They carry cultural value, offer a practical way to manage natural hair, and allow women to express their identity with ease.
However, content creator Lynn Ngugi is urging women to take a closer look at the synthetic hair products they use so often.
In her recent video, Lynn points out that a large number of synthetic hair products contain chemicals that can be dangerous.
These chemicals are used during the production process and some have been linked to serious health concerns.
She notes that the scalp is very sensitive, and when synthetic hair sits on it for many days or weeks, the body may absorb some of these harmful substances.
Even the process of installing braids can expose women to fumes that come from heating or treating the hair.
Lynn makes it clear that she is not blaming women for choosing synthetic hair. Instead, she wants them to have the right information so they can make safer choices.
For many years, the beauty industry has not always placed the safety of Black women at the center of product development.
As a result, many women are only now discovering what may be inside the products they use regularly.
She encourages women to do research before buying synthetic hair. Some are exploring human hair as an option or limiting how long they keep synthetic styles.
Others are paying attention to warning signs like scalp irritation or unusual discomfort.
The conversation that Lynn has started is important. Every woman should feel beautiful without risking her health.
