The worldwide marketplace for hair extensions is booming, and projected to hit $14 billion by 2028. What was as soon as a distinct segment luxurious merchandise for girls is now extensively obtainable.
Now, a new study from Silent Spring Institute says many hair extensions—together with merchandise constructed from human hair—include dozens of hazardous chemical compounds, some linked to most cancers.
The analysis, revealed within the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, gives the strongest proof to-date in regards to the potential well being dangers related to these magnificence merchandise, that are largely unregulated. The dangers disproportionately have an effect on Black ladies: The research discovered over 70% of Black ladies report sporting hair extensions no less than as soon as prior to now yr, in contrast with “lower than 10% of girls from different racial and ethnic teams.”
The findings come at a time when many ladies’s magnificence merchandise are underneath scrutiny, with a rising variety of studies discovering cancer-causing chemical compounds in merchandise starting from shampoo and conditioner, to cleaning soap and lotion, to pores and skin lightener, eyeliner, eyelash glue, and even lipstick.
Many hair extensions are constructed from artificial fibers and bio-based supplies, which are sometimes handled with poisonous chemical compounds to make sure they’re flame resistant, waterproof, or antimicrobial.
Researchers analyzed chemical compounds in 43 fashionable hair extension merchandise, together with compounds that aren’t usually examined, and utilizing machine-learning software program, had been finally in a position to determine 169 of the greater than 900 compounds. Based on the research, all however two of the samples examined contained hazardous chemical compounds.
These chemical compounds included flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins, that are linked with most cancers, hormone disruption, developmental issues, and disrupting the immune system. (In ladies, they’re additionally linked to early puberty and uterine fibroids.)
“Corporations not often disclose the chemical compounds used . . . leaving shoppers at the hours of darkness in regards to the well being dangers from extended put on,” Dr. Elissia Franklin, scientist at Silent Spring Institute, mentioned. “The fibers sit straight on the scalp and neck, and when heated and styled, they’ll launch chemical compounds into the air that wearers might breathe in.”
The research concludes extra business regulation is required. “The findings clarify that stronger oversight is urgently wanted to guard shoppers and push corporations to put money into making safer merchandise,” mentioned Franklin.
