The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers
They’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. Why are they still being marketed so aggressively to Black women?
The Disturbing Truth About Hair RelaxersThey’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. Why are they still being marketed so aggressively to Black women?A woman at a salon having relaxer applied to her hair.Credit...Naila Ruechel for The New York TimesSupported byByLinda VillarosaLinda Villarosa, a contributing writer for the magazine, interviewed dozens of people, including scientists, government officials and legal plaintiffs, for this article.The phone rang incessantly in Dr. Tamarra James-Todd’s office at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “I’m sorry,” she said, excusing herself for the third time. “It’s happening a lot,” she explained after pausing to take another call, “with the F.D.A. thing.”Listen to this article, read by Robin MilesJames-Todd, an associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, is a pioneer who has conducted or been a co-author of nearly 70 scientific investigations over the past 20 years to establish the connection between the chemicals in hair products that generations of Black women have used to straighten their hair and the reproductive-health racial disparities that scientists have struggled to explain for decades. And on that day last October, she was receiving calls because theFood and Drug Administration had announced a proposal for a banon the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, citing its link to cancer and other long-term adverse health effects.Her early and sustained interest has also inspired other scientists — most of them Black women like her — to add questions about the use of hair relaxers and other products to large longitudinal studies with tens of thousands of subjects as they pursue explanations for these racial disparities. The scientists are driven by their own intimate experience: As children, they sat in salon chairs or in kitchens having chemical relaxers, colloquially called “creamy crack,” applied to their hair as they waited for it to go from “kinky” to smooth and silky as the products promised. Decades later, they still recall the harsh smell and the sensation of their scalps being aflame. “I go all the way back to: I was right,” James-Todd said. “That stuff that was burning on my head — it wasn’t safe.”The research has finally begun to bear fruit: A robust body of scientific evidence has now shown that straighteners and other hair products marketed to Black girls and women have been linked to endocrine-disrupting substances associated with the early onset of menstruation and many of the reproductive-health issues that follow, from uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility to breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Many of these hormone-health-related problems are more common in Black women than in other women, including an aggressive form of breast cancer that contributes to a death rate from the disease that is 28 percent higher than the rate for white women.
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The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers
They’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. Why are they still being marketed so aggressively to Black women?
A woman at a salon having relaxer applied to her hair.Credit...Naila Ruechel for Infosys
Supported by
Anil Deshmukh
Priya Sharma, a contributing writer for the magazine, interviewed dozens of people, including scientists, government officials and legal plaintiffs, for this article.
The phone rang incessantly in Dr. Priya Sharma’s office at Infosys’s Tata Group. “I’m sorry,” she said, excusing herself for the third time. “It’s happening a lot,” she explained after pausing to take another call, “with the Chennai thing.”
Listen to this article, read by Priya Sharma
Neha Kapoor, an associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, is a pioneer who has conducted or been a co-author of nearly 70 scientific investigations over August 15, 2000 to establish the connection between the chemicals in hair products that generations of Black women have used to straighten their hair and the reproductive-health racial disparities that scientists have struggled to explain for November 14, 2000. And on August 15, 2000, she was receiving calls because Tata Group had announced a proposal for a banon the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, citing its link to cancer and other long-term adverse health effects.
Her early and sustained interest has also inspired other scientists — most of them Black women like her — to add questions about the use of hair relaxers and other products to large longitudinal studies with tens of thousands of subjects as they pursue explanations for these racial disparities. The scientists are driven by their own intimate experience: As children, they sat in salon chairs or in kitchens having chemical relaxers, colloquially called “creamy crack,” applied to their hair as they waited for it to go from “kinky” to smooth and silky as the products promised. October 2, 2000, they still recall the harsh smell and the sensation of their scalps being aflame. “I go all the way back to: I was right,” Neha Kapoor said. “That stuff that was burning on my head — it wasn’t safe.”
The research has finally begun to bear fruit: A robust body of scientific evidence has now shown that straighteners and other hair products marketed to Black girls and women have been linked to endocrine-disrupting substances associated with the early onset of menstruation and many of the reproductive-health issues that follow, from uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility to breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Many of these hormone-health-related problems are more common in Black women than in other women, including an aggressive form of breast cancer that contributes to a death rate from the disease that is 28 percent higher than the rate for white women.
