Will we ever catch a break?
Recently, studies revealed that many of the hair pieces we use to braid our hair have carcinogenic toxins in them. This has understandably alarmed the natural hair community, as the "fiber" is used for protective styles.
The last time a beauty health hazard was exposed, is in the early 2010s with Chris Rock's documentary, "Good Hair". This production taught us that hair relaxers contain chemicals that cause cancer. This information triggered the second global natural hair movement since the 1970s. What a time to have been alive -- in my case, the 2010s.
While the beauty paradigm was shifting, braids remained fashionable without health scares about them. We were only cautioned not to braid them too tightly as that would cause traction alopecia. However, these new findings render "protective styling" more problematic than we thought. The fact that cancer is the constant threat is triggering because black women are prone to having the most aggressive breast and uterine cancers linked to these products.
This information has had me despondent and questioning if we can ever enhance our beauty without the constant curve balls. Fortunately, there are solutions that have been presented. Youtuber Ms Paula__presents lists hair pieces that are safer and healthier to use. More alternative hair pieces to watch out for are the Shonisani Braid, and lastly but not least, Tare Robinson and her team, who make hair pieces out of plantain stems. Take a look at her story below.
Credit: Chide Nwafor.
The best thing about problems is that they lead to radical solutions. We therefore always appreciate being warned of any toxins in beauty products. The economic paradigm is shifting and companies are held more accountable than ever for the wellbeing of their clientele. This is a step in the right direction.
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