The Truth About Synthetic Hair You Should Know

For many of us, synthetic hair has been a part of our beauty journey. Whether it’s braids, wigs, weaves, twists, or crochet styles, synthetic extensions have given us versatility, affordability, and the ability to switch up our look in ways that celebrate our creativity. Especially myself, I can’t think of a season in my life that I was able to wear my hair without synthetic hair additions. But over the years, more conversations have surfaced about the possible downsides of synthetic hair, from scalp irritation to long-term health concerns. This topic has really got my attention, especially because I have been a victim of most, if not all, of the said synthetic hair-related concerns. Let’s dive into what’s being said, what research tells us, and how we can make the best choices for our crowns.

1. Synthetic Hair and Scalp Irritation

One of the most common complaints among Black women using synthetic hair is an itchy scalp. Many of us have experienced that unbearable urge to scratch right after getting braids installed. This isn’t just in our heads; it’s real, but many of us end up ignoring it until the itchiness goes away or we learn to live with the discomfort. Synthetic hair is often coated with alkaline chemicals during the manufacturing process. These coatings help preserve the hair, keep it from tangling, and make it heat-resistant. Unfortunately, when such synthetic hair touches our scalp, it can trigger allergic reactions or irritation. Research in dermatology shows that chemicals like these can disrupt the scalp’s natural pH balance, leading to dryness, flaking, and inflammation. Some women soak synthetic hair in apple cider vinegar before installing it to strip away the coating, and many report that this simple step reduces itching significantly. I personally do not believe that such a procedure strips away all the chemicals, but the fact that some report these changes makes me believe that some itchiness is directly correlated to toxic chemicals present in synthetic hair.

2. Toxic Chemicals and Possible Health Risks

Another growing concern is the toxicity of certain synthetic fibers. Most synthetic hair is made from plastics like Kanekalon (a modacrylic fiber) or Toyokalon, which are derived from petroleum. These fibers can contain chemicals such as acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride, substances that have raised red flags. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, long-term exposure to acrylonitrile (commonly found in plastics) has been linked to cancer risks in lab settings. While the exposure from synthetic hair isn’t fully studied in humans, some researchers and health advocates caution that wearing these fibers directly on our heads for long periods may not be completely risk-free.
This doesn’t mean every pack of braiding hair is toxic; I believe some may be manufactured ethically, but it does mean we need more transparency from manufacturers and more awareness as consumers.

3. Thinning, Breakage, and Access to Our Scalp

Let’s be real, some protective styles can end up being anything but protective if we’re not careful. With synthetic hair, the added weight and tension can put stress on our follicles, and many women of color don`t have healthy, strong edges anymore. When braids or twists are installed too tightly, or left in for too long, we risk traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by repeated pulling. Beyond that, synthetic hair can make it harder to properly access our natural hair and scalp. Washing, moisturizing, and oiling the scalp becomes tricky when it’s buried under extensions. This lack of access can leave our hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage once the style comes out.

The reality is that synthetic hair itself isn’t always the direct cause of thinning, but when combined with tension, neglect, and the scalp’s reaction to chemicals, the risks go up. I won’t even mention some of the claimed health concerns that are linked to toxic synthetic hair, but I am sure you have probably heard or read about it somewhere. The point of this article is just to remind us to rethink how we style our hair and the circumstances that lead to our choices, and the effects of it all. Ask yourself if, given a chance to start your hair journey afresh, assuming you were taken back to the younger pre-teen you, would you style and care for your hair with toxic synthetic hair or wouldyou choose another path? Right there is your answer.

Final Thoughts

Synthetic hair has been a sort of ¨empowerment¨ tool for some of us (black women), allowing us endless styling options while honoring our culture and creativity. But it’s equally important to recognize the risks that come with wearing synthetic hair. I truly believe the greatest form of empowerment for us women of color is for us to wear our crowns the way our hair grows from our scalp. The itching, breakage, and health concerns aren’t just myths; they’re real conversations around real issues. The goal here is not to convince you to give your scalp a break, to loosen the tension from your braids, to check the quality of the synthetic hair you use, or to stop using toxic synthetic hair, but I wish you could choose what is good for you in the long run.

At the end of the day, protecting our crowns means more than choosing the right hairstyle. It’s about staying informed, listening to our bodies, demanding safer products from the beauty industry, and, even better, choosing what is right for our health.