like lye that break down the chemical bonds in hair, allowing it to be styled. Scientists have found that use of chemical hair straighteners has been linked to cer- tain forms of baldness, increased risk of the formation of uterine leiomyomata (noncancerous growths in the uterus) and among pregnant women, premature birth, low infant birth weight and other preg- nancy- and birth-related problems. In recent years, the use of these harsh
products has declined as Black women seem to favor more natural hair styles. The market analysis firm Mintel estimates that sales of hair relaxers marketed to Black women dropped by close to 40 percent between 2008 and 2015. Conversely, sales
ingredients include cancer, hormone disruption, developmental and repro- ductive damage, allergies and other adverse health effects.
• The worst-scoring products mar- keted to Black women were hair re- laxers, and hair colors and bleaching products. Each of these categories had an average product score indicat- ing high potential hazard.
• In the categories of hair relaxers, hair colors and bleaching products, lipsticks, and concealers, foundations and sun-protective makeup, none of the products analyzed were scored as "low hazard."
Scientific research is scarce Not enough is known about the health hazards of cosmetics and other personal care products marketed to Black women. Advocacy organizations such as Black Women for Wellness, West Harlem Envi- ronmental Action and Women’s Voices for the Earth have reported on the issue and published guides for minimizing exposure to potentially hazardous ingredients, but the body of scientific research is woefully sparse. Still, the available studies raise serious concerns. Research has mostly focused on
chemical hair straighteners for Black women and girls. The two most common methods of chemical hair straightening involve products called relaxers and tex- turizers, which contain harsh ingredients
of shampoos, conditioners and styling products marketed for use on “natural hair” are increasing. Between 2013 and 2015 alone, sales of “natural” hair styling products increased by about 27 percent, now comprising 35 percent of the Black hair care market. Although "natural" hair products pre-
sumably have fewer toxic ingredients than traditional hair straighteners, many of these products still contain potentially harmful ingredients. Laboratory tests on some products commonly used by Black wom- en, including hair and skin lotions, condi- tioners and creams, showed estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity, meaning that they
mimicked the effects of the hormone es- trogen. Other studies have found that Black Americans had higher urinary con- centrations of parabens, the hormone- disrupting chemicals commonly used as preservatives in personal care products, pharmaceuticals and foods.
EWG’s investigation In 2014 and 2015, EWG scoured online and brick-and-mortar retailers, and specialty stores to catalogue ingredient details for products marketed to Black women. Recent studies have highlighted the hazardous chemicals to which Black hair salon workers are routinely exposed,
Kelly Carpenter, NP-C
www.RobinhoodIntegrativeHealth.com Kelly Carpenter, NP-C
Kelly Carpenter NP-C is a board certified Nurse Practitioner. She has 8 years experience in adult medi- cine. She has an enthusiasm for helping people live energized, long healthy lives. She helps patients to obtain healthy weights and maxi- mize energy levels by enhancing their body’s natural healing pro- cesses through optimized nutrition, supplements, and optimizing hor- mones. She is a great addition to RIH
336.768.3335 MARCH 2017 31
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