By: Jahni and Jazmyn
Braided hairstyles have been a part of black culture for a long time and somewhere down the line we evolved and added synthetic hair to our braided styles for length and for the quality it had of replicating real hair. In lieu of replicating this have we put ourselves in danger? A researching Journalist at Harvard’s School Of Public Health has found that companies that make and sell synthetic hair have been using dangerous chemicals like carcinogens, lead, and volatile organic compounds.
However, there have been studies on synthetic hair having these chemicals that damage our hair. These chemicals that were found are mostly carcinogens, lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). All these chemicals were tested by Consumer Reports when testing synthetic braiding hair products. “Nine out of the ten products contained unsafe levels of lead which can cause kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, reproductive damage and brain damage, and in children can lead to brain and nervous system damage…” according to Karen Feldscher. With these chemicals, it’s not safe to keep using it. As this is not supposed to scare anymore but more so, keep in mind as to what products are being used when your hair is being braided.
Synthetic braiding hair is under regulated by the Food and Drug Administration which has allowed these dangerous chemicals to come in prolonged contact with its users. Braiding is a part of our cultural tradition and many women feel the most beautiful with braided styles using synthetic hair. Synthetic hair allows for black women to lengthen and colorize their braiding style without major commitments. It is the fountain in which creativity springs for black expression. You do not need to shy away from the beautiful braiding culture just because the brands you use refuse to adapt and make their product safe. There are some alternatives. An online business called Ginkostore has made different types of non toxic braiding hair available such as Ruka hair that uses protein based synthetic for their hair and rebundle which uses banana fibers. Both seem to have even better benefits than the traditional toxic braiding hair such as being able to be washed and reused and put under heat.
We, black men and women, love to get our braided. Whether it’s for an occasion, need a break from doing our natural hair or just because we want to. Having our hair braided is a part of our culture even though they take hours to do. The way we feel after we get that new fresh hair-do is one of the best feelings we can have but is the feeling worth it if it damages our beautiful natural hair,disrupts our hormones and exposes us to prolonged contact with cancer causing chemicals? ྀ༝⁺