A new investigation by Consumer Reports has uncovered a troubling pattern: lead was detected in 29 out of 30 braiding hair products tested, and every single product contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including respiratory irritants and low levels of carcinogens. The findings highlight a critical gap in federal oversight of products worn continuously by millions of Black women and girls, sometimes for months at a time.

What Did Consumer Reports Actually Find in Braiding Hair?

Consumer Reports recently tested 90 samples across 30 braiding hair products from 29 different brands, examining synthetic, plant-based, and human hair options . The results paint a concerning picture of contamination across the industry. Lead appeared in 97% of products tested, with human hair products showing significantly higher lead levels than synthetic or plant-based alternatives. Every single product contained VOCs, including acetone, a chemical that irritates the respiratory system, along with trace amounts of carcinogens that may be linked to cancer .

The investigation also revealed that products marketed with safety or quality claims were not exempt from contamination. Brands making specific ingredient promises still contained harmful chemicals, though sometimes at lower levels than competitors. However, the research did identify a glimmer of hope: one product, Dosso Beauty Hypoallergenic Kanekalon Fiber Braiding Hair, contained no detectable heavy metals, proving that cleaner manufacturing is possible .

These findings align with a separate study by Silent Spring Institute, which tested 43 hair extension products and found 48 toxic chemicals in all but two samples, including phthalates and flame retardants . Phthalates are chemicals that interfere with hormones, while flame retardants are substances added to materials to slow burning but can accumulate in the body over time.

Why Should You Care About Contaminants in Braiding Hair?

Braiding hair is not a product used casually or for short periods. Many people wear braids continuously for weeks or even months, sometimes applying heat during styling. This extended, direct contact with the scalp and skin means potential exposure to lead, VOCs, and other contaminants is cumulative and prolonged. For salon workers who handle these products daily, the exposure risk is even greater .

Lead exposure is particularly concerning because it can affect the nervous system, especially in children and pregnant people. VOCs like acetone can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and dizziness with repeated exposure. The presence of carcinogens, even in low levels, raises questions about long-term health effects when exposure happens over months or years .

The burden of safety currently falls on consumers to research and choose products, but without transparent ingredient labeling or federal oversight, making informed decisions is nearly impossible. As Consumer Reports notes, this is an under-regulated market where manufacturers face minimal accountability .

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in Hair Products

• Request Transparency: Ask brands directly about their testing protocols and whether they screen for heavy metals and VOCs. Support companies that publicly disclose their test results and commit to reducing contaminants.
• Look for Certified Cleaner Options: While no universal certification exists yet for braiding hair, seek out brands like Dosso Beauty, New Village Braid, and Rebundle that have demonstrated commitment to safety testing and are actively supporting policy changes.
• Advocate for Regulation: Sign petitions supporting the Beauty Justice Act in New York and the Safer Beauty Bill Package at the federal level, which aim to ban toxic chemicals and require ingredient transparency in personal care products.
• Support Salon Worker Protections: Choose salons and stylists who advocate for safer products, and support legislation that funds research to protect salon workers who face disproportionate exposure risks.

What's Being Done to Fix This Problem?

Consumer Reports has launched a petition calling on braiding hair companies to examine their supply chains, conduct rigorous testing for heavy metals and chemicals, and publicly share the results . Several brands have responded positively, outlining steps to improve their testing protocols. Dosso Beauty, New Village Braid, and Rebundle have emerged as allies in these efforts, actively championing the introduction of stronger policies into this highly unregulated market .

At the legislative level, advocates are pushing for meaningful change. In New York, the Beauty Justice Act would ban some of the most toxic chemicals from personal care and beauty products sold in the state. Federally, the Safer Beauty Bill Package includes four bills aimed at removing toxic chemicals from personal care products, increasing ingredient transparency, and funding research to protect women of color and salon workers .

"Consumers should be able to trust that the personal care products they use are safe, and the burden of safety should never fall on the people who use them," said Alexandra Grose, senior counsel for sustainability policy at Consumer Reports.

Alexandra Grose, Senior Counsel for Sustainability Policy at Consumer Reports

The contrast with international standards is striking. The European Union has banned over 1,300 toxic ingredients from cosmetics and personal care products and continues to update that list as new safety concerns emerge. The United States, by comparison, has banned only 11 ingredients . Since manufacturers already produce products that comply with European regulations, experts argue that the claim that safer formulations are impossible in the U.S. market simply does not hold up.

"During this testing effort, we identified products that had smaller amounts down to undetectable amounts of the heavy metals. This suggests that in the production of synthetic braiding hair, these products can be made without being contaminated with these potentially harmful chemicals," explained James E. Rogers, director and head of product safety testing at Consumer Reports.

James E. Rogers, PhD, Director and Head of Product Safety Testing at Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is hosting a virtual forum titled "Safety of Braiding Hair: What CR Tests Found" to discuss the path forward with testing experts, partner organizations, and advocates. The organization is also encouraging consumers to join the movement by signing their petition for industry transparency and safer alternatives .

The braiding hair safety investigation represents a broader conversation about accountability in the personal care industry. Until federal oversight catches up with manufacturing capabilities and international standards, the responsibility for demanding safer products rests with informed consumers, advocacy organizations, and the brands willing to lead the way toward cleaner formulations.