A new report from Consumer Reports is raising fresh concerns about the safety of popular braiding hair products, and the findings are hard to ignore. After testing 30 widely used brands, the organization revealed that only one, Dosso Beauty, was free of heavy metals.
For many consumers, especially Black women who regularly rely on braiding hair for protective styling, the results highlight a pressing issue within the beauty industry.
This follow-up study builds on alarming findings from 2025, when Consumer Reports discovered that 100% of tested braiding hair products contained carcinogens. The latest research expanded its scope to include both synthetic and human hair options marketed as “safer” alternatives. Brands like Gyal and Rebundle were among those examined. While some products showed lower contamination levels, only Dosso Beauty met the mark by testing negative for heavy metals entirely.
However, the report didn’t stop there. Researchers also identified volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in every product tested. These compounds, often released as gases, are linked to a range of health concerns, including respiratory irritation and long-term exposure risks such as cancer. Even in smaller quantities, their presence raises questions about what consumers are consistently exposed to during installation and wear.
For Kadidja Dosso, founder of Dosso Beauty, the results reinforce the mission behind her brand. Built on the idea that beauty should never come at the cost of health, Dosso Beauty has prioritized transparency and rigorous testing from the start. Her perspective adds an important voice to the conversation, especially as more consumers begin demanding safer, non-toxic options in their hair care routines.
The implications of this report go beyond individual brands. It underscores a larger gap in regulation and accountability within the hair extension market. Many of these products are used for extended periods, often in close contact with the scalp, making their safety even more critical. For consumers, the findings serve as both a warning and a call to action, encouraging more informed choices and greater scrutiny of product ingredients.
As conversations around clean beauty continue to evolve, studies like this one remind us that inclusion must also mean protection. And for now, Dosso Beauty stands alone in setting that standard.
