Inside N.J.‘s Mosaic: Toxic braiding hair, Ramadan, and North to Shore

Welcome to this week’s newsletter! Reporter Vashti Harris alerted readers about harmful chemicals in synthetic hair - lead, carcinogens, and volatile organic compounds - used for braids and other natural hairstyles. Consumer Reports tested 10 hair products and found nine contained lead, with one exceeding safe levels by over 600%, raising concerns about prolonged chemical exposure from extended use of the hair products. Read about it in her article: Toxic chemicals found in synthetic hair used for braids and extensions. Meet Gabily Gonzalez, who went from being an undocumented immigrant...