Dosso Beauty CEO On Changing The Game With Hypoallergenic, Toxin-Free Braiding Hair (2025)

ArecentConsumer Reports (CR) studyrevealed that various synthetic braiding hair brands we’ve all used at some point—from Sensationnel to Shake-N-Go—contain carcinogens, heavy metals, and VOCs (human-made chemicals) that emit harmful gases.

As a protective style maven, the news immediately gave me pause. I’ve grown fond of several synthetic hair brands due to their affordability and accessibility. While the brands I frequently trust to help bring my desired styles to life were not mentioned, the CR study has left me questioning every type of braiding hair I come across.

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As a hair braider for over 20 years, Kadija Dosso has heard it all. Many clients she’s encountered have complained aboutitchy scalps, redness, swelling, and rashes after a synthetic braiding hair install. Unfortunately, she has also been a victim. “I had a severe allergic reaction after using Freetress’ Clean Therapy Braiding Hair,” she reveals.

After recognizing the need for people of color to have access to healthy braiding hair, Kadija decided to take matters into her own hands and launchedDosso Beauty’s Hypoallergenic Brading Hair ($13+,Dossobeauty.com) in 2020.

Dosso Beauty’s Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair is Toxin-Free

Following the CR study results, many braiding hair brands are doubling down on their claim that their products are safe. Kadija is standing 10 toes down on her claims and giving consumers an inside scoop on the steps she takes to ensure our safety.

“We’ve conducted two clinical trials to verify that our braiding hair is hypoallergenic and non-toxic on an EU standard,” she exclusively tellsHelloBeautiful. “Princeton Consumer Research reached out to us to verify our hair to be dermatology tested, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin by testing our braided hair on 100 test subjects who suffer from skin sensitivities and conditions. The results of that test were incredible, and we were clinically tested hypoallergenic.”

Dosso Beauty conducted a second clinical trial to verify that its products match the company’s marketing claims. The results showed that Dosso’s hair is free of “lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants.”

Like many protective style lovers, Kadija firmly believes that not all synthetic braiding hair is equal. “For years, I have said to at least five people per day that 99% of the braiding hair that exists in the market is toxic and causes serious health conditions,” she says. “I feel vindicated.”

Dosso Beauty Sees Uptick In Braiding Hair Sales

Now that protective style lovers are cognizant of the dangers of utilizing certain synthetic hair brands, many are pledging their allegiance tohealthy optionslike Dosso Beauty’s Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair. “Over the past three weeks, we’ve seen an increase in sales by over 900%. Additionally, more than 50,000 people have visited our website alone,” Kadija shares. “We’ve received large purchase orders from salon owners ready to make the switch. I’m glad that consumers are asking more questions and that we’re ahead of the curve with our studies.”

While it’s standard practice to soak braiding hair in apple cider vinegar to remove chemicals, folks can forego that step with Dosso Beauty’s offering. “We’ve already done the work for you on an industrial level, so there’s no need to soak our braiding hair,” the 2021Black AmbitionHBCU prize winner says.

We can all agree that Black women will never stop getting protective styles. The key to rocking the woven looks we love sans any fear comes down to the products we choose. That said, Black beauty bosses like Kadija continue to come in clutch to prioritize our wants and needs. “Now that we’re a global brand, we’re going to make sure that we listen to what you have to say,” she says. “It’s the consumer’s job to tell a friend to tell a friend that Dosso Beauty’s products are exactly who we say that we are.”

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