We aim to create new value with our unique fiber technologies to contribute to the quality of life of all stakeholders and to solve social problems.
We produce beautiful, high quality and safe fibers that provide comfort. We also provide technical services for mass production and improvement of hair accessories.
In order to remain a part of your changing future, we also develop innovative fibers, hair parts, equipment and services, support stylists in improving their skills, and create mechanisms for the development of the industry.
KANEKALON's history spans more than 65 years. It is a history of walking with our customers and taking on challenges together.
In the midst of various changes in the world, we develop fibers that are needed "now" and that will create "the future".
We have also developed products and related services together with our partners, stylists and, of course, users.
We have manufacturing, marketing and development facilities around the world to contribute locally tailored products and services. KANEKALON fibers for hair attachments are widely used in the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.
Independent Evaluation of Chemical Exposure Risks for KANEKALON™ Hair Fibers
KANEKALON™ hair fibers were evaluated by an independent scientific firm to assess potential health risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals, using laboratory testing and defined consumer exposure scenarios.
Expert Assessment of Chemical Exposure Risks
Modacrylic-Based Hair Extensions:
Risk Assessment for Exposure to Lead and Volatile Organic Chemicals
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the request of Kaneka, Solutions in Science (SiS) has undertaken product analyses and risk assessment to determine the potential for adverse health impacts as the result of using artificial hair extensions made from Kaneka fibers.
Three fiber hair strand samples were provided to SiS for analysis:Afrelle™, Aquatex™, KANEKALON SD. SiS undertook the chemical analyses of the fibers for lead and VOC content. SiS also performed saliva leachate tests for the availability of lead and acetone as well as a time course acetone off-gassing study. Utilizing the highest lead and acetone concentrations detected (under 0.5 ppm lead and under 15.4 ppm for acetone), conducted a human health risk assessment. Results indicated the following.
- • No detectable amount of lead or acetone was extracted in synthetic saliva indicating that hair mouthing does not represent a source of lead exposure,
- • There is no danger to human health due to the presence of lead in the hair strand fiber samples. An adult consumer would have to consume 19 g of fiber per day, or 500 g of hair extensions over 26 days, to ingest enough fiber to pose a potential health risk. This is an unreasonable exposure scenario. For reference, 19g of hair is equivalent 3 inches of a typical ponytail.
- • There is insufficient acetone in a maximum 500 g hair extension application to represent a risk from the ingestion of this chemical.
- • There is insufficient acetone in a 500 g application to maintain airborne concentrations within the breathing zone above NIOSH recommended exposure limits for one hour.
- • The dermal absorption rate of acetone is 96-times less than the minimum amount that could result in the manifestation of ketoacidosis.
Therefore, based on the foregoing, the fibers used in the manufacture of the hair extensions do not represent a health risk to the user.
The Flame Retardance of KANEKALON
KANEKALON is flame retardant and self-extinguishing as soon as it is removed from the fire source. It is also resistant to melting and dripping*. The flame retardancy is not reduced by shampooing.
* A phenomenon in which when some non-flame retardant synthetic fibers catch fire, the resin may melt and drip in a liquid form. When high-temperature molten substances come in contact with the skin, they can cause burns - making them seriously dangerous.
The Flame Retardance of Various Materials
The Flame Retardance of Various Materials*
"The above values are for typical fibers of each brand. They are test values and are not guaranteed.
** LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index): A value used to indicate flame retardance; higher LOI values indicate greater resistance to burning. LOI values are expressed as the volume percent of the minimum amount of oxygen required for the material to continue burning in a mixed gas of nitrogen and oxygen (LOI = O2/(O2+N2)×100[%]). The above values were measured by Kaneka using the JIS L 1091 method. Fibers of 160 mm and 0.25 g were twisted to the length of 50 mm for the test samples.
In addition to KANEKALON™ fibers for hair attachments, Kaneka has various fiber solutions businesses, including KANECARON™ for eco-fur, and PROTEX™ for flame retardant materials. We continue to expand the possibilities of fibers in various aspects of life around the world.
We are engaged in a wide range of activities as well as developing innovative products to provide people around the world with safe and high quality beauty.
As a brand that accompanies you in your life to expand your future, we challenge ourselves to create innovative products and services ahead of the times, as well as engage in various activities.
We continue to contribute to the beauty of people around the world by offering high quality fibers and related products and services that allow them to pursue beauty in safety and comfort.
A portion of the proceeds from sales in Africa is donated to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support school meals, helping children grow up and expand their dreams for the future.
We are cooperating with Hair Wear Beauty Program (HWBP) with the aim of contributing to the hearts and minds of those who have suffered hair loss or hair removal due to treatment in the medical field through hair attachments (hair wear).