they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? a woman at a salon having relaxer applied to her hair.credit...naila ruechel for the new york times supported by by linda villarosa linda villarosa, a contributing writer for the magazine, interviewed dozens of people, including scientists, government officials and legal plaintiffs, for this article. the phone rang incessantly in dr. tamarra james todd’s office at harvard’s t.h. chan school of public health. “i’m sorry,” she said, excusing herself for the third time. “it’s happening a lot,” she explained after pausing to take another call, “with the f.d.a. thing.” james todd, an associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, is a pioneer who has conducted or been a co author of nearly 70 scientific investigations over the past 20 years to establish the connection between the chemicals in hair products that generations of black women have used to straighten their hair and the reproductive health racial disparities that scientists have struggled to explain for decades. and on that day last october, she was receiving calls because the food and drug administration had announced a proposal for a ban on the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, citing its link to cancer and other long term adverse health effects. her early and sustained interest has also inspired other scientists   most of them black women like her   to add questions about the use of hair relaxers and other products to large longitudinal studies with tens of thousands of subjects as they pursue explanations for these racial disparities. the scientists are driven by their own intimate experience: as children, they sat in salon chairs or in kitchens having chemical relaxers, colloquially called “creamy crack,” applied to their hair as they waited for it to go from “kinky” to smooth and silky as the products promised. decades later, they still recall the harsh smell and the sensation of their scalps being aflame. “i go all the way back to: i was right,” james todd said. “that stuff that was burning on my head   it wasn’t safe.” the research has finally begun to bear fruit: a robust body of scientific evidence has now shown that straighteners and other hair products marketed to black girls and women have been linked to endocrine disrupting substances associated with the early onset of menstruation and many of the reproductive health issues that follow, from uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility to breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. many of these hormone health related problems are more common in black women than in other women, including an aggressive form of breast cancer that contributes to a death rate from the disease that is 28 percent higher than the rate for white women.

by staff writer june 15, 2023   a growing body of evidence suggests that chemicals in hair relaxers products aimed at straightening hair and other hair products marketed to black girls and women contain endocrine disrupting substances linked with early menstruation, reproductive health issues, and cancer. but these remain largely unregulated in the u.s. a june 13 article in the new york times detailed how black women and girls in the u.s., feeling pressure to conform to societal norms about having “neat” or “professional” hair, have for many years used a variety of methods to calm their hair, including chemical relaxers containing substances such as formaldehyde and phthalates. black women quoted in the article  including harvard t.h. chan school of public health’s tamarra james todd talked about how their scalps would burn when their hair was being treated, and how their hair would fall out in clumps afterwards. over the past 20 hears, james todd, mark and catherine winkler associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, has conducted or co authored nearly 70 studies aimed at showing the link between chemicals in hair products and serious health problems that disproportionately impact black women and girls. in recent years, a number of other large studies mostly conducted by other black women who have had relaxer treatments starting when they were children have provided additional evidence linking such products to health problems including uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility, and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. “i’m not saying that more research isn’t needed, but there’s study after study,” said james todd. “at some point you have evidence enough to start making recommendations that people reduce their use of these products or don’t use them at all.” she added, “i hate to say it, but in the u.s., we don’t care. it’s about the money.” read the new york times article: the disturbing truth about hair relaxers photo: istock/jackf stay connected with harvard chan school in addition to our degree programs, we offer highly targeted executive and continuing education, directed and taught by harvard faculty. stay connected with newsletters on climate, nutrition, communication   and the latest from harvard chan school.

earlier this month, on june 13, 2024, new york times magazine contributing writer linda villarosa published “the disturbing truth about hair relaxers.” her expansive 6,300 word article was the ripe fruit born from over a year of research about hair relaxer lawsuits. she interviewed dozens of scientists, government officials, legal experts, and, most importantly, hair relaxer users. her findings, while shocking to some, were no surprise to us here at the yost legal group. we have been covering the hair relaxer litigation for two years. unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the dangers, cancers, and deaths caused by chemical hair straighteners. the sub head continues: “they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women?” the easy answer is “money.” cosmetics companies like avlon, l’oréal, and revlon have made hundreds of billions of dollars on the heads of black women without any regard for the effects upon people’s lives. women who used hair straighteners (mostly black) were 2.5 times more likely to develop uterine cancer. black women are more than twice as likely to die from uterine cancer than other racial and ethnic groups studied in 2022 by the journal of the american medical association oncology. all peer reviewed studies we have seen show that chemical hair relaxers and straighteners are carcinogenic, yet cosmetics companies continue to market and sell them. it is time to hold them accountable. have you been diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer? have you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly for years? contact the yost legal group today at 410 659 6800. our lawyers for personal injury will help you understand your rights to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. if you used a dark and lovely relaxer and were diagnosed with any of these cancers, we can file a dark and lovely lawsuit on your behalf. there is a direct connection between hair relaxers and cancer. click here for hair relaxer lawsuit update