SINAVA

HAIR

SINAVA

I'm developing non-toxic pineapple fibre hair extensions

THE PROBLEM

What is really inside some synthetic braiding hair?

CONSUMER REPORTS · February 2025

10 of the most popular synthetic braiding hair products on the market were tested.

100%
contained carcinogens, chemicals that may cause cancer.
9 in 10
contained lead, linked to kidney disease, reproductive harm and developmental disorders.
3 in 10
contained benzene, a known carcinogen linked to acute myeloid leukaemia.

When synthetic hair is sealed with hot water, flames or a hot iron, it emits volatile organic compounds into the air. This can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

ACS ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH · February 2026

The most comprehensive testing of hair extensions publicly reported. 44 samples tested.

91%
of samples contained at least one chemical known to cause cancer, reproductive or developmental harm.
~10%
of samples contained hazardous organotin compounds. Some exceeded the European Union concentration limits.

Even products labelled "nontoxic" or "toxic free" were not consistently free of hazardous chemicals.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS · April 2026

Research on synthetic hair extensions as a source of plastic pollution.

167 tonnes
of synthetic hair waste generated annually in Cape Coast, Ghana alone.

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH · November 2022

10 synthetic hair brands tested for heavy metals and chemical compounds in Nigeria.

10/10
products contained nitrate exceeding safe limits, linked to cancer, methemoglobinemia and diabetes.
10/10
products contained cadmium levels exceeding safe limits, linked to kidney damage, skeletal damage, lung cancer and liver damage.
8/10
products contained zinc levels exceeding safe limits, linked to nausea, anaemia, skin irritation and arteriosclerosis.
9/10
products contained unacceptable limits of an opioid compound used to treat opioid use disorder, acute pain and chronic pain.
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Hair extensions are in direct contact with the skin, neck and scalp. Women wearing these extensions are exposed to these chemicals for an extended length of time.

THIS IS WHY SINAVA HAIR EXISTS.

SINAVA'S VALUES

The vision for Sinava Hair is to create hair extensions that embody these three values:

Beauty without compromise

High performance hair extensions that are uncompromisingly safe.

Innovation with heart

Nature already has the answers. True innovation means working with nature, not against it.

For better lives

To improve the lives of the pineapple farmers that we will work with.

The Non-Negotiables

Plant fibres
No harmful chemicals
Scalp-first design
Biodegradable
Performance matters
Tested before release
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FROM LEAF TO HAIR

01

After pineapple fruit is harvested, a massive amount of leaf waste remains

Step 01
02

Fibre is extracted from the leaf using a decorticator machine

Step 02
03

Fibre is thoroughly washed to remove plant gums and chlorophyll

Step 04
04

Whilst the fibre is drying, the green colour fades until it is white or cream

Step 04
05

Fibre is treated and dyed to create hair extensions

IN THE MAKING

FOUNDER'S NOTE

Hi, I'm Feima, a hair enthusiast based in the UK.Back in March 2025, I was messaging my friend when she mentioned the "research about the amount of chemicals in synthetic extensions marketed to Black women…really alarming stuff." She then said: "Since I read the article, I just can't wear twist extensions."She had no idea what those words meant to me. In that instant, I went from being on a waiting list to buy non-toxic braiding hair to doing market research for this brand.

For the first time, I thought: why can't I help find a solution to this problem?

I have not stopped trying since. I refuse to accept that braiding hair should come at a health cost. Sinava Hair is my answer to that.

Sinava means "for the sake of tomorrow" in the Mende language.

WHERE I AM NOW

Sinava Hair is currently in product development.I have researched the adverse impacts of synthetic hair extensions on women's health and the environment across academic journals, news reports and media coverage. This is still ongoing. I want to understand the problem that I am solving.The development of Sinava Hair involves a Textile Scientist in India, natural dye consultants in Germany and the UK and a biotech company in the UK.

Building Sinava Hair in a way that aligns with the core values takes time.

I am not there yet but I am making progress.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

When you sign up to the newsletter, you join a community who believe beauty should never come at a health cost.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

  • Behind the scenes updates on product development

  • Honest reflections on wins and setbacks

  • Early thinking on plant-based hair innovation

  • The opportunity to share your views on braiding hair

  • Invitations to try early versions of the product and shape what Sinava becomes

Thoughtful emails once a month. More frequent updates closer to launch.

HAIR THAT CARES FOR TOMORROW

© 2026 SINAVA HAIR · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SINAVA

HAIR

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Last Updated: 21 May 2026

© 2026 SINAVA HAIR · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED