Yet another study has revealed the danger of hair products used primarily by Black women. New research, conducted and published by Consumer Reports, reveals that several popular brands of synthetic hair used for weaves, braids, and other styles, contain carcinogens, such as benzene, and other toxic substances. The study analyzed samples from 10 brands and found that 100% of them contained cancer causing substances, and 9 of the 10 products contained lead. The popular synthetic hair brands Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go were among the products included in the study.
This new study adds to research, published in 2023, by the Black Women’s Health Study team at Boston University, showing hair relaxers, commonly used by Black women, raised the risk of uterine cancer.
Black women have rates of uterine cancer that are close to those of women of other racial and ethnic groups, but rates are increasing, and black women are more likely to lose their lives to the disease. While there is no routine screening test for uterine cancer, you can protect yourself by lowering your risk factors, learning the symptoms, and getting diagnostic tests at the earliest sign of a symptom. Early detection greatly increases chances for survival.
This new research is just the most recent sign that for Black women, adopting natural hair styles may be essential for good health.