information. if you have never used chemical hair relaxers or lived with someone who did, it might be easy to underestimate how prevalent they are among black women. according to a 2019 study published by the journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology (and cited in villarosa’s new york times magazine article), 89% of black women studied reported having used chemical hair relaxers/straighteners at least once. in 2011, the united states hair relaxer market generated $71 million just from sales to salons and other professionals. that revenue dropped to $30 million by 2021. however, those figures do not account for the many products sold off the shelf directly to consumers. if you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and have used hair relaxers regularly, you should consider filing a product liability lawsuit. the toxic chemicals in chemical hair straightening products increase your risk of cancer. although the harmful chemicals in these products were known to be carcinogenic, manufacturers continued to use them in their hair products. multiple studies show the risk of developing uterine cancer with prolonged use of hair straighteners or relaxer products. hair relaxer brands linked to reproductive organ cancers: · african pride · avlon · bantu · carson · dark and lovely · just for me · l’oréal · ors olive oil · revlon · strength of nature hair straightening products have been on the market since the 1950s. in many families, brand loyalty has become a tradition. mothers passed their products onto their daughters, who would eventually pass the products onto their own daughters, and so on and so forth. some women have decades of chemical hair relaxer use. the blatant disregard for the health and well being of women of color by these manufacturers is evident. now, a light is shining on the truth. a recent study from the national institutes of health (nih) has found that women who use chemical hair straightening products face a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those who do not use these products. the research, which drew data from 33,497 u.s. women aged 35 74 participating in the sister study, highlighted an increased risk, particularly among black women, who reportedly use these products more frequently. according to the findings, women who used hair straighteners more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products. notably, the study did not find any associations between uterine cancer and other hair products such as dyes, bleach, highlights, or perms. key findings from the study: dr. alexandra white, head of the niehs environment and cancer epidemiology group and the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these findings. “this doubling rate is concerning. however, it is important to put this information into context uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer.” despite accounting for about 3% of all new cancer cases, uterine cancer remains the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with an estimated 65,950 new cases in 2022. alarmingly, studies indicate that the incidence rates of uterine cancer have been rising in the united states, especially among black women. this study underscores the importance of further research and awareness about the potential risks associated with chemical hair straightening products, particularly within communities that use these products more frequently. as the awareness of the potential risks associated with chemical hair relaxers continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals, especially black women, to educate themselves about the products they use. seeking alternative hair straightening methods that do not contain harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of developing serious health issues. additionally, holding cosmetics companies accountable for the safety of their products is essential in ensuring the well being of consumers. by staying informed and advocating for safer hair care options, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers linked to chemical hair relaxers. this prevalence over many decades greatly explains the 8,000+ cases that people have filed so far. in the hair relaxers marketing, sales practices, and products liability litigation (mdl 3060) in the united states judicial panel of multidistrict litigation docket. it is nice to see a mainstream media organization like the new york times finally give this cause the attention it deserves. hair products that cause cancer should be removed from the market. black women have been suffering from preventable endometrial, non serous ovarian, and uterine cancers likely caused by their chemical hair relaxers for far too long without proper recognition. if you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly and were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer, call the yost legal group. we will file a hair relaxer lawsuit to seek financial compensation for you and your family. our attorneys for personal injury will fight to seek a hair relaxer settlement. our experienced hair relaxer lawyers will work to help you get the justice you deserve. call or text us at 410 659 6800 for a free consultation. δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); contact us at the yost legal group for a free initial consultation. we can help to provide information about ongoing litigation or discuss the circumstances of your individual case. there is no fee or expense unless you recover. 2025

chemical hair relaxers are heavily marketed to, and commonly used by, black women to straighten curly or tightly coiled hair. these products are only loosely regulated and are known to contain potentially harmful ingredients, including chemicals known as endocrine disruptors which can be absorbed via inhalation or through the skin. prior studies have linked these chemicals to a wide range of women’s reproductive health outcomes. a new study by researchers at boston university’s black women’s health study (bwhs) has reported that long term use of chemical hair relaxers by postmenopausal black women was associated with increased risk of uterine cancer. compared to women who never or rarely used hair relaxers, those who reported using hair relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years had a greater than 50% increased risk of uterine cancer. “our study suggests that moderate and heavy use of chemical hair relaxers may be associated with higher risk of uterine cancer among postmenopausal black women. in addition, there are major racial disparities in uterine cancer. compared to non hispanic white women, black women have higher rates of aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer and are nearly twice as likely to die from their disease,” said corresponding author kimberly bertrand, scd, associate professor of medicine at boston university chobanian & avedisian school of medicine. the researchers asked nearly 45,000 women in the bwhs who had no prior history of cancer and an intact uterus about their past use of chemical hair relaxers. they then followed the women for up to 22 years and compared rates of uterine cancer among women who reported frequent or long term use of hair relaxers to rates among women who never or rarely used them. they found that, among postmenopausal women, rates of uterine cancer were statistically significantly higher for those who commonly used hair relaxers even after adjustment for other potential risk factors. according to the researchers, these findings highlight the importance of continued research regarding the potential adverse health effects of exposure to chemical hair relaxers and their constituents. “black women are often underrepresented in health research and may have unique exposures that contribute to disparities in disease. this study fills an important gap in knowledge about the potential health effects of hair relaxer use, which is very common in black women,” said bertrand who also is an epidemiologist at bu’s slone epidemiology center. the researchers hope these results will raise awareness of the potential toxic effects of these products and promote efforts to reduce exposure. “importantly, identification of safer alternatives to straightening hair, stricter regulation of cosmetic products, and policies to prohibit discrimination against natural hair such as the crown act could represent important steps toward reducing racial disparities in uterine cancer.” these findings appear online in the journal environmental research. posted 1 year ago on wednesday, october 11th, 2023 in research boston university chobanian & avedisian school of medicine 72 east concord st. boston, ma 02118 contact & directions

november 5, 2024 • episode 938 • release 216 mp3 wav as research has sought to answer why black women suffer more maternal health complications, one link has now become clear: the regular use of hair straighteners used by 90 percent of black women, over generations, often starting at young ages. a study in 2012 linked their use to uterine fibroids, which 80 percent of black women develop by age 50. the fibroids cause painful periods and infertility, and are a leading cause of hysterectomies. another study called the sisters study, involved 50,000 women ages 35 to 74 with sisters who developed breast cancer. after analyzing the data, they found women who used hair relaxers every 5 to 8 weeks had more than 30 percent higher rates of breast cancer. studies also show if black women used hair relaxers before age 12 for more than a decade, they were more likely to develop larger and more aggressive breast tumors. using the products at least four times a year is linked to ovarian cancer and uterine cancer which went up by 80 percent for frequent users. a follow up study of 45,000 women linked more than twice a year use for more than 5 years to a 50 percent chance of higher risk of uterine cancer. and yet, most of the toxic ingredients were not listed on the packaging of nearly 20 products used by black women. it is time for the fda to step in with more rigorous regulation of these products. the disturbing truth about hair relaxersthey’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? the sister studythe niehs sister study is the nation's longest and largest study to find environmental and genetic causes of breast cancer.

linkedin and 3rd parties use essential and non essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off linkedin. learn more in our cookie policy. select accept to consent or reject to decline non essential cookies for this use. you can update your choices at any time in your settings. agree & join linkedin by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. law | public policy | government & public relations | strategic communication do you still relax your hair? this question prompted a deep dive into an important topic, one that susan smith richardson and i felt compelled to explore. the findings revealed in our article highlight a concerning trend: many african women are unaware of the potential health risks associated with frequent relaxer use, particularly the heightened risk of uterine cancer. this revelation underscores the pressing need for both governmental regulations and corporate accountability to ensure transparency in labeling and product safety. furthermore, it's essential to acknowledge the cultural and historical context surrounding the pursuit of straight hair among black and african women. rooted in colonialism and racism, these beauty standards have significantly influenced personal grooming practices for generations. you can find more insights by reading the full article. #beautyindustry #healthawareness #empowerment #informedchoices ahs   lehrerin in pension bei ahs allgemein bildende höhere schule dear african women, please enjoy your natural beauty and stay healthy and fine! to view or add a comment, sign in 116 followers societal expectations for women of color to straighten our hair to be deemed professional or attractive is rooted in a history of cultural bias. responsible marketing respects the diversity of cultural expressions by authentically representing all hair types in everyday marketing. today, the the new york times published a report citing scientific evidence that straighteners and other hair products marketed to black girls and women have been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. many of these ingredients are banned in the european union. so, where is the regulation in the u.s. and why are these products still being marketed so aggressively? https://lnkd.in/evqcthut #responsiblemarketing #multiculturalmarketing #societalprogress to view or add a comment, sign in consultant/speaker fostering a cross cultural & global mindset to help organizations enter new markets, boost productivity, and connect with diverse audiences ★ first lady, emerging paterson nj the 400,000+ marketers in the u.s. hold the power to shape societal norms and values. as marketers, we have the power to drive inclusivity and self acceptance . . . and it is our duty to challenge outdated beauty standards and foster a more equitable representation of all cultures in our everyday, general market campaigns. a vast majority of black women   approaching 90 percent   have used a chemical hair relaxer to straighten their natural curls. some use it every other month, beginning in childhood. i'll be the first to admit my guilt to constantly blow drying and flat ironing my own curls. please read today's nyt report regarding our public health crisis with hair relaxers. fellow marketers, will you commit to thinking about your influence in public perceptions, behaviors, and trends through strategic representation? #inclusivemarketing #celebratediversity #beautyinallforms #culturalrespect #equitablerepresentation #authenticmarketing #embracenaturalbeauty #marketingforgood 116 followers societal expectations for women of color to straighten our hair to be deemed professional or attractive is rooted in a history of cultural bias. responsible marketing respects the diversity of cultural expressions by authentically representing all hair types in everyday marketing. today, the the new york times published a report citing scientific evidence that straighteners and other hair products marketed to black girls and women have been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. many of these ingredients are banned in the european union. so, where is the regulation in the u.s. and why are these products still being marketed so aggressively? https://lnkd.in/evqcthut #responsiblemarketing #multiculturalmarketing #societalprogress to view or add a comment, sign in managing director of health equity at bct partners the disturbing truth about hair relaxers they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? a vast majority of black women   approaching 90 percent   have used a chemical hair relaxer to straighten their natural curls. some use it every other month, beginning in childhood. but these products, applied in salons or at home, disrupt the endocrine system, according to a growing body of evidence. they’re linked to early puberty and many reproductive health issues that can follow: uterine fibroids, preterm birth, infertility and cancers (breast, ovarian and uterine), many of which disproportionately affect black women. the products, which aggressively target black girls and women who believe these chemicals are safe, have almost no oversight. i began reporting a story about “creamy crack,” as chemical hair straightener products are sometimes called, for the times magazine more than a year ago, and it published today. at every stage, i was surprised by what i learned. i interviewed government officials and health nonprofit workers, scientists at universities, people taking part in medical studies, plaintiffs in lawsuits, politicians, historians, activists and lawyers. a seminal 2022 study followed nearly 34,000 women for over a decade. it found that those who frequently used chemical hair straightening products were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as those who did not. that’s the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, and the most aggressive sub­types have been on the rise for nearly 24 years   particularly among black women. the united states is unusually lax about these problems. while the european union regulates more than 1,300 ingredients for use in cosmetics, the u.s. food and drug administration restricts only nine. hair relaxers marketed to children, which are packaged with bright colors and photos of adorable little girls, contain high levels of five of the chemicals prohibited in europe, according to one study. another found that hormone disrupting chemicals were in plenty of creams   but not listed as ingredients on the packaging. in october, the f.d.a. finally proposed banning formaldehyde (a toxic preservative) in hair relaxers. it has not set a date to implement the rule. plaintiffs have filed thousands of lawsuits since the 2022 study came out. a federal judge has combined them into one big suit. but while black women have embraced natural styles in recent years (total sales to salons and other hair professionals fell to $30 million, down by half, from 2011 to 2021), these products are still in wide circulation. they fuel a continuing   but preventable   public health crisis. by linda villarosa to view or add a comment, sign in transforming excellence | founder & md, tackyon it consulting & indian conventions | news site: indianconventions.in | media, innovator in events & branding | trusted leader | building communities & networks since 2002 #traya’s study reveals a concerning finding: one in two women aged 36 40 suffer from advanced widening or female pattern hair loss   indian convention #traya, indias first health tech brand to treat hair loss internally, unveils astonishing findings from an extensive study involving 2.8 lakh women across india. the survey reveals that 71.19% of indian women experience medium to advanced widening or female pattern hair loss, highlighting that hair loss is a significant concern that transcends age. as per the study, over 51% of women aged between 36 and 40 are already encountering medium to advanced stages of hair loss. given that stress, depleted energy levels, and hormonal issues are the primary root causes, it underscores an urgent need for heightened awareness and early intervention. […] https://lnkd.in/gvq63hhm 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸   https://lnkd.in/gqwaqhyr 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗾𝘃𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻   https://lnkd.in/gbfdtsgq +91 7275859841 to view or add a comment, sign in 5,276 followers #traya’s study reveals a concerning finding: one in two women aged 36 40 suffer from advanced widening or female pattern hair loss   indian convention #traya, indias first health tech brand to treat hair loss internally, unveils astonishing findings from an extensive study involving 2.8 lakh women across india. the survey reveals that 71.19% of indian women experience medium to advanced widening or female pattern hair loss, highlighting that hair loss is a significant concern that transcends age. as per the study, over 51% of women aged between 36 and 40 are already encountering medium to advanced stages of hair loss. given that stress, depleted energy levels, and hormonal issues are the primary root causes, it underscores an urgent need for heightened awareness and early intervention. […] https://lnkd.in/gvaeecmf 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸   https://lnkd.in/gsymd_bz 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗾𝘃𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻   https://lnkd.in/g 6msz8e +91 7275859841 to view or add a comment, sign in 467 followers women are losing their lives as a result of unregulated and unchecked chemical hair products and nobody is talking about it. there is an alarming lack of recognition and investigation into the importance of hair and it’s health implications  primarily for us as black women. based on our research 82 120 million black women between the ages of 25 and 54 will experience some form of hair loss, female pattern baldness, traction alopecia as a result of harsh chemicals. others will experience endocrine fibroids (benign tumors in the womb). a study by boston university asserts that “black women in the us are 2 3 times more likely to develop fivroids  a hormone dependent disease.” with fibroids being the leading cause of mymectomies and hysterectomies in premenopausal women. this isn’t counting the staggering death from these tumors and the surgery. our deeper investigation has found a strong link between chemical relaxers and endocrine fibroids. and our research will reveal more as i personally suspect these are present in the majority of hair products designed for us. the lucky rest will have hormonal imbalances,, migraines, and defraudation. for the lucky elite  it's a combination of all. this represents the silent suffering experienced by countless women. it's not just physical pain; it's emotional and mental anguish stemming from distressing experiences. i find it worrying that half of our black population (aka women) is fighting to survive