Hair Care

Safer hair products for every hair type

Common Exposures

When we think of selfcare, a lot of us imagine sitting in a salon chair, chatting with your stylist and treating yourself to a day of pampering. Oftentimes we don't take into account the possible dangers behind those products used to enhance our hair.

Conventional shampoos, conditioners, and styling products often include sulfates that strip natural oils, synthetic fragrances that can irritate skin, and parabens and phthalates, which are preservatives known for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. These chemicals are absorbed through the scalp and can build up over time, increasing exposure risks. Inhalation is another route of exposure.

Recent research has found that chemicals in hair relaxers and other hair products marketed to Black girls and women contain endocrine-disrupting substances like formaldehyde and phthalates. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

Health Impacts

Exposure to harmful hair product chemicals can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential long-term effects such as endocrine disruption,   especially in children whose systems are still developing.

Many hair straightening products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, which are associated with health problems such as early on-set puberty, diabetes, and cancer.

Practical Tips for Reducing Exposure

  • Curly and Coily Hair

    • Avoid products with sulfates and drying alcohols.

    • Look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter.Choose fragrance-free styling gels and creams to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals.

  • Straight and Wavy Hair

    • Opt for sulfate-free shampoos to maintain natural oils.

    • Seek out volumizing products with plant-based ingredients.

    • Avoid heat protectants with synthetic silicones.

  • Color-Treated Hair

    • Use shampoos labeled “safe for color” that are free of parabens and sulfates.

    • Choose hair masks with natural oils for hydration.

    • Avoid products with ammonia or harsh dyes when refreshing color

DIY Hair Growth Oil

What You'll Need:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil

2 tablespoons castor oil

2 tablespoons of ground or unground cloves

2 tablespoons of dried rosemary

2 tablespoons black seed

5 drops of lemon essential oil

5 drops of sweet orange essential oil

 

Instructions:

1. In a clean, dry glass jar, combine the olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil.

2. Add the ground cloves, dried rosemary, and black seed to the jar.

3. Finally, add the lemon essential oil and sweet orange essential oil.

4. Close the jar tightly and shake well, or give it a good stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week to allow the oils to infuse.

6. After 1 week, drain to remove particles, and your hair growth oil is ready to use!

DIY Hair Growth Oil - English (PDF)

DIY Hair Growth Oil - Español (PDF)

DIY Natural Hair Masks

Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil Mask

What You'll Need & Instructions:

1. Blend 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil until smooth.

2. Apply to hair, focusing on tips and roots.

3. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes.

4. Shampoo as usual.

Oatmeal Mask

What You'll Need & Instructions:

1. Mix water with 1 cup of oats, 1 heaping teaspon of cinnamon, 1 heaping teaspoon of avocado oil, 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut oil, and 1 heaping teaspon of honey.

2. Cook like regular oatmeal and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

DIY Natural Hair Masks - English (PDF)

DIY Natural Hair Masks - Español (PDF)

DIY Natural Shampoo

What You'll Need:

1/4 cup liquid castile soap

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon bentonite clay

10-20 drops of essential oils

1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil

 

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a container with a pump or pouring lid.

DIY Natural Shampoo - English (PDF)

DIY Natural Shampoo - Español (PDF)

Resources / Tools

The FDA finally proposed a ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners during spring of 2024. Learn more about the ban here.


The Fight Against Harmful Ingredients in Hair Products


Chemical-Free Beauty Products, Homemade House Cleaners, Healthy Recipes


Best DIY Recipes for Naturally Curly Hair


Avocado Hair Masks: 7 Do-It-Yourself Recipes


17 DIY Hair Masks to Revive Dry, Damaged Hair


Higher hazards persist in personal care products marketed to Black women, report reveals

“In terms of household cleaners, neither ingredients nor products must meet any sort of safety standard, nor is any testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market.”
— Rebecca Sutton, PhD, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group