Nearly 80 percent of hair products aimed at black women contain chemicals linked to cancer, infertility and obesity, new research suggests.
Up to 78 percent of relaxers, which are used to permanently straighten hair, contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, known as parabens, a US study found.
Past studies suggest parabens, which are used as preservatives, mimic oestrogen and may cause cancer, weight gain and reduced muscle mass.
Up to 78 percent of hair products, including leave-in conditioners, also contain phthalates, the research adds.
Phthalates are added to prolong products’ shelf lives and have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, as well as early menopause.
Out of the 18 products analysed, 11 contain chemicals that are banned under the EU cosmetic regulations due to their links to cancer and female infertility.
Previous research suggests black women are more likely to use straightening and moisturising hair products to try and meet social beauty norms.
Nearly 80 percent of hair products aimed at black women contain cancerous chemicals (stock)
‘Black women are over-exposed and under-protected’
Results further suggest that hair products aimed at black women contain up to 45 hormone-disrupting chemicals, which are not generally listed on their labels.
All of the products contain at least one fragrance, which have previously been described as ‘gender benders’ due to them encouraging male-breast growth.
The worst offenders were found in hair lotions, root stimulators and relaxers.
Lotions claim moisturise, while root stimulators are thought to encourage hair growth and strength.
Lead author Dr Jessica Helm, from the Silent Spring Institute, Massachusetts, said: ‘Chemicals in hair products, and beauty products in general, are mostly untested and largely unregulated.
Janette Robinson Flint, from the nonprofit organisation Black Women for Wellness, added: ‘Black women are over-exposed and under-protected from toxic chemicals.’
‘This study is evidence that hair products are an important source of toxic chemicals and that we need to remove these risks to protect black women’s lives and prevent harm.’
Use natural, organic products
The researchers hope their findings will lead to clearer ingredient labeling on products.
They also encourage hair-product manufacturers to make safer cosmetics.
In the meantime, the scientists advise people reduce their chemical exposure by looking for products that are paraben and fragrance free.
People should also choose plant-based or organic products, they add.
How the research was carried out
The researchers analysed 18 hair products marketed towards black women.
These products were made up of hot-oil treatments, anti-frizz polishes, leave-in conditioners, root stimulators, hair lotions and relaxers.
The aforementioned products were chosen based on a 2005 survey of 301 women living in New York. The survey’s black participants, which made up more than half of the total, used these six products most frequently.
The researchers tested the products for 66 chemicals.
The findings were published in the journal Environmental Research.