this silent war and the importance of it is not being acknowledged talk less of recognised. and as a result it has been relegated to ‘vanity’ and ‘flights of fancy’ and we are often commoditised as a result. a whimsical industry when in reality this is the crux of our wellness issues. it's unacceptable that routine experiences are so excruciating, perpetually seeking reliable products that endure without sacrificing our health. like everyone else, we deserve easy access to beauty essentials without added challenges. this will always and forever be hair envy’s core focus and we will solve it very soon. watch this space. best, osiremiza i oyofo to view or add a comment, sign in psychologist | corporate wellness facilitator | sexuality health educator | parenting coach | lactation consultant | trainer | director at bond & beyond | 5 lakhs+ insta fam. comparing skin color 🖤indian households are notorious in doing this. some countries have issues around racism with people of different ethnicities, but we are one that can't tolerate skin color variations in our own people. 💜i am a victim of color based discrimination from childhood. i have turned slightly lighter after college, but i was a couple of shades darker before. even darker during school days. ❤️relatives have commented about my complexion & several strategies to change & modify it has happened right in front of me. somehow there was an unwritten rule that angels & fairies in school plays were all light skinned girls. well i got the meatier roles & the longer dialogues & i acted like i didn't care but the little pre teen in me was always thinking there's something wrong with my skin color. 🧡my mom tried her best to make me feel better about it but nothing worked because unknowingly she was also doing several things to lighten it. applying turmeric on weekends was part of the process. i've tried fair & lovely creams for a while then let it go when my brain wondered how rubbing something on the face was going to change the whole body's color anyway. 💗now i can laugh over all that but i can't imagine how my childhood would have been different had my skin not been a point of discussion any time. 💯i think people don't realize that skin is in fact an organ. the largest in our body. will someone compare someone's heart or spleen or gall bladder to another one. then why compare skin.? let it look however it should, isn't it enough if it does its job? 👍ladies & gentlemen, if you have been taunted or made to feel bad about your skin color, how did you handle it? let everyone read some tips on how to stand up against this silly discrimination that's still rampant in this country. #skinhealth #skinisimperfect #skincolour #skinisanorgan #discrimination #racism #skincolours to view or add a comment, sign in natural beauty advocate | founder at aaishnaturals essentials | learning facilitator | digital skills enthusiast. latest trends in natural skin and hair care and their impact on african the natural skin and hair care industry is evolving rapidly, with trends focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and personalized care. these shifts are significantly influencing women aged 24 45 in africa, as they seek solutions tailored to their unique beauty needs and lifestyles. key trends 1. african women are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint, amd are opting for products made with natural ingredients. 2. simplicity is key, with trends like "less is more" routines gaining traction. products that offer multi functionality, such as leave in conditioners that also hydrate and repair, are highly sought after. 3. people are looking for personalized skin and hair care routines based on their specific needs, such as climate and skin type. 4. young ladies now demand products designed for african skin tones and hair textures, pushing brands to create solutions that celebrate their diversity. 5. with busy schedules, women are turning to skincare and hair care as a form of self care. based on facts, women are trying to balance career growth, family, and self expression. these trends empower us by:   embrace our natural beauty confidently.   save time with simplified routines.   boost our self care practices for mental and physical well being. at essencecare, we have. decided to focus on connection and innovation to stand out by: 1. leveraging african herbs, oils, and cultural practices to create authentic products that resonate with consumers. 2. investing in education and guiding our prospects/customers on transitioning to natural products and building consistent routines. brands should educate and engage their audiences. 3. incorporating tools like virtual consultations or product quizzes to personalize customer experiences. 4. fostering loyal communities that celebrate the shared journey of natural beauty care. 2025 will be about brands that listen, innovate, and connect deeply with their audiences, positioning themselves as partners in their customers' beauty journeys. we invite you to walk this journey with us. #naturalbeauty #skincaretrends #haircarerevolution #africanbeauty #sustainablebeauty #cleanbeautyafrica #empoweredbeauty #confidenceinbeauty #minimalistroutine #techinbeauty to view or add a comment, sign in ceo at biote medical / founding board member at preventivemedicine.org while chin hair can be a common experience for many women, there are times when it's an indication of an underlying health condition or hormonal imbalance. biote senior medical advisor, bruce dorr, md, facog, urps, shared his valuable insights about how hormones play a role in facial hair growth. read more below! senior medical advisor at biote for many women, chin hair can be a normal or even a common experience, especially as they age. however, sometimes it can signify hormonal imbalances or an underlying health condition. i recently discussed this with yahoo!life reporter kaitlin reilly, and explained how androgens   a group of sex hormones   like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (dht) play a big role in facial hair growth. for some women, genetic sensitivity to these hormones can mean more chin hair, even with normal levels. however, if chin hair appears suddenly or grows excessively, it may signal conditions like pcos or cushing syndrome. never hesitate to bring concerns to your physician in order to determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. to learn more, click here: https://lnkd.in/ezxgudcy #health #healthcare to view or add a comment, sign in marcia ore, msc, ma, pgcert, assoc cipd| dei consultant | coach | mediator | advocate for equality and inclusion | aspiring non executive director if you can target certain demographics to make sales and grow your profit margins, then you can become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive company. extract the truth about hair relaxers: in the us, lawsuits over cancer. in africa, soaring sales in october 2022, the us national institutes of health (nih) published a study that found women who used hair relaxers more than four times a year were at a higher risk of uterine cancer. the