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
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Curly and Coily Hair
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Avoid products with sulfates and drying alcohols.
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Look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter.Choose fragrance-free styling gels and creams to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals.
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Straight and Wavy Hair
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Opt for sulfate-free shampoos to maintain natural oils.
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Seek out volumizing products with plant-based ingredients.
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Avoid heat protectants with synthetic silicones.
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Color-Treated Hair
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Use shampoos labeled “safe for color” that are free of parabens and sulfates.
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Choose hair masks with natural oils for hydration.
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Avoid products with ammonia or harsh dyes when refreshing color
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Resources / Tools
The FDA finally proposed a ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners during spring of 2024. Learn more about the ban here.
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Higher hazards persist in personal care products marketed to Black women, report reveals
