About 6 months ago, my cousin introduced me to an App that scans just about hair and skin product and even food.  Since then, I have been really conscious about the products I use on my hair and skin.  

There has been a lot of talk about the links of chemical hair relaxers and cancer.  I think it is very important that we take our heath into our own hands by being intentional and educating ourselves when it come to our overall health.

In this episode I share specific ingredients that can link to cancers, hormonal imbalances and other health concerns.

Below are a few ingredients you want to avoid in your hair and skin care products:

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
      

      - Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners.  

      
      

      - Risks:Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. 

      
      
      
      

       

      
      

       

      
      
   
   
   2. 
      

      Parabens

      
      

      - Found In:Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and makeup.  

      
      

      - Risks:May disrupt hormones and mimic estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer.  

      
      
   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   Phthalates

   
   

   - Found In: Hair sprays, perfumes, and some plastics used in packaging.  

   
   

   - Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and potential breast cancer risk.  

   
   


3. 
   

   Coal Tar  

   
   

   - Found In:Anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, and hair dyes.  

   
   

   - Risks: Associated with skin cancer and respiratory issues.

   
   


4. 
   

   Benzene 

   
   

   - Found In:Dry shampoos, sunscreens, and aerosol sprays.  

   
   

   - Risks: Known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood cancers.

   
   


5. 
   

   1,4-Dioxane

   
   

   - Found In:Shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths as a byproduct of manufacturing.  

   
   

   - Risks: Classified as a possible human carcinogen.  

   
   


6. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) 
   
   
   

   - Found In:Creams, hair products, and moisturizers.  

   
   

   - Risks:Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.  

   
   


7. 
   

   Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) 

   
   

   - Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners.  

   
   

   - Risks: Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. 

   
   
   


8. 
   

    Mineral Oils and Petrolatum

   
   

   - Found In: Hair moisturizers, lotions, and lip balms.  

   
   

   - Risks:When improperly refined, they may contain PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer. 

   
   


9. 
   

   Synthetic Frangrances 

   
   

   - Found In: Almost all personal care products, from lotions to shampoos.  

   
   

   - Risks:Often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions.  

   
   


10. 
    

    Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA) 

    
    

    - Found In:Shampoos, soaps, and conditioners to adjust pH or create foam.  

    
    

    - Risks:Associated with potential liver and kidney cancer. 

    
    


11. 
    

     Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)- 

    
    

    - Found In:Hair dyes.  

    
    

    - Risks:Linked to bladder cancer and severe allergic reactions.

    
    


12. 
    

    Triclosan  

    
    

    -Found In:Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste.  

    
    

    - Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and liver cancer in animal studies.

    
    

    Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

    
    

    "5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

    
    

    "What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

    
    

     "Texture on Texture" Styling Course