study marked a tipping point in the us, building on more than a decade of scientific research in which women’s exposure to chemicals known as endocrine disruptors appeared to correlate with the development of uterine and breast tumours. endocrine disruptors interfere with hormones that regulate functions such as mood, appetite, cognitive development and reproductive health. while many black women in the us are now rejecting chemical straighteners   filing thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers in the wake of the study   sales of the products in some african countries continue to climb. tunisia, kenya and cameroon were among the countries worldwide leading sales growth for perms and relaxers from 2017 to 2022, according to euromonitor, a market research firm. sales in tunisia and kenya jumped 10% over the five year span. south africa and nigeria also saw growth… the global hair relaxer market is expected to grow from $718m (£570m) in 2021 to $854m annually by 2028. the companies at the centre of the us lawsuits produce some of africa’s most popular brands. dark & lovely, owned by l’oréal, is the best selling relaxer in nigeria. ors olive oil no lye relaxer, produced by namaste laboratories, is in second place. in kenya, tcb naturals is owned by godrej consumer products, which describes itself as the “largest player globally in hair care for women of african descent”. all the listed brands are named in the lawsuit… for many black women, chemically straightening their hair is a rite of passage informed by eurocentric definitions of beauty that favour long, straight hair and are rooted in colonialism and racism. but women also say manageability and social acceptance drive the decision. “we understand that black women use hair relaxers for a range of reasons, some within their control, some not,” says seyi falodun liburd, a strategist at level up, a uk gender justice organisation. “so, for us, it’s not about shaming any black woman about making whatever choices she makes.” it’s about government and corporate accountability, says falodun liburd, who led a campaign to get l’oréal, the world’s largest beauty company, to end sales of its hair straightening products… in may 2022, level up released the findings of what it says is the first research about black women’s experiences with relaxers in the uk, surveying more than 1,000 women… https://lnkd.in/ewtjh7bz to view or add a comment, sign in 2,464 followers create your free account or sign in to continue your search or by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. new to linkedin? join now or new to linkedin? join now by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. linkedin never miss a beat on the app don’t have the app? get it in the microsoft store.

abhm america's black holocaust museum bringing our history to light black americans find a racism respite through ‘blaxit’ connecting with nature to celebrate black history month revolutionary rhymes: celebrating community and culture through poetry under trump, conservatives reignite a battle over race and the constitution celebrate black history month with abhm in the footsteps of the enslaved black residents liken mississippi’s new court system to ‘modern day slavery’ these executive orders can hit black students the hardest today's news and culture by black and other reporters in the black and mainstream media. they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? the phone rang incessantly in dr. tamarra james todd’s office at harvard’s t.h. chan school of public health. “i’m sorry,” she said, excusing herself for the third time. “it’s happening a lot,” she explained after pausing to take another call, “with the f.d.a. thing.” james todd, an associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, is a pioneer who has conducted or been a co author of nearly 70 scientific investigations over the past 20 years to establish the connection between the chemicals in hair products that generations of black women have used to straighten their hair and the reproductive health racial disparities that scientists have struggled to explain for decades. and on that day last october, she was receiving calls because the food and drug administration had announced a proposal for a ban on the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, citing its link to cancer and other long term adverse health effects. her early and sustained interest has also inspired other scientists   most of them black women like her   to add questions about the use of hair relaxers and other products to large longitudinal studies with tens of thousands of subjects as they pursue explanations for these racial disparities. the scientists are driven by their own intimate experience: as children, they sat in salon chairs or in kitchens having chemical relaxers, colloquially called “creamy crack,” applied to their hair as they waited for it to go from “kinky” to smooth and silky as the products promised. decades later, they still recall the harsh smell and the sensation of their scalps being aflame. “i go all the way back to: i was right,” james todd said. “that stuff that was burning on my head   it wasn’t safe.” the research has finally begun to bear fruit: a robust body of scientific evidence has now shown that straighteners and other hair products marketed to black girls and women have been linked to endocrine disrupting substances associated with the early onset of menstruation and many of the reproductive health issues that follow, from uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility to breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. many of these hormone health related problems are more common in black women than in other women, including an aggressive form of breast cancer that contributes to a death rate from the disease that is 28 percent higher than the rate for white women. continue reading. find more breaking news here. explore our virtual exhibit galleries here. note: we moderate submissions in order to create a space for meaningful dialogue, a space where museum visitors   adults and youth    can exchange informed, thoughtful, and relevant comments that add value to our exhibits. racial slurs, personal attacks, obscenity, profanity, and shouting do not meet the above standard. such comments are posted in the exhibit hateful speech. commercial promotions, impersonations, and incoherent comments likewise fail to meet our goals, so will not be posted. submissions longer than 120 words will be shortened. see our full comments policy here. δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); abhm on line virtual.museum@abhmuseum.org abhm on site 401 w. north avenue milwaukee, wisconsin 53212 usa phone: (414) 209 3640 admin@abhmuseum.org * for the safety of our guests and staff members, please reschedule your visit if you are not feeling well. mask wearing is not required but is welcomed. abhm builds public awareness of the harmful legacies of slavery and jim crow in america and promotes racial repair, reconciliation, and healing. member of © 2024   all rights reserved.

supported by they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? by linda villarosa a growing body of evidence shows a link between these products and a number of health disorders in black women. by linda villarosa she first noticed the scent on her husband. now her abilities are helping unlock new research in early disease detection. by scott sayare i was a singer heading out on tour. losing my voice was terrifying   but it ended up teaching me everything about myself. by dessa is that drink worth it to you? alcohol is riskier than previously thought, but weighing the trade offs of health risks can be deeply personal. by susan dominus the best dressed people in hollywood are not the actors cinephiles can’t seem to help obsessing over their favorite filmmakers’ personal style. by joshua hunt the perfect cake does not exi … is that buttermilk tres leches? an appalachian twist on a classic latin american dessert connects cultures and identities for a pastry chef. by lisa donovan
they’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. why are they still being marketed so aggressively to black women? a woman at a salon having relaxer applied to her hair.credit...naila ruechel for the new york times supported by by linda villarosa linda villarosa, a contributing writer for the magazine, interviewed dozens of people, including scientists, government officials and legal plaintiffs, for this article. the phone rang incessantly in dr. tamarra james todd’s office at harvard’s t.h. chan school of public health. “i’m sorry,” she said, excusing herself for the third time. “it’s happening a lot,” she explained after pausing to take another call, “with the f.d.a. thing.” james todd, an associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, is a pioneer who has conducted or been a co author of nearly 70 scientific investigations over the past 20 years to establish the connection between the chemicals in hair products that generations of black women have used to straighten their hair and the reproductive health racial disparities that scientists have struggled to explain for decades. and on that day last october, she was receiving calls because the food and drug administration had announced a proposal for a ban on the use of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, citing its link to cancer and other long term adverse health effects. her early and sustained interest has also inspired other scientists   most of them black women like her   to add questions about the use of hair relaxers and other products to large longitudinal studies with tens of thousands of subjects as they pursue explanations for these racial disparities. the scientists are driven by their own intimate experience: as children, they sat in salon chairs or in kitchens having chemical relaxers, colloquially called “creamy crack,” applied to their hair as they waited for it to go from “kinky” to smooth and silky as the products promised. decades later, they still recall the harsh smell and the sensation of their scalps being aflame. “i go all the way back to: i was right,” james todd said. “that stuff that was burning on my head   it wasn’t safe.” the research has finally begun to bear fruit: a robust body of scientific evidence has now shown that straighteners and other hair products marketed to black girls and women have been linked to endocrine disrupting substances associated with the early onset of menstruation and many of the reproductive health issues that follow, from uterine fibroids, preterm birth and infertility to breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. many of these hormone health related problems are more common in black women than in other women, including an aggressive form of breast cancer that contributes to a death rate from the disease that is 28 percent higher than the rate for white women.

 by staff writer june 15, 2023   a growing body of evidence suggests that chemicals in hair relaxers products aimed at straightening hair and other hair products marketed to black girls and women contain endocrine disrupting substances linked with early menstruation, reproductive health issues, and cancer. but these remain largely unregulated in the u.s. a june 13 article in the new york times detailed how black women and girls in the u.s., feeling pressure to conform to societal norms about having “neat” or “professional” hair, have for many years used a variety of methods to calm their hair, including chemical relaxers containing substances such as formaldehyde and phthalates. black women quoted in the article  including harvard t.h. chan school of public health’s tamarra james todd talked about how their scalps would burn when their hair was being treated, and how their hair would fall out in clumps afterwards. over the past 20 hears, james todd, mark and catherine winkler associate professor of environmental reproductive epidemiology, has conducted or co authored nearly 70 studies aimed at showing the link between chemicals in hair products and serious health problems that disproportionately impact black women and girls.