Scientists have issued an urgent warning over hair extensions, after finding they contain dozens of hazardous chemicals.
Loved by celebrities including Elle Macpherson, Ivanka Trump and Taylor Swift, hair extensions give the illusion of thicker and more luscious locks.
But experts from Silent Spring Institute have now discovered several ‘chemicals of concern’ in these additions – including those made from human hair.
In their study, the team screened 43 popular products sold online for a wide range of chemicals.
Their analysis uncovered traces of dozens of chemicals, including flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins.
Worryingly, previous research has shown that these substances are linked with cancer, hormone disruption, developmental problems, and effects on the immune system.
‘Companies rarely disclose the chemicals used to achieve these properties, leaving consumers in the dark about the health risks from prolonged wear,’ said Dr Elissia Franklin, lead author of the study.
‘The fibers sit directly on the scalp and neck, and when heated and styled, they can release chemicals into the air that wearers may breathe in.’
Scientists have issued an urgent warning over hair extensions, after finding they contain dozens of hazardous chemicals (stock image)
Whether it’s clip–ins, tape–ins, weaves or micro–links, hair extensions are now exceptionally popular in both the UK and US.
Despite their ubiquity, there has been little research on the potential health risks associated with them.
‘While prior reports have found some chemicals of concern in hair extensions, there’s still much we don’t know about their overall chemical makeup,’ Dr Franklin said.
‘We wanted to get a better picture of the extent of the problem.’
To get to the bottom of it, the team purchased 43 popular hair extension products online and from local beauty supply stores.
This included synthetic products, which are mostly made from plastic polymers, and bio–based products, which include human, banana, or silk.
The Daily Mail has contacted the researchers for further information on the specific brands involved in the study.
Using a technique called ‘non–targeted analysis’, the team screened the samples for a wide range of chemicals.
Using a technique called ‘non–targeted analysis’, the team screened the samples for a wide range of chemicals (stock image)
Their results revealed that all but two of the samples contained hazardous chemicals.
These included flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins.
Flame retardants are added to materials to stop them setting on fire, but pose significant health risks, including cancer, neurotoxicity, and hormone disruption.
Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible, but are also linked to hormonal issues.
Pesticides meanwhile, are used to repel pests, while styrene is used in the production of plastics.
In addition, tetrachloroethane is a highly toxic industrial solvent that can cause liver damage and central nervous system depression.
‘We were especially surprised to find organotins,’ Dr Franklin said.
‘These are commonly used as heat stabilizers in PVC and have been linked with skin irritation, which is a common complaint among hair extension users.’
Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for stronger regulations on hair extensions.
Dr Franklin added: ‘These findings make clear that stronger oversight is urgently needed to protect consumers and push companies to invest in making safer products.’
The news comes shortly after an investigation revealed that hair products sold at Target and Walmart contain a cancer–causing ingredient.
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent a notice to major retailers notifying them that they are in violation for selling shampoos, body soaps and other hygienic products that contain cocamide diethanolamine, or cocamide DEA.
Cocamide DEA is derived from coconut oil and commonly used in shampoos, soaps and lotions as a foam booster, thickening agent and stabilizer.
Laboratory tests have linked the substance to liver and kidney cancer, and California has added it to the list of carcinogenic chemicals that require a label be placed on products containing.
Caitlin Moher, CEH’s Research Manager, told Daily Mail in a statement: ‘Cocamide DEA has been found to cause cancer. It has no place in any personal care products we use on our hair or on our skin.
‘Cocamide DEA is included on the ingredient lists printed on these products, so we know it is intentionally included. We hope today’s lawsuit pushes Amazon and Walmart to stop selling shampoos, body soaps, and personal care products they know contain this carcinogenic chemical.’
