Why Preparation Matters
What happens to hair extensions before they reach you?
Preparation before installation starts with asking questions about factory made extension hair and understanding the limits of the available evidence.
Understanding the evidence
Independent research has found chemical substances and manufacturing related residues in factory made hair extensions.
A 2026 study led by Silent Spring Institute examined commercially available hair extensions and identified chemicals including certain flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and organotin compounds across the samples studied. The researchers investigated synthetic and bio based extensions, including human hair. These findings raise important questions about factory processing and what consumers know about the products they wear. That is why we believe preparation before installation deserves a place in every extension care conversation.
The study examined 43 hair extension products purchased online and from local beauty supply stores. The products included synthetic fibres and bio based fibres, including human hair, banana and silk.
Reference: Franklin, E.T., Favela, K., Spies, R., Ranger, J.M. and Rudel, R.A. (2026). Identifying chemicals of health concern in hair extensions using suspect screening and nontargeted analysis. Environment & Health. DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00549.
Original research paper · Read the research summary from Silent Spring Institute.
What the research does not prove
Detecting a substance is not the same as establishing an individual health risk. Independent research on extension hair should not be presented as proof that BraidSafe® removes every chemical or prevents disease.
Findings from the sampled products should not be treated as findings about every extension product or an individual wearer’s exposure.
Preparation before installation
BraidSafe® Pre Soak Concentrate is a diluted preparation soak for factory made extension hair, used before installation. Follow the final approved directions for your hair type, including rinsing and air drying before installation.
