A study reveals pesticides and other hazardous compounds in synthetic hair

However, natural hair requires specific care and attention, which can be time-consuming.

Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weave-ons, and other artificial hair extensions provide women with an alternative to their natural hairstyle.

In Nigeria, these options are extremely popular among women of all ages. The synthetic hair value chain is a multimillion-dollar industry that includes both domestic and foreign companies.

Hairdressing salons thrive, offering style and grooming services to ladies.

However, it was discovered that there are pollutants hidden in synthetic hair.

Man-made fibers go through a variety of chemical procedures to resemble and feel more like human hair. Some of the products are made with harmful raw components.

And most hair products are created from non-biodegradable plastics, which are hazardous to the environment.

In our study in Nigeria, we looked at ten synthetic hair brands that are popularly used by women. Some were manufactured in Nigeria, while others in China, Ghana, and the United States.

We discovered that they all had varying levels of pollutants such as silver, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and lead, as well as a number of pesticides that are harmful to humans.

Synthetic hair is typically worn close to the scalp. Women who wear it should be informed of the potential risks.

Regulators should ensure that synthetic hair makers discontinue the use of plastic-based products in favor of natural plant fibers and protein blends.

These hair fibers are biodegradable and free of toxic substances.

The study

We bought 10 popular synthetic hair brands of various colours (Catherine, Eye Candy, Gold, Calypso, LVH, Dazzler, Mini Bob, Nectar, Diana and X-pression) from the Ariaria International market in Aba, in south-eastern Abia State.

The samples were analysed in a laboratory.

We used the US Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater to determine the presence of heavy metals (such as cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, mercury, copper and nickel) in the synthetic hair.

We found heavy metals in significant amounts. One of them, lead, is used in stabilising the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that the synthetic hair is made of. Lead compounds (such as basic lead carbonate, lead stearate and lead phthalate) prevent heat, light or wear and tear from breaking down the PVC, and make it easier to form into shapes.

Lead is dangerous to humans, however. It affects the membranes, DNA, and antioxidant defence systems of cells. Lead also interferes with the normal development of a child’s brain and nervous system.

The metals that are used to stabilise the polymer are not bound to it. They can leach out over time or when exposed to light. So, when women wear synthetic hair, whether as attachments, weave-ons or wigs, on their heads or as fake eyelashes, they risk exposure to lead and other heavy metals. This is the case for all synthetic hair brands made from plastics.

In humans, exposure to heavy metals is associated with various biological risks such as damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, reproductive system and nervous system. It has also been associated with cancer, skin irritations, asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

We found also that the synthetic hair samples were contaminated with 11 chemical compounds which are pesticides. The levels of these chemicals found in the hair exceeded permissible limits, making them dangerous to health.

Since they were present in significant amounts, we suspect they were used as a form of preservative by the manufacturers.

We also found high levels of nitrate in the hair samples we studied. This has not been reported in previous studies on synthetic hair. Exposure to high levels of nitrate can lead to diseases such as cancer, enlargement of the thyroid gland and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).

Why this matters

Exposure to the hazardous compounds present in synthetic hair has major health repercussions.

In addition to harming important organs, they can cause infertility, birth abnormalities, asthma, bronchitis, and cancer.

They also cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, endocrine system disruption, and respiratory problems, among others.

People who wear synthetic hair should be aware of the risks, particularly since chemical compounds and heavy metals can be dangerous even at low quantities.

Because Nigeria has a substantial synthetic hair manufacturing industry in Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control should regularly analyze and evaluate the safety of the chemical compounds used to make these goods.

Synthetic hair makers have alternative possibilities. They can replace plastic strands with high-quality synthetic fibres such as hiperlon.

They should choose fibers that are devoid of PVC and hazardous compounds, and choose environmentally friendly ones.