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Debunking the Myths: Is Synthetic Hair Really Carcinogenic?

Posted on June 11, 2025 | 1 comment

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It was not peer-reviewed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








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Why Celebrities Choose Protective Hairstyles

Posted on June 10, 2025 | 1 comment

With insights from Diane Shawe, Founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon

When you see celebrities like Zendaya, Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, Oprah or Beyoncé rocking a different look every week—from goddess locs to waist-length braids to flawless lace wigs—it’s easy to assume it’s all for glam. But beneath the style switch-up lies something far more intentional: protective styling.

Protective Styling: More Than a Trend

Protective styles, which include lace wigs, braids, twists, crochet installations, and faux locs, are designed to shield natural hair from damage caused by heat, environmental exposure, and excessive manipulation.

While it may seem counterintuitive to cover healthy hair, many high-profile women—and everyday queens—do so to preserve their hair, not hide it. “Afro-textured hair is beautiful and versatile, but it’s also incredibly delicate,” explains Diane Shawe, expert hairloss enhancement and founder of Need a Hair Makeover.

“People wrongly assume it’s strong because it’s thick or coily, but the curl structure makes it more prone to breakage, especially at the bends.”In fact, afro hair has fewer cuticle layers than straight hair, making it more vulnerable to dryness, tangling, and mechanical damage. And for celebrities whose schedules demand 5 a.m. call times, multiple weekly appearances, and frequent travel, managing natural hair daily becomes almost impossible and would end up irreversably damaged.

“Natural hair takes time—not just to style, but to protect, moisturise, stretch, and detangle,” Shawe adds. “Protective styling becomes a practical and empowering solution.”

What Regular Women Love About It Too

It’s not just celebrities turning to protective styles. Across the UK and beyond, thousands of Black women are embracing this method to grow out their hair, manage conditions like alopecia, or simply enjoy style versatility without stress. “Many of my clients want hair that’s low-maintenance but still beautiful,” says Diane. “Whether they’re dealing with hair thinning from medication, stress, or postpartum changes, protective styles allow them to feel confident again—without compromising their real hair.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Protective Style

Before jumping into any protective style, Shawe encourages thoughtful planning:

1. Choose your stylist wisely. “Not every braider or wig installer understands tension, density, and scalp health. If your style is too tight or heavy, it’s not protective—it’s destructive.”

protective styling, crochet need a hair makeover

2. Mind the material. Opt for quality synthetic or human hair, depending on your needs. “There’s a myth that synthetic braiding hair is carcinogenic,” (see my article covering that topic in another blog.)

Diane notes. “This stems from misinformation. The hair is made of fibers like kanekalon or toyokalon, which are non-toxic and used globally. The only issue is when people don’t wash it before use, causing scalp irritation—not cancer.”

3. Keep it clean. “Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Cleanse your scalp, moisturise underneath, and avoid styles longer than 6–8 weeks.”

4. Listen to your hair. “If your edges are thinning or your scalp feels inflamed, don’t ignore it. Take breaks between installs and rotate with loose styles like crochet or glueless lace wig alternatives.”

The Confidence Factor

Protective styles aren’t just practical—they’re powerful. They allow Black women to reclaim their image on their own terms.

Lace wigs give the illusion of a flawless hairline.

Knotless braids reduce tension.

Crochet styles blend natural texture with flair. And all of them offer freedom of choice.

As Diane puts it: “Black hair is a crown, but how you wear it is your right. Protective styling gives women options, confidence, and control. Whether you’re walking a red carpet or down your high street—rock your style with pride.”

Ready to switch up your style or get expert guidance? Visit http://www.needahairmakeover.com to book a consultation or follow @NeedAHairMakeover on social media to explore 18+ professional protective styling methods, book a consultations, or get help with hair loss solutions.

