Debunking the Myths: Is Synthetic Hair Really Carcinogenic?

By Diane Shawe, CEO of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon
Author | Educator | Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist

Recently, a viral video has sparked alarm by claiming that synthetic hair is carcinogenic. As a long-standing educator and practitioner in the hair industry—working with clients suffering from alopecia, stress-related hair loss, and chemotherapy-induced thinning—I feel it’s crucial to address this topic with fact-based clarity.

Here’s what you need to know before letting fear override science.

🧪 What is Synthetic Hair Made Of?
Synthetic hair is typically made from polymer-based fibers such as:

Modacrylic (a blend of acrylic and PVC)
Nylon (Polyamide)
Polyester
Acrylic fibers (PAN-based)

These materials are not unique to wigs. They’re used in clothing, carpets, medical-grade wigs, and even children’s toys. Once processed through polymerization, they become stable and non-toxic, posing no health threat under normal use.

⚠️ Understanding the Carcinogen Confusion
Some of the panic stems from misunderstanding the difference between raw chemicals and final products. For instance, acrylonitrile is toxic in its raw form—but when transformed into polyacrylonitrile fibers, it becomes chemically stable. This is standard chemistry, similar to how crude oil becomes safe plastic.

📌 Fact Check: If synthetic hair were genuinely carcinogenic, it wouldn’t be used for medical wigs worn by chemotherapy patients worldwide.

🔥 The Real Risk? Burning – Not Wearing
Like any material (cotton, wool, or even natural hair), synthetic hair can emit toxic fumes if burned. However, normal wear, heat styling within safe limits, or day-to-day usage poses no proven cancer risk.

The Consumer Reports test in 2023 found small traces of benzene and VOCs in some synthetic braiding hair brands, but:
The sample size was limited
It was not peer-reviewed
No clinical studies confirmed these materials cause harm when simply worn

💡 At Need a Hair Makeover, we educate our clients on safe heat usage and only source from high-quality suppliers.

🌍 The Environmental Factor
The real issue with synthetic hair is environmental, not health-based. Most synthetic hair is non-biodegradable, contributing to microplastic waste.

However, eco-friendly solutions are emerging:

♻️ Recycled synthetic fibers
🌿 Bio-based and plant-fiber blends
🧼 Wash-before-use practices to reduce residue exposure

As a specialist salon, we’re advocating for sustainability without shame.

📚 Further Learning from Diane Shawe
If you’d like to deepen your understanding of the hair industry, sourcing ethics, and protective styling care, explore my published works:

📘 Getting Started in the Hair Extensions Business – A practical guide to launching a successful salon or mobile business.
📗 1 – Exposing the global journey of human and synthetic hair.
📕 The Complete Handbook on Braids and Wigs Care – From cleaning and hydration to protective techniques and myth-busting.
📙 How to Conduct Accurate Internet Research – Essential for separating truth from trending misinformation.

All available on Amazon.

🖥️ And be sure to follow my professional blog:
➡️ http://www.needahairmakeover.blog
Here, we regularly post updates on hair safety, trends, tutorials, and client education.

✅ I
While we should never ignore safety signals, it’s equally dangerous to accept viral claims as fact without scientific scrutiny. To date, there is no evidence that wearing synthetic hair causes cancer. Let’s be informed, not alarmed.

✨ Whether you wear synthetic hair for fashion, convenience, or necessity—you deserve to feel confident and safe in your choices.

Have questions or want expert advice on hair systems, wigs, or protective styling?
📩 Email me at needahairmakeover@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: http://www.needahairmakeover.com