Although significant progress has been made, the Black experience in America has always been limited - and the options for hair care are no exception.

Synthetic braiding hair is often a fast-and-easy option for Black women’s hairstyles like braids and twists. It’s a pre-vacation ritual for me, along with manicures and pedicures, to get my hair braided to avoid heat or water damage.

A new study found carcinogens in 10 synthetic braiding hair brands, raising concerns for Black people and children.