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.” See chap. 5 for more about cultural pressure and the beauty myth!
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
This is a very informative article and I plan on sharing it with others. Sometimes, beauty is not worth the price. Why risk disease and illness when natural alternatives exist? I only use organic products and have never felt better. I am trying to help other people realize this as well.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Okay so this is definitely a heated debate and what’s getting lost is the fact that peoples health is on the line. If there were such things as safe relaxers I’m sure that many people would purchase them. I have yet to read this book but it is right up my alley so I will be taking a look most definitely!
My best, Lynn
January 6th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Yikes!
I’ve heard of this movie (in support of natural hair products or no?) and am interested to learn more.
January 16th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Despite your interesting article I have to put another comment: Is Africa a lost continent? The nightmare of hunger, killing machines and war seems to be endless. I
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 am
I really appreciate you taking the time to post this info for readers like me to read.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Its a very intresting book and it has made us think twice about what we will be putting on our bodies for the safety of ourselfs and of our offsprings. We never thought that what we use to make us pretty is actually very harmfull and will end up making us very ugly. Thank you for the very very intresting information! we appreciate it.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
We found that all products are dangerous and they are no healty. But some people prefer to die than be ugly.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I learned alot about the article, and that their are people still fighting for the environmental causes, and the over ingredient labeling.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Wow, didn’t realize that hair shampoo can encourage cancer. Thank you for the info.
March 20th, 2010 at 9:17 am
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September 1st, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Thanks for the info on this blog, it is comforting in the dark periodof restricted food intake.
October 23rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Nice article with some useful ideas! Can’t say I totally agree with all you have said here, but there are a few important recommendations you have highlighted that can be rather usable on natural health and related topics. Please keep providing more recommendations on this topic and associated topics, as there are many out there like me who are trying to get to know the pluses and minuses.