Harsh Chemicals Found in African-American Hair Products

The face I made when I realize the majority of hair products I use contains harsh chemicals...

I remember about a year ago around this time of year I came across a video on Facebook circulating with a new study about ingredients in African-American hair products. The video I discovered explained the harsh chemicals in popular black hair products that are linked to causing cancerous diseases. I was in disbelief when I came across this news. I wondered why? I am buying products that are supposed to be catered to my hair type, why are these products so harmful? For years I understood the damaging effects of chemically straightening your hair, which is why I chose to transition to being natural back in 2013. Especially speaking in the present tense, many black women have choose to embrace their naturally textured hair rather than choosing to chemically straighten, relax, or fit some Eurocentric beauty standards.

For anyone who transition from relaxed hair to natural, you can attest that natural hair maintenance definitely requires re-education. I didn’t think or even realized that products made for “natural hair” types or to “repair damaging hair” would actually cause more harm than good. I learned and researched a lot about this topic in particular when I came across this. Olive Oil, Relaxers, Pink Lotion, and Eco-Styler Gel and more were all found to contain toxic chemicals in their products. Chemicals such as parabens, cyclosiloxanes, and diethyl phthalate at high levels were found in these products.

Damaging Effects

An article in Science Direct found that high levels in chemicals have been linked to cause endocrine damage, early menstruation, fertility issues, obesity, premature birth rates, uterine fibroids, asthma, along with increased cases of breast and endometrial cancers. This information came out about a year ago, but I believe their needs to be more press about these startling finds. The side effects of using certain hair products are literally harming black women and girls.

I am alarm by how the lack of attention this issue is receiving. These products are STILL being sold and STILL contain hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, companies aren’t required to disclose everything that’s in their products. The study conducted by Science Direct found black women purchase and use more hair products than other groups. From personal experience I spend A LOT of money purchasing hair products. After transitioning in 2013, I come to find that I have textured 4C and 3B hair. I am constantly trying to find products to suite my hair type and manage my hair easily. I loved the hair products mentioned before, but hearing about the chemical ingredients in these products makes me think twice now before purchasing. A study conducted in 2016 showed black women in the U.S. have higher concentrations of various chemicals in their bodies than do women from other ethnicities. Along with this, researchers pointed out in the study that women are more susceptible to these chemicals during certain stages of their lives such as puberty or pregnancy.

Buyer Beware

Importantly, black consumers need to be aware of ingredients that are harmful to our bodies. Also, limiting your exposure to harmful chemical infested products by switching to plant-based or made with organic ingredients. The good news is there are many organic/chemical free products catered to black women, whether you are natural, transitioning, relaxed, etc. to suite your needs. Black hair care is a journey, our unique strands, coils, and textures is what makes our hair unique and it’s important we nourish our hair. Products that are “specifically” made for our hair shouldn’t contain damaging ingredients in which aren’t helping our hair and damaging our bodies. I’ll leave you with a tip, pay CAREFUL attention to the first five ingredients on the list, as they make up 90% of what’s in a product. Part of the hair journey involves exploring what works through trial and error. Be aware and stay educated of the ingredients found in your hair products, its importance just like watching your diet and lifestyle!

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