Controversy: Synthetic Hairs and Their Role in Hair Restoration

In 2009, the use of synthetic hair fibers for hair restoration was a controversial topic due to their history and the ban by the FDA. The FDA banned these fibers in 1983 due to risks of illness or injury, fraud, and lack of public health benefit. Side effects included recurrent infections, rejection and periodic loss of fibers, allergic reactions, potential carcinogenicity, cicatricial alopecia, and cyst formation. Despite these issues, companies continued to market the product in other countries. A study in 1995 stated that despite an improved complication rate, the technique remained doubtful. A Medline search showed only four reports supporting the use of synthetic hair fibers. One report assessed 196 patients over a 2-year period and found satisfactory improvements with limited adverse events. However, the level of evidence was poor and side effects were still documented. The International Society of Hair Restoration did not voice an official position on the use of artificial hair fibers. The use of such fibers was considered experimental and required further research.