Black Hair Products disproportionately contain chemicals linked to cancer.
In the age of Ferguson, this should come as no surprise.
A study done by the Silent Springs Institute claims that the most popular hair products for black women and children contain “multiple chemicals” linked to cancer, weight gain, asthma, and fertility issues, among other things.
The study found that 80 percent of the 18 tested products contain high levels of chemicals that “disrupt” the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, reproduction, amongst other things.
So why not just avoid products containing these chemicals, right?
Herein lies the issue––
To add insult to injury, the study found higher levels of parabens in products targeted to black women compared to white women. Additionally, the research suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals in hair oils and relaxers could be directly linked to a "higher prevalence" of asthma, early menstruation, fertility issues, obesity, uterine fibroids, premature birth rates, along with increased cases of breast and endometrial cancers in black girls and women.
What can you do to protect yourself?
The researchers advise that people reduce their chemical exposure [uh, yeah].
When choosing hair products, look for products labeled paraben free and fragrance free. Your safest bet is to choose plant-based or organic products.
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Keshawna
Thank you for having a platform for this discussion and all things black 🖤 much appreciated!