No matter where we are in the diaspora, braids have always kept the Black community connected.
That said, it’s no surprise that kanekalon hair—the most common and inexpensive type of braiding extensions—has become a mainstay at beauty supply stores and salons, helping to craft some of the most exquisite styles, from Fulani braids to the butt-length knotless variety. But what’s less known about this type of hair is that according to a 2025 study published by Consumer Reports, many of these products, made with materials like PVC, contain carcinogens.
