Synthetic hair braids in Nigeria’s booming $429 million market pose serious health risks like cancer and fertility issues due to toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. Research in Nigeria and the U.S. found contaminants in all tested synthetic hair brands.
Health Risks Associated with Synthetic Braids
- Cancer Risks: Chemicals like benzene in synthetic braids are linked to acute myeloid leukemia.
- Fertility Issues: Lead and other chemicals can disrupt hormones, affect egg quality, and alter menstrual cycles in women.
- Other Health Concerns: Exposure to these toxins can lead to kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and brain damage in adults, and developmental issues in children.
Concerns with Regulation and Awareness
- Weak Regulation: Nigeria’s National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is criticized for insufficient efforts in regulating synthetic hair products and creating public awareness.
- Lack of Awareness: Many women continue using synthetic braids due to affordability and lack of awareness about health risks.
Calls for Action
- Stricter Controls: Experts urge for stronger regulations and better public education on the risks of synthetic hair.
- Safer Alternatives: Considering alternatives like human hair or certified non-toxic synthetic brands can reduce risks.
Safer Hair Options or Alternatives to Consider
- Safer Hair Options
- Human Hair: A safer alternative to synthetic hair, human hair doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like benzene and lead.
- Certified Non-Toxic Synthetic Brands: Look for synthetic hair brands that are certified non-toxic and made with safer ingredients.
- Natural Keratin Alternatives: Treatments like Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment use plant-based keratin proteins and nourishing oils ¹.
Safer Hair Options
Considering safer alternatives to synthetic hair braids can help minimize exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. Here are some safer hair options:
- Human Hair: Human hair is a safer alternative to synthetic hair as it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like benzene and lead.
- Certified Non-Toxic Synthetic Brands: Look for synthetic hair brands that are certified non-toxic and made with safer ingredients.
- Natural Keratin Alternatives: Treatments like Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment use plant-based keratin proteins and nourishing oils, making them safer for hair and scalp health.
More Information on Risks Associated with Synthetic Hair Braids
Synthetic hair braids pose several health risks due to the presence of toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. Here’s more on the risks:
- Cancer Risks: Benzene in synthetic braids is linked to acute myeloid leukemia.
- Fertility Issues: Lead and other chemicals can disrupt hormones, affect egg quality, and alter menstrual cycles in women.
- Other Health Concerns: Exposure to these toxins can lead to kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, brain damage in adults, and developmental issues in children.
- Exposure Routes: Risks can come from skin contact, inhalation of fumes off-gassing from synthetic fibers, or accidental ingestion.
Reducing Risks
To minimize risks associated with synthetic hair braids:
- Choose Safer Alternatives: Opt for human hair or certified non-toxic synthetic brands.
- Increase Awareness: Educate yourself and others about potential health risks of synthetic hair.
- Advocate for Stricter Regulations: Support stronger regulations and better public education on risks of synthetic hair.
Identifying Safer Hair Products
To identify safer hair products, consider the following steps:
- Check Ingredients: Look for products with natural, plant-based ingredients and avoid those with known toxic chemicals like benzene, lead, and harsh surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS).
- Look for Certifications: Products with certifications like “Made Safe” or those with low toxicity ratings in the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) SkinDeep database are generally safer.
- Research Brands: Opt for brands that prioritize safety, sustainability, and transparency about their ingredients and manufacturing processes.
- Read Labels Carefully: Be cautious of products with synthetic fragrances, parabens, and other potentially harmful preservatives.
Safer Hair Product Options
- Natural Hair Dyes: Brands like Madison Reed, Arctic Fox, and Lime Crime offer non-toxic, plant-based hair dyes.
- Natural Keratin Treatments: Treatments using plant-based keratin proteins and nourishing oils are safer for hair and scalp health.
- Amino Acid-Based Treatments: These treatments repair and smooth hair using natural amino acids.
Resources for Safer Product Research
- EWG SkinDeep: A database to check toxicity ratings of personal care products.
- Made Safe Certification: Products meeting strict safety and non-toxicity standards.
