#hair-extensions

#hair-extensions

The research, published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, provides the strongest evidence to-date about the potential health risks associated with these beauty products, which are largely unregulated. The risks disproportionately affect Black women: The study found over 70% of Black women report wearing hair extensions at least once in the past year, compared with "less than 10% of women from other racial and ethnic groups."

More research is needed, however, for government agencies to determine whether the chemical levels found in these products requires greater regulation, the study authors say. The hazardous chemicals we identified each carry their own risks, says Elissia T. Franklin, lead author of the new paper and a research scientist at the nonprofit research organization Silent Spring Institute. Our findings showed that these products can expose [people] to multiple chemicals over time, and through repeated use, these combined exposures add up.

The 70s had the Fawcett. In the 90s it was all about the Rachel. But now there's a new era-defining hair cut. The Claudia. Yes, the glossy inky-black block fringe that mostly shrouds the face of its owner, the presenter Claudia Winkleman, has become a seminal moment on and off TV screens. It is a fringe that has spawned memes, online forums dedicated to debating its length and a fan account on X.