Hair Extensions: Are Harmful Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer Found in Synthetic Hair?
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A major study reveals that synthetic hair extensions, used by millions of women globally, may pose risks including breast cancer, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive issues.
Experts report that nearly 50 different harmful chemicals have been found in various types of these hair products.
The synthetic hair industry worldwide is projected to exceed $1.4 billion by 2028.
Published in the American Chemical Society Journal, the study calls for strict regulations on this billion-dollar synthetic hair market and highlights the need for increased consumer awareness.
Lead author Alicia Franklin states, “Once applied, synthetic hair is worn for weeks or even longer, maintaining prolonged contact with the scalp, which may lead to long-term health risks.”
She adds, “The hair stays on the scalp for weeks or months, which could contribute to chronic health issues.”
Harmful Chemicals
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By 2028, the global synthetic hair market value is expected to exceed $1.4 billion.
Many women wear synthetic hair to enhance their appearance or follow fashion trends. A significant proportion are Black women who use them for easier hair management.
Synthetic hair products vary widely in price, ranging from $20 to several thousand dollars.
Scientists found 170 chemical types across 43 samples they tested.
Among these, 48 chemicals appear on international hazard lists, including those by the UN and the European Chemicals Agency.
Franklin notes, “They include phthalates used in fire retardants and pesticides, which can affect reproductive health and disrupt the endocrine system.”
Seventeen chemicals linked to breast cancer were found across 36 synthetic and natural hair samples. Additionally, 10% of samples contained harmful elements used in flame-retardant plastics.
Researchers were surprised to find organotin compounds, which are not normally present in daily-use products and may negatively impact hormonal balance, reproduction, and development in humans.
Some chemicals identified are used in plywood production and are known to cause biological changes in the body and are linked to breast cancer.
Are Human Hair Extensions Safe?
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Previous studies uncovered harmful metals in synthetic hair. This research also included 11 samples of human hair.
These human hair samples were marketed as high-quality and untreated by chemicals.
All samples were collected from a single donor.
Surprisingly, many human hair samples contained more endocrine-disrupting harmful substances than synthetic hair.
Franklin states, “Products labeled as human hair were found to be unsafe.”
Franklin is a scientist affiliated with the US Silent Spring Institute, studying environmental causes of breast cancer.
Many harmful chemicals discovered in human hair likely originated during production and processing.
The study did not measure quantities of these toxic substances, but even small amounts of hormone-affecting compounds can impact health.
Heating synthetic hair or immersing it in boiling water can release toxic fumes that enter the body through inhalation.
Chemicals also come into contact with the skin, affecting not only the wearer but also the person applying the hair extensions.
Some users experience scalp irritation, bumps, bleeding skin, or respiratory problems when wearing such hair.
How to Wear Synthetic Hair Safely?
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There are no proven effective methods to safely wear chemically processed hair products. Researchers say washing in vinegar solution has not provided a solution.
Out of 43 samples, only two were free of harmful chemicals. However, Franklin advises not to completely trust such product claims.
“Without effective regulatory frameworks, responsible parties are not held accountable,” she warns.
The UK plans to legally regulate such products by August 2026.
Previous studies reveal that hair dyes and straighteners contain chemicals that may increase breast cancer risk. Despite those regulations, synthetic hair products currently lack similar oversight.
Some manufacturers claim confidence in their product quality, but due to a lack of guaranteed standards in the market, caution is needed,” Franklin states.
“Therefore, synthetic hair users should pay close attention to the findings of this study.”
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