Natural Hair Care: Say No to Toxic Chemicals

As a proud member of the Black community, I know firsthand the extra love and attention our hair demands. Our hair symbolizes our culture, pride, identity, and a way to express our outer beauty. Using shampoos, conditioners, relaxers, hair dyes, hair dye removers, hair loss treatments, and other hair products helps us unlock the full potential of our hair.

According to a report published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, Black hair care products are valued at over $2.5 billion in 2023. However, despite the increase in demand for hair products in recent times, many members of our community do not fully understand the hidden dangers of these hair care essentials.

Texas A&M Today reported in 2024 that hair products like shampoo and moisturizers contain chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and sulfates, which have been known to irritate users.

How many of us take the time to check if the hair products we want to buy contain these chemicals? Are there alternative ways to have the perfect hair without risking irritation or health issues?

You’re about to find out. Sit back, relax, and let’s explore together.

The Health Impact of Hair Products

The impact of chemicals used in hair products goes far beyond split ends, burnt scalps, thinning hair, discoloration, or dry hair. The San Francisco Environment Department said that these products often contain chemicals that can significantly negatively impact our health in the following ways:

1. Hormonal Disruptions

As a Black woman who has seen firsthand the high rate of reproductive health issues among my sistahs, this bothers me in no little way. Many of our women suffer from fibroid and infertility, and adding hormonal disruptions to these issues is truly worrisome.

Papers published by Rutgers University, the National Library of Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital all agree that there are chemicals in hair products responsible for hormonal imbalance among Black women, both before and during pregnancy.

Our children are also not safe from the dangers of these products as some of them have been known to cause hormonal imbalance in children as well.

2. Cancer Risk Increase

Breast cancer accounts for 30% of cancer cases among women, with more than a hundred thousand cases every year in the US alone.

As if that isn’t enough, Breastcancer.org said dyes and straighteners increase the chances of a woman getting breast cancer.

This calls for immediate action because some of these hair products contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing chemicals.

3. Respiratory Problems

Women across the globe know that the hair salon is one of the best places to get the latest gossip in the neighborhood. Because of this gist, women usually spend hours of their free time in the salon.

However, while enjoying the latest bits of town gossip at the salon, we ingest fumes from all the hair treatments used on different people. If inhaled over some time, these fumes can cause respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, National Library of Medicine, and News Medical all confirmed that certain hair products can lead to respiratory problems.

Women are not the only ones at risk here; we have many unisex salons, and our children sometimes tag along too. Therefore, everyone is at risk, including our little ones.

Is there a way we can prevent these health risks? Can we still maintain our hair without exposing ourselves to these chemicals?

Healthy Options for Great Hair

After discovering these hidden dangers of hair products, I had to activate safety mode for myself and my family. So far, little research has been done on how hair products affect men compared to women. However, I am not taking chances, and neither should you. I have regulated how my family uses hair products, and you can do the same for yours.

Many safer options allow us to take care of our beautiful, God-given hair without the chemicals that put our health and lives at risk. Try these:

1. Go natural.

Going natural is one of the most influential trends in Black community hair care. This trend aims to encourage members of our community to carry and flaunt their natural hair textures without using chemicals.

You can try organic options if you feel your natural hair is too difficult to manage without relaxers and other chemicals. The right ones will nourish your hair, tame it, and protect it from the elements while skillfully giving you that perfect look.

2. Go for clean products.

For those who are not cut out for plant-based products, you can choose products without formaldehyde, paraben, or phthalate. Always check product labels to ensure you do not have any of these.

3. Consult professionals.

It is also essential to consult a dermatologist, especially if you are unsure of the safety of the hair products you are using. You may also need one if you have had a case of irritation or scalp issues from inorganic products.

A professional will guide you or suggest safer alternatives.

Protecting Your Crown is Protecting Your Health

Every part of our body is important and our hair isn’t left out. It is a vital part of our identity, pride, and beauty. However, we shouldn’t risk our health in our pursuit of beauty.

At Elevate Black Health, we believe that you should go beyond knowing the hidden dangers of hair products. The earlier you take proactive measures that will ensure your safety and that of your loved ones, the better.

So, is transitioning to natural hair and organic products something you are willing to try?

Additional Reading:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8238693