There’s more to adding hair

Diane Shawe

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Save Your Hair Extensions! Why These 5 Leave-In Conditioners Are Essential for Perfect Hair Maintenance

Posted on October 20, 2024 | 1 comment

The 5 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Hair Extensions and Wigs (and Why They’re Essential)

Keeping Hair Extensions and Wigs Hydrated by Diane Shawe

Maintaining hair extensions and wigs can be tricky, but using the right leave-in conditioner is crucial for keeping them soft, tangle-free, and long-lasting. In todays society, most of us operate under central heating, air conditioning systems, intense electric lighting and in some cases extreme weather. All these affect our skin and hair, but mostly dry out hair extensions and wigs that can end up feeling like straw.

Why Use a Leave-In Conditioner for Extensions and Wigs?

Hair extensions and wigs don’t receive the natural oils that nourish your scalp’s hair, making them prone to dryness and tangling. A good leave-in conditioner helps restore moisture, reduce frizz, and protect the hair from damage due to styling tools or environmental factors. These products add shine and maintain the integrity of the hair fibres, extending the life of your extensions or wig.

Debunking the Myth: Are Conditioners Made Specifically for Extensions Better?

There’s a common misconception that conditioners marketed specifically for hair extensions or wigs are inherently better. However, this isn’t always the case. Many of these products are oil-based and can be too heavy, causing buildup on the hair, making it greasy and difficult to manage. Extensions and wigs, especially synthetic ones, are best treated with lightweight formulas that moisturise without overwhelming the fibers

Let’s explore five of the best leave-in conditioners that you can easily order from Amazon UK, and why they’re important for both synthetic and human hair extensions.

Oil-heavy products, while nourishing, can weigh down hair extensions, reducing their natural movement and even causing slippage in sewn or glued-in extensions. Instead, opt for leave-in conditioners with ingredients like Keratin, Jojoba oil, or silicone, which provide moisture without heaviness.

1. Matrix Total Results Length Goals Leave-In Treatment

Best For: Human Hair Extensions 

Why It’s Great: This leave-in conditioner is designed specifically for extensions, offering heat protection and tangle reduction. Formulated with coconut oil, it smooth’s and hydrates the hair, making it ideal for colour-treated and damaged extensions

Available on: Matrix total results leavein conditioner https://amzn.to/3BSdklG

2. Moroccanoil All In One Leave in Conditioner

Best For: All round Hydration 

Why It’s Great: This product is a multitasker—detangler, leave-in conditioner, and heat protectant all in one. Its nourishing blend of Argan oil, Jojoba oil, and Keratin protein deeply moisturizes and protects the hair. Extensions, especially longer ones, benefit from its ability to keep hair tangle free and great if you use straighteners regularly.

Available on: Moroccanoil All In One Leave in Conditioner https://amzn.to/3C0CluU

3. Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Conditioner

Best For: All Hair Types 

Why It’s Great: Vegan Keratin is a highly moisturizing protein, helps seal, reinforce and smooth the hair cuticle. – Neroli Oil smooths, helps prevent frizz and provides a high-shine, glossy finish. – Murumuru Butter helps soften and improve hair manageability without weighing it down. so it’s safe for both natural and synthetic wigs, as well as hair extensions. Argan oil helps strengthen and protect hair fibres without weighing them down. 

Available on: Dryby liquid glass conditioner. https://amzn.to/3NyTUFe

4. RemySoft BlueMax Daily Refresher

Best For: Synthetic Wigs 

Why It’s Great: Formulated with Jojoba oil, Macadamia nut oil, and silicone, this leave-in conditioner provides a protective barrier against sun damage and environmental stressors, making it perfect for outdoor use. It not greasy so it does not weigh the wig down.  It smooths and moisturizes synthetic wigs, giving them a healthy shine. Best to use after washing your wig by lightly spraying.

Available on: RemySoft blueMax Daily Refresher – Safe for Hair Extensions, Weaves and Wigs – Salon Formula Leave-in Conditioner https://amzn.to/4080p9r

5. John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

Best For: Frizz Control  and human hair.

