BLOSSOM BEHIND THE CHAIR

As you may have discovered there was a recent Consumer Report investigation that uncovered the toxic chemicals found in kanekalon and synthetic hair extensions. According to the report, lead and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which pose a risk to air quality and impact health were found in all of the hair brands tested for contaminants. Even some of the brands that were low in lead, ranked high in VOCs, but you don’t have to trade health for hairstyles.

To begin, companies are not required to list all contaminants that may be in kanekalon hair. Even brands that are marketed as being “non-toxic,” could essentially still be risky due to this lack of transparency, and consumers are the ones literally and figuratively paying the price. Of the 10 brands that CR sampled, 100% of them contained carcinogens, 10/10 contained VOC’s including acetone, and 9 of the 10 contained lead.

As I write this article, Georgia Senate Bill 144 has passed the House reducing the liability of the manufacturers of fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators. They would “not be required to warn consumers above what is required by the EPA.” All while the EPA is under attack. The EPA and organizations like EWG (Environmental Working Group) educate the public, and create score cards for communities to be able to make conscious decisions to access risk. If we want to prioritize our health, we have to be more discerning about our collective exposure to toxic chemicals in general.

Furthermore, the known side effects of these chemicals as endocrine disrupters, carcinogens and irritants which can have negative side effects on the respiratory system is bad enough, scientists such as admit that due to the lack of FDA regulation on many of these products, they don’t know what they don’t know what they do’t know as it relates to the extent of long term impact because it is so unregulated.

So what have I been recommending to my clients ?

First and foremost I recommend:

• Embracing their natural hair. No matter what your length is, there are flattering options to explore
• If you want length enhancements, opt for human hair extensions
• Consider yarn braids with alpaca wool. Think Maxine on Living Single, her iconic styles were by Debra Hare-Bey
• Finally, I’d recommend a plant based brand like Rebundles, made with banana fibers.

Sign the petition, to advocate for safer products. There is a growing awareness of the amount of toxic products being marketed toward black and brown women with a history that goes back to reconstruction. Let’s break the cycle.