Color or chemically straighten your hair? You could be increasing your cancer risk, according to a study in The International Journal of Cancer from December 2019. The study found permanent dye use was associated with a 45% higher breast cancer risk in black women and 7% higher risk in white women. It also found women who used hair straighteners at least every 5-8 weeks faced about a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Check out EWG's list of toxins you're likely absorbing from these products...
Ammonia - Respiratory irritant and potential endocrine disruptor
Hydrogen peroxide - Respiratory and skin irritant; may burn skin, damage eyes and cause allergic reaction
P-phenylenediamine - Potential carcinogen that causes organ system and blood toxicity; may cause allergies and immunotoxicity; causes occupational hazards
