Toxic Ingredients Found in Synthetic Braiding Hair: 5 Things You Need to Know
Synthetic braiding hair has been a staple in protective styling for years, but recently, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks linked to its ingredients. If you’ve been on social media, you’ve probably seen the conversations—and we get it. It’s a lot. The idea that something so widely used could contain harmful chemicals is overwhelming.
So instead of just adding to the noise, we took a step back and listened—to dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, hairstylists, and braiders alike. We wanted to get a well-rounded understanding of what’s actually happening with synthetic braiding hair and what you need to know before your next install.
Here are five key insights to help you make informed choices—both for your health and for how you choose to wear your hair..
#1: Don’t Be Alarmed…
We know the headlines and social media discussions can feel overwhelming, but let’s take a deep breath—there’s no need to panic. Braiding hair is not an immediate danger, and this isn’t about scaring you out of a style you love.
What’s most important is being informed so you can make the best choices for your hair and health. Not all synthetic braiding hair is created equal, and not everyone reacts to it the same way. The goal isn’t to ditch braids altogether but to understand what’s in the hair you’re using, how it might affect you, and what steps you can take to reduce any risks.
At the end of the day, knowledge is power—and when it comes to our hair, we deserve to have all the facts. 💛
#2: What’s Actually in Synthetic Braiding Hair?
Synthetic hair extensions are made from man-made fibers designed to mimic the look and feel of human hair. These fibers are typically derived from different types of plastics, including Acrylonitrile, Acrylic, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), PVC, Silicone, Single-Filament Polyester, Silk, and Vinyl. Each material has unique properties that affect the texture, durability, and overall appearance of the hair.
According to the current research ingredients in synthetic braiding hair found to be toxic includes Benzene, lead, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and acetone.
#3: Why Does Synthetic Braiding Hair Cause Itching & Irritation?
If you’ve ever installed fresh braids and immediately felt itching, burning, or discomfort, it might not just be tension—it could be a reaction to the chemicals in the braiding hair itself.
Many people experience contact dermatitis resulting in redness, irritation, or flaking bought about from the installation of some synthetic braiding hair.
💡 What Can Help:
✔️ Look for hypoallergenic or pre-rinsed synthetic hair to minimize chemical exposure.
✔️ If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before committing to a full install.
#4: How Toxic Are the Chemicals in Synthetic Hair?
One of the biggest concerns is whether the chemicals used in synthetic braiding hair could have long-term health effects. Research has found that some synthetic fibers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and formaldehyde—which have been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and hormonal disruption.
👩🏾⚕️ What Experts Recommend:
✔️ Limit long-term exposure – Avoid wearing synthetic braiding hair back-to-back for extended periods.
✔️ Wash your braiding hair before installation – This helps remove surface chemicals.
✔️ Keep your scalp clean – Build-up can increase irritation and absorption of harmful substances.
#5: What are the Alternatives to Traditional Synthetic Braiding Hair?
If you love braids but want to minimize exposure to synthetic fibers, here are some options:
✨ Human Hair Braiding Extensions – More expensive but less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
✨ Hypoallergenic Synthetic Hair – Some brands now offer low-chemical, itch-free options.
✨ Knotless Braids & Loose Natural Styles – Reduce scalp tension and avoid synthetic hair altogether.
🔎 Making the Best Choice for You:
At the end of the day, how you wear your hair is your decision. The goal isn’t to scare you out of wearing braids but to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed choices that align with your health and hair goals.
Final Thoughts
All in all, we encourage you all as consumers to do your due diligence and research what is either best or ideal for you. You are free to make your own informed decisions on whether or not you’d like to continue using synthetic braiding hair based on your personal beliefs, health concerns and its overall performance.
It’s also important to reach out to a board certified dermatologist if you are experiencing extreme sensitivities such as itching, burning or excessive hair shedding. As licensed stylists, we only work in hair and not skin—we are not properly licensed to diagnose or prescribe solutions to any immediate adverse product reactions.
As new information and research emerge about concerns surrounding braiding hair, we’ll be staying tuned—listening, learning, and sharing updates as they come.
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Let us know in the comment section what are your biggest concerns when it comes to braiding hair? Is it irritation? Long-term effects? Finding better alternatives? Drop your thoughts below so we can tackle them in our next post! ⬇️💬