Image Courtesy Essence.com
Black Women for Wellness, a new grassroots non-profit that is committed to empowering Black women in the areas of health and well-being, has published a 60-page report that documents dangers found in the cosmetology industry as they relate to Black women and girls. The report, “Natural evolutions: one hair story,” found here, is a five-year study, from 2009-2013, of the black beauty industry. Their focus: the ingredients in the products you use on your hair.
The results are shocking. While there is a short-term reward in the cute and laid hair, the long-term effects might not come to light for years. From early onset puberty to fertility issues, the ingredients found in some of the most used products are wreaking havoc on our bodies without us even knowing.
Blackdoctor.org quotes the report as saying this:
“Girls who reported using chemical hair oils and hair perms were 1.4 times more likely to experience early puberty after adjusting for race, ethnicity, and year of birth. In addition, other studies have linked early puberty to hair detangler use by Black girls. In one of the studies African American girls as young as two years old started showing signs of puberty after using products containing animal placenta found in many detanglers and conditioners.”
By just taking a moment to look at the ingredient label, one might be shocked to find what is being used inside the various concoctions used by so many stylists. Formaldehyde, a fluid often used for embalming, is frequently used in disinfectant solutions. Uterine fibroids, which can be genetic, have also been linked to the use of hair relaxers.
So why aren’t we hearing more about this? Perhaps it is because money talks and dangers walk.
The beauty industry rakes in over $9 billion a year from Blacks; that is nearly twice the amount spent by any other ethnic group. When money like that is being spent, there is concerted effort to focus more on pushing the product than giving the public an accurate account of the possible side effects of its use.
It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself about the products being used. The days of letting your beautician just “do your hair” are over. Ask questions and find out what is being used to “slay” your hair; then ask yourself if the risks are worth a weekend of compliments.
There is also the option to go au natural. There are so many options out there for women with natural hair. While I can attest to the fact that going natural is a journey, I can say that I have, for the most part, enjoyed it. Now on those days when I am frustrated and considering the creamy crack, I just give in and let it be; it is on those days when someone inevitably says: “I love your hair; I wish my hair had that much volume and those curls.” I just pat the puff and keep it moving.
To find out more about this study, click here
SOURCE: Your Black Education
