Toxic Chemicals Found In Braiding Hair Used By Black Women

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of synthetic braiding hair commonly used in the Black community for various hairstyles. The study analyzed ten popular synthetic hair-braiding brands, including X-Pression, Sassy Collection, and Sensationnel, and discovered the presence of harmful chemicals in all samples tested.

The analysis revealed that 90% of the products contained lead, a heavy metal known to pose health risks over time. Additionally, all samples were found to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as methylene chloride, which have been linked to various cancers. These chemicals can be released into the air when setting the hair with hot water, potentially increasing exposure risks.

Black-Owned Alternatives and Natural Hair Care Brands

Several Black-owned brands have emerged, offering natural and non-toxic hair care products and alternatives to synthetic braiding hair.

Rebundle: This brand offers plant-based braiding hair made from banana fibers, providing a biodegradable and irritation-free alternative to traditional synthetic options.
Nourie: Nourie focuses on creating eco-friendly, plant-based hair extensions designed to be gentle on the scalp and the environment.
Ruka: Ruka provides non-toxic hair extensions that cater to various hair textures, emphasizing safety and quality.
SLAYYY: This brand offers braiding hair options free from harmful chemicals, aiming to reduce the risk of scalp irritation and other health issues.

In addition to braiding hair alternatives, numerous Black-owned natural hair care brands found on OBWS.com offering products formulated without harmful chemicals:

Strands of Faith: Strands of Faith is a beauty lifestyle brand founded by Clinical Research Professional Ameka Coleman and built upon faith principles which formulates and creates rich, handcrafted, non-toxic products serving multi-cultural hair types with an emphasis on hydrating, revitalizing, and moisturizing the strands to healthy hair.
Florae Beauty: Florae Beauty Is a Clean, Vegan, Cruelty-free beauty brand offering high-quality, scientist-crafted formulas with personalizable options based on your hair needs. Founded by Dr. Natalie King, a Biophysiologist and Neuroscientist, with experience as a researcher and healthcare provider.
Striking + Strong: Striking + Strong is hair care company creating products made with a proprietary formula that includes clean ingredients, no harsh sulfates, no silicones, no parabens, no DEA, and no artificial dyes.
Recover Restore Gro: Recover Restore Gro is a mother and Daughter-owned brand determined to set the standard by providing quality non toxic hair products for women of all backgrounds. Formulated by a Licensed Cosmetologist with more than 20 years of Professional Haircare.
EDEN BodyWorks: EDEN BodyWorks offers quality products that treat and maintain the hair and body’s original design. Each of their collections combine the transformative power of benefit-rich ingredients known to deliver the best results.
Malkia Essentials: Malkia Essentials provides customers with high quality plant-based hair care products that are free from any harmful chemicals such as: parabens, sulfates, toxic preservatives and so on.
Nae Nae's Naturals: Nae Nae’s Naturals is family owned and operated by husband and wife duo Terrence and Nevadra (Nae Nae) Johnson. They create safe and effective beauty products for women who want natural, toxic-free products for their hair. They are a socially conscious brand that believes women shouldn’t have to choose between what’s good for them and what works well for them.

As the conversation around safe hair care continues, supporting Black-owned businesses that prioritize health and quality offers a pathway to both community empowerment and personal well-being.

Head to the description box to go OBWS.com, where you can discover thousands of Black-owned products and services you can shop today.