Debate over Good Hair is also about Good Health
What kind of world are we in where the President’s daughter gets lambasted
for wearing her natural hair ? The social pressure on black women to use harsh chemical treatments on their hair is outrageous and oppressive — not to mention dangerous for their health.
Hair relaxers are among the most toxic products on the market, with 2/3 of the hair relaxers on Skin Deep ranking a 7-10 (with 10 being the worst). The most toxic hair relaxer in Skin Deep is called Africa’s Best “Organic” relaxer for kids! — which goes to show, you can’t trust labels on these unregulated products. And it raises another problem: toxic treatments are being marketed to very young girls at a time when their bodies are most vulnerable to harm from toxic exposures.
According to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the early and life-long exposure to hair products — including heavy conditioners that contain placenta and other hormone-disrupting ingredients — may be contributing to the high rates of breast cancer in young African American women. The authors advise parents to avoid using any personal care products on children that may contain hormones or placenta.
Hair weaves are problematic from a health standpoint too — many contain formaldehyde glues, as well as other hazardous chemicals that beauty workers and their clients are breathing in. These products need to get cleaned up so they are safe. Stand up for women’s health by getting involved with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and help get toxic chemicals out of all beauty products.
Stacy Malkan, author of “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry In God’s Hands download .” See chap. 5 for more about cultural pressure and the beauty myth!
