Overview
- Silent Spring Institute tested 43 popular hair-extension products and identified 169 chemicals, with all but two samples containing substances listed as hazardous.
- Detected compounds included flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, organotins, benzene, and formaldehyde linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
- Researchers warn that exposure can occur through prolonged scalp contact, tight long-term wear, adhesives, and heat styling that releases fumes.
- Nearly 10% of samples contained toxic organotins, sometimes above European Union health-based thresholds, while many products offered no ingredient disclosure.
- The findings are driving policy moves, including a New York disclosure proposal, a New Jersey bill to restrict harmful chemicals, and federal Safer Beauty legislation that would direct the FDA to regulate synthetic braids and extensions.