected over 900 chemical signatures across 43 popular hair extension products, identifying 169 distinct chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems.
Despite claims of being flame retardant or non-toxic, nearly all tested synthetic and bio-based extensions contained dangerous substances. Twelve of these chemicals are listed under California's Proposition 65 for causing cancer or reproductive harm, and 17 are associated with breast cancer. This highlights an urgent need for stronger consumer protections and industry accountability.
In response to these findings, legislative action is underway. New York has introduced a bill requiring manufacturers to disclose all ingredients in synthetic hair extensions. Similarly, New Jersey is advancing legislation to ban harmful chemicals from these products. These efforts aim to ensure greater transparency and push companies to prioritize safer product development.
