Nigeria, March 24 -- A new study has found that widely used hair extensions contain multiple hazardous chemicals, including substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive harm.

The research, conducted by scientists at the Silent Spring Institute, a scientific research organisation, identified 169 different chemicals across 43 hair extension products.

The study which was published in February 2026 in the journal Environment & Health raises concerns about the safety of products commonly used for braiding.

The findings show that both synthetic and natural hair extensions, including those marketed as "human hair" or plant-based, contain chemical contaminants, suggesting the issue is widespread across the industry.

Accord...