They’re more popular now than ever. But sadly, wigs, weaves and extensions can be toxic. Here’s why
By Chere Di Boscio
Sales of wigs, extensions and weaves are absolutely booming. In fact, sales of wigs alone are meant to hit $3 billion by 2028, and if we add the market value of extensions and weaves, that figure more than doubles. The reasons for that expansion are diverse.
They include:
- Increasing hair loss in women
- Growing cancer rates
- More social pressure thanks to Instagram and TikTok to have fabulous hair
As a result of increased demand for hair pieces, prices have fallen dramatically. In fact, you can even get cheap wigs in fast fashion outlets like Shein, for as little as $10!
The consequences are not good though – more chemicals from these toxic, fake hair pieces enter our ecosystem, and even our bodies.
More Hair Loss
Sure, many women buy fake hair for fashion. But they also do so to hide hair loss or thinning.
There are many reasons women lose their hair. These are mostly connected to hormonal changes. And some of those are related to increased stress, pregnancy, and menopause. That being said, the most common cause of female hair loss worldwide is female pattern baldness, which is also called androgenetic alopecia. This kind of hair loss has a strong genetic component and can be inherited from either your mother or father. As of today, it affects about 30 million American women.
Another cause of hair loss is chemotherapy, and unfortunately, since the Covid vaccines were rolled out, cancer rates have risen.
Chemotherapy causes anagen effluvium – in other words, hair loss caused by medications that harm your hair follicles. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can be toxic to follicles. Your hair usually out within the first few weeks after you start treatment. Luckily, hair regrowth usually begins within a few months after you finish treatment. But in the meantime, many women opt to use wigs – without knowing how toxic they can be.
A Beauty Boost For Your Hair
Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many women. Just take a look at any ‘influencer’s’ Instagram account, and you’re likely to see miles of rich, thick, wavy hair. But it’s very likely not 100% their natural locks!
Gorgeous, natural hair requires great genes, and lots of special care and attention, which is time consuming. Wigs, weaves and other hair extensions can really give your hair a quick boost.
Hair pieces can be made of animal hair, human hair, or synthetic fibres. Or a combination of the above. The highest quality hair pieces will, of course, be made of natural, untreated (or ‘virgin’) human hair. For reasons of scarcity, these pieces are the most expensive.
Most people can’t afford natural, non toxic wigs, so they choose synthetic hair instead. Unfortunately, some studies have found that there are various contaminants hiding in synthetic hair.
Why Synthetic Wigs And Hair Pieces Are Toxic
Man-made fibres go through various chemical processes to make them look and feel more like human hair. And the raw materials used to make some of the products are downright toxic. They’re mainly made from plastics, which are also not biodegradable, making them harmful to the environment, and your health.
For example, one study in Nigeria investigated 10 synthetic hair brands commonly worn by women. Some were made in Nigeria, others in China, Ghana and the USA. The study found that all of them had different levels of contaminants, including:
- cadmium
- chromium
- nickel
- vanadium
- lead
- several pesticides
- PVC (often, fake hair is actually made directly from this harmful chemical).
All of these are hazardous to we humans. Especially the heavy metals.
Wigs and weaves are worn close to the scalp. That means there’s a lot of potential for harmful chemicals to enter our systems through the skin. That’s especially true for those with moderate to severe hair loss.
An In Depth Look At The Study
Let’s take a deeper look at that study mentioned above, shall we?
It tested 10 popular synthetic hair brands of various colours from the Ariaria International market in Aba, in south-eastern Abia State, Nigeria. The brands used were:
- Catherine
- Eye Candy
- Gold
- Calypso
- LVH
- Dazzler
- Mini Bob
- Nectar
- Diana
- X-pression
The samples were analysed in a laboratory using 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.
The study found high levels of heavy metals in all the synthetic hair tested. One of them, lead, is used to stabilise the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that comprises much synthetic hair. That’s because 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 like curls.
Lead is dangerous to humans. It affects the membranes, DNA, and antioxidant defence systems of cells. Pregnant women should know that lead also interferes with the normal development of a child’s brain and nervous system.
