What You Should Know About Synthetic Hair 🫣

  1. Carcinogens Detected: All samples contained substances like benzene and methylene chloride, both linked to cancer.  
  2. Lead Presence: Lead was found in nine out of ten products, which can cause health issues with prolonged exposure.  
  3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals such as acetone and toluene were present.  

The Problem With Synthetic Hair

Lead

Long-term Exposure to Lead Can Lead to:

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Long-Term Health Effects of VOCs:

Dioxins

Dioxins are not intentionally produced but are unwanted byproducts of:

Long-term Health Effects of Dioxins:

Phthalates

Common Sources of Phthalates:

Hair Products Containing Phthalates:

Long-term Health Effects of Phthalates:

Vinyl Chloride

Common Sources of Vinyl Chloride:

Long-term Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride:

Safe Alternatives to PVC-Based Synthetic Hair

Purchase hair products that are: 

Kanekalon Fiber (Best for Braids & Wigs)

Pros:

  1. Made from modacrylic fibers, which are softer, more natural-looking, and heat-resistant.
  2. Less toxic than PVC-based synthetic hair.
  3. Lightweight and more comfortable to wear.
  4. Can be styled with low heat (around 250°F to 350°F).

Cons:

  1. Can melt if exposed to high heat above recommended temperatures.
  2. Some brands may still contain trace amounts of flame retardants, but higher-quality Kanekalon is safer.

Kanekalon Hair Brands:

  1. X-Pression: Great for braids, twists, and crochet styles.
  2. Freetress: Popular for wigs and crochet styles.
  3. Outre: Offers premium Kanekalon wigs and extensions.

Toyokalon Fiber (Best for Curly and Wavy Styles)

Pros:

Cons:

  1. Slightly more expensive than Kanekalon.
  2. Not as durable for braiding compared to Kanekalon.

Toyokalon Hair Brands:

  1. Model Model: Great for soft, wavy wigs.
  2. Sensationnel Empress: Offers heat-resistant Toyokalon wigs.

Heat-Resistant Synthetic Hair Blends (Best for Heat Styling and Curling)

Pros:

Cons:

  1. More expensive than basic synthetic wigs.
  2. May still contain small amounts of plastic-based fibers.

Heat-Resistant Synthetic Hair Brands:

Human Hair Blends (Best for a Natural Look & Versatility)

Pros:

Cons:

Human Hair Brands:

  1. Sensual Vella Vella Human Hair Blend
  2. Janet Collection Human Hair Blend
  3. Outre MyTresses Gold Label

Plant-based Hair Alternatives

Benefits of Plant-Based Hair:

Banana Fiber Hair (Best for Braiding & Twists)

Benefits of Banana Fiber Hair:

Banana Fiber Hair Brands:

Hemp Fiber Hair (Best for Strength & Durability)

Benefits of Hemp Fiber Hair:

Hemp Fiber Hair Brands:

Bamboo Fiber Hair (Best for Softness & Flexibility)

Benefits of Bamboo Fiber Hair:

Bamboo Fiber Hair Brands:

Read the article published on Consumer Reports website:

Help to Get Toxic Chemicals out of Synthetic Hair:

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