Hazardous Chemicals Found in Popular Hair Extensions

Study finds dozens of toxic substances, including flame retardants and cancer-linked chemicals, in majority of tested hair extension brands.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Researchers at the Silent Spring Institute analyzed dozens of hair extension products and identified a wide variety of toxins, including flame retardants, dyes, and other potentially concerning chemicals. The findings suggest that the safety of hair extensions should be better regulated, as this category of products has largely avoided scrutiny despite their intimate use on the body.

Why it matters

Hair extensions are a popular cosmetic product, especially among Black women, with over two-thirds estimated to use them at least once a year. The prevalence of hazardous chemicals in these products raises serious health concerns, as exposure to substances like flame retardants and cancer-linked chemicals can have detrimental effects. This issue highlights the need for greater government oversight and regulation of the hair extension industry to ensure consumer safety.

The details

The Silent Spring Institute tested 43 popular hair extension brands and found at least 48 chemicals flagged as hazardous, including flame retardants in both synthetic and natural products, as well as 17 chemicals linked to breast cancer. Surprisingly, 10 products also contained a class of tin-based chemicals known as organotins, which are typically used on boats and ships to prevent barnacle growth and are harmful to aquatic life. All but two of the tested products contained some amount of toxic chemicals, even those marketed as 'nontoxic' or 'toxic-free'.

  • The Silent Spring Institute study was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Silent Spring Institute

A nonprofit organization focused primarily on studying the environmental causes of cancer, particularly breast cancer.

Elissia Franklin

An analytical chemist at the Silent Spring Institute and the lead author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“This is a category of products that has flown under the radar, has avoided scrutiny for a long time, and there is a lack of regulations around these products.”

— Elissia Franklin, Analytical Chemist (Gizmodo)

“If we're trying to eliminate flame retardants from couches in our home, then why is it okay to sell these flame retardants in products that are very intimately used?”

— Elissia Franklin, Analytical Chemist (Gizmodo)

What’s next

Several states, like New York and New Jersey, are considering legislation that would force companies to disclose all their ingredients or even outright ban certain ones. Last summer, several U.S. House representatives reintroduced the Safer Beauty Bill Package, a series of bills intended to update and expand laws governing the safety of hair extensions and other cosmetic products.

The takeaway

This study highlights the urgent need for greater regulation and oversight of the hair extension industry to ensure the safety of these products, which are widely used, especially by Black women. Consumers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with hair extensions and advocate for legislative action to protect their wellbeing.