The metals that are used to stabilise the polymer can easily leach out over time or when exposed to light.
In short, when we wear any kind of synthetic hair – even fake eyelashes – we risk exposure to lead and other heavy metals. The study found this was the case for all synthetic hair brands made from plastics.
Agricultural Toxins…In Our Wigs?
They also found also that synthetic hair samples were contaminated with 11 chemical pesticides. The levels of these chemicals found in the hair exceeded permissible limits, making them highly dangerous to human health. Researchers suspected pesticides were likely used as a form of preservative by the manufacturers.
Finally, the study found high levels of nitrate in the hair samples. This has not been reported in previous studies on synthetic hair. Nitrates are typically used in commercial farming. Exposure to high levels of nitrates can lead to diseases such as cancer, enlargement of the thyroid gland and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).
How Our Bodies React To Toxic Wigs
Clearly, exposure to the toxic chemicals found in synthetic hair can have serious health consequences. Apart from damage to vital organs, they can cause infertility, birth defects, asthma, bronchitis and cancers. They also lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, endocrine system disruption and respiratory diseases, among others.
In particular, exposure to heavy metals is associated with various biological risks such as damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, reproductive system and nervous system, as well as cancer, skin irritations, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. This is particularly grave for women trying to recover from chemotherapy. Their health is already fragile enough, without the added damage toxic wigs can add!
All people who wear synthetic hair should consider these risks, especially as chemical substances and heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels.
Alternatives To Toxic Wigs, Weaves & Extensions
Of course, the best alternatives to toxic wigs, weaves and extensions is to buy natural hair pieces. But it’s good to know that even synthetic hair manufacturers do have other options.
For example, they could use higher quality, non-toxic synthetic fibres such as banana fibres (yes, really!) instead of plastics and PVC.
Read on for more information on sustainable alternatives to toxic wigs and hair pieces.
1. ReGen Hair Fiber™ by Rebundle
Rebundle is a sustainable hair extension company. They introduced their ReGen Hair Fiber™ in 2019. These braiding hair extensions are made from banana fibre, which is biodegradable, compostable, and safe for your health. ReGen Hair Fiber™ is lightweight, hypoallergenic and safe for those with even the most sensitive skin.
But the best part? Rebundle products are highly affordable. Their reusable extensions range from $45-$50 per bundle, allowing women to maintain their hairstyles without breaking the bank or harming the environment.
2. Irresistible Me
Irresistible Me specialises in soft, beautiful, non-toxic wigs, extensions, and toppers. Their meticulous craftsmanship ensures absolutely natural styles.
For example, their front lace wigs come pre-plucked and allow you to choose your favourite kind of hairline. The lace is only in the front half of the wig, so you can part the hair any way you want, for a perfectly natural look.
If you’re not happy with your hair piece, no problem! The brand offers free exchanges and returns, with zero stress and zero charge.
3. Heatfree Hair
Black women are often more exposed to toxic wigs and hairpieces than white women, since they tend to wear more weaves and wigs. But now, they can experience 100% virgin hair that boasts beautiful tightly curled ringlet strands!
Heatfree Hair offers African hairstyles made from 100% virgin human hair. They offer a medium to low natural lustre, and natural virgin colours. You’ll enjoy a look that’s true to you, beautifully made to blend with 3C-4A natural hair.
4. Spetra Hair
Korean-based hair manufacturer Spetra Hair offers affordable, eco-friendly synthetic hair options manufactured from natural plant fibre and protein blends. This hair is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional synthetic hair extensions that are made from non-biodegradable plastics, Spetra hair fibres are biodegradable. They’re also produced using sustainable farming practices, reducing their environmental impact.
This hair is super lightweight and durable, making it ideal for braiding or wig making. As far as pricing is concerned, bundles cost less than $50.
5. Wig Warehouse
Suffering from hair loss? Looking for a great discount on a human hair wig? The Wig Warehouse is the place to shop! They offer beautiful, natural looking lace front wigs and toppers for both men and women, for a fraction of the price from other premium online shops.
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