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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Kenya Hunter

Black women's hair products are in the safety spotlight. Here's what to know

Be Well-Synthetic Braids - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Black women around the world gather in salons, dorm rooms and living rooms for hours at a time to get synthetic braids put in their hair. But they're wondering if the convenience and fashion benefits are being outweighed by potential health hazards.

The question circulating on social media and in the Black community follows on the heels of a proposed federal rule — that's still in limbo after multiple delays — to ban the carcinogen formaldehyde in hair-straightening chemicals.

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