Consumer Reports’ tests of synthetic braiding hair last year found dangerous contaminants in all of the products. Now, a new round of tests on 30 more products, including human hair, plant-based and ‘non-toxic' alternatives, found heavy metals and volatile organic compounds in nearly every sample. Millions of Black women and girls wear braiding hair for months at a time, and the chemicals and metals found in these products have been linked to serious health harms, such as cancer and endocrine disruption.
With no federal oversight of braiding hair products, consumers are largely left in the dark, with little information about testing, standards, or potential risks. We’re calling on braiding hair companies to eliminate harmful contaminants, regularly test their products, and publicly share the results so consumers can make informed choices. Join us and stand up for transparency, accountability, and basic safety protections for beauty products that millions use every day.
Message to Braiding Hair Manufacturers
Consumer Reports’ tests of synthetic and natural braiding hair products found contaminants, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in nearly every product tested. These findings are concerning for the millions of black women and girls who wear braiding hair, as the chemicals and metals found in these products have been linked to serious health harms, such as cancer and endocrine disruption.
Given the lack of federal oversight of braiding hair products, we call on your company to take the following steps: 1) Examine all elements of your manufacturing process for possible contaminants; 2) Test your braiding hair products for heavy metals and other potentially harmful chemicals; 3) Publicly disclose the results to give consumers transparency; and 4) Commit to strong safety standards and continuous monitoring to ensure products remain safe over time.
Thank you for taking meaningful action to give consumers confidence that the products they use on their bodies are safe, and prioritizing safety, accountability, and openness with those who use your braiding hair products.