One year after our groundbreaking investigation found toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead, plus carcinogens, in synthetic braiding hair, we did follow-up testing. We put the new products—marketed as "safer alternatives"—to the test. The results are concerning.

See our new research here: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/braiding-hair-heavy-metals-vocs-follow-up-test-a9549045438/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

And check out the 2025 study that started it all: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/dangerous-chemicals-detected-in-braiding-hair-cr-tested-a4850978424/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

00:00:00 Welcome to Talking Carts

00:01:04 Braiding Hair Test Results

00:02:40 Braid or Build?

00:05:31 Why We Tested Braiding Hair

00:07:01 What Products We Tested

00:10:30 Lack of Regulation

00:11:42 How We Did Our Tests

00:12:50 Changing Hair Routines

00:15:45 Are Any Products Actually Safe?

00:18:48 Criticisms of Our Methodology

00:20:59 Human Hair Test Results

00:22:38 What Regulators Should Do Next

00:25:25 What You Can Do Right Now

00:29:31 Black Women Move This Industry