Why It’s Great: A great option for taming frizz and adding moisture, Smooth, repair and comfort dry, damaged, frizzy hair in just one use. This anti-frizz conditioner, formulated with Ceramides and Anti-Damage Technology, nourishes hair and visibly repairs damage in one use. Frizzy hair, hair breakage and split ends are targeted at the cuticle layer for increased shine, manageability and protection against future damage.

Available on: John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Repairing Conditioner 250ml, Smoothing Conditioner for Frizzy Hair https://amzn.to/3YaKdBv

How to Apply Leave-In Conditioner for Best Results

When applying a leave-in conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, where it tends to dry out and tangle. If you are experiencing iching this is because the hair exensions are extracting all the moisture from your scalp, so your scalp need moisturing.  You can add a little of he leave in conditioner to some water in a spray bottle and lightly spray your scalp.  Don’t over spray, the water and conditioner will do the job. The best way to thoroughly hydrate your hair if your scalp is really itchy is to  spray the conditioner evenly on damp hair, then use a really good hair extensions brush to brush through from roots to the end of your hair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while we’ve highlighted these leave-in conditioners as perfect for maintaining the softness and longevity of hair extensions and wigs, they are equally beneficial for natural hair care. Leave-in conditioners offer daily moisture, help with detangling, and protect against heat styling and environmental damage. They coat the hair strands, adding shine and reducing frizz, which is essential for keeping all hair types in top condition.

Using a leave-in conditioner daily provides essential nutrients and hydration, ensuring that both natural and synthetic hair stays smooth, manageable, and healthy over time. Whether you’re maintaining extensions or your own locks, incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your routine is a simple way to keep your hair looking its best.

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Is Your Hair Loss Covered by Insurance? Discover How to Claim a Cranial Prosthesis Today!” Tips by Diane Shawe

Posted on September 9, 2024 | 1 comment

”Paying Out of Pocket for Hair Loss? You Could Be Entitled to Insurance Coverage for a Custom Wig!”

Thousands of men and women spend significant amounts of money on wigs and hairpieces each year to manage their hair loss, often without realising they may be eligible for insurance coverage. Hair loss, when left undiagnosed, can feel overwhelming, leading many to pay out-of-pocket for temporary solutions. However, with an official medical diagnosis, you may qualify for a cranial prosthesis that is covered by your insurance.

”Think You’re Not Eligible for Hair Loss Coverage? Here’s Why You Should Check Your Insurance Today!”

There are many types of diagnosable hair loss conditions, including:

– Alopecia Areata: Sudden patchy hair loss due to an autoimmune condition.

– Alopecia Totalis and Universalis: Complete hair loss on the scalp or entire body.

– Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

– Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, caused by genetics.

– Traction Alopecia: Hair loss due to tight hairstyles or hair extensions.

– Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Hair loss caused by cancer treatments.

– Scalp Psoriasis or Dermatitis: Skin conditions leading to hair loss due to inflammation or infection.

– Trichotillomania: A psychological condition where individuals pull out their own hair, leading to hair loss.

– Burn or Trauma-Related Hair Loss: Resulting from accidents, injuries or surgery scarring to the scalp.

Cranial Prosthesis, or hair systems, are custom-made solutions designed to address hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia, chemotherapy, scaring from accident or surgery or trichotillomania. Many insurance plans cover these medical devices, potentially saving you thousands in the long runCranial Prosthesis, or hair systems, are custom-made solutions designed to address hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia, chemotherapy, scaring from accident or surgery or trichotillomania. Many insurance plans cover these medical devices, potentially saving you thousands in the long run.

Click to gain access to a FREE 14-page guide to discover everything about cranial Prosthesis and how to claim through insurance at the following link https://bit.ly/3z2HqC6

Want to book a consultation here. http://www.needahairmakeover.com

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