Your Health or Your Hair?

Multiple stories and studies have been conducted researching toxins and chemicals found in African-American hair care products.

“A study from the Silent Springs Institute found that 80 percent of the 18 tested products (chosen based on customer surveys) contain high levels of chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system,” according to Essence, a black women’s lifestyle magazine.

Products like hot oil treatments, hair lotions, conditioners and relaxers, products more commonly used by African-American women, were tested. This creates an unfavorable choice in black women’s lives that should not have to be questioned: Do I want to have great health or have my hair look great?

These types of hair stories usually do not make it into the media. Many black hair care products are unregulated, meaning they do not get tested for toxic chemicals. According to the same study, 84 percent of the chemicals found in the study did not appear on the product’s labels. Some of the parabens, sulfates, and fragrances found in these hair care products are linked to increased risks of health complications such as breast cancer, fibroids and infertility. Consumers have a right to know what types of ingredients they are putting on their hair and into their bodies. This also limits the amount of healthy, reliable products black women have to choose from.

The black community have these health scares more often than not. For example, social media erupted this summer when Eco Styler Gel, a popular product in the black hair community, was rumored to contain a number of dangerous ingredients, including a possible carcinogen. The rumor was soon debunked. While some of these ingredients are linked to harmful health problems, using the gel was not a direct cause.

Many methods and precautions must be made to buy safe products to put in one’s hair and body.

Kelsey McDuffie, Collegiate Curls member, discusses her precautions when buying hair care products and thoughts to the possible harmful chemicals found in them.

“I actually was unaware that some hair products could link to health complications,” MacDuffie said. “That is kind of scary because hair care is important but so is your health. When I am looking for hair products, I tend to look for products that have oils, like black castor oil, argan oil, or some type of protein. I do not buy products that have sulfate or alcohol in them.”

McDuffie also had some tips when shopping for hair care products.

“First, know your hair before buying products. If you understand your hair porosity and curl pattern, it will make the process a tad bit easier. Research is important when you are trying to figure out your hair. Look at the ingredients on the different hair products, because often times the products are very similar. If you are unsure how a specific product will work on your hair get the samples,” she said.

What are some tips/tricks that you have for keep your hair healthy and safely choosing hair products? Drop a comment below!