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Close-up of a young woman having her hair done

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This can’t be good. A new study has shown that black hair care products may contain harmful chemicals. A research study, by Scientific American, shows that, hair care products mainly used by black women and girls have been linked to early puberty, obesity and breast cancer.

portrait of a young woman shampooing her hair

Source: Stockbyte / Getty

Researchers say black hair care products are largely untested and unregulated. They also claim that 84% of the harmful chemicals detected in this study weren’t even listed on the label. Chemicals like parabens and the fragrance diethyl phthalate, or DEP, in these popular products are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, early puberty and preterm birth.” These chemicals can be absorbed by the body via skin or inhalation.

The study included 18 commonly used products like relaxers, shampoo, conditioner, root stimulators, leave-in conditioner and anti-frizz products. According to Scientific American, “Black women are more likely than white or Hispanic women to suffer from hormonal diseases that are exacerbated by substances that disrupt hormonal balance. A 2016 study showed black women in the U.S. have higher concentrations of such chemicals in their bodies than do women from other ethnicities.” Researchers are now calling for more regulations within the hair care industry.

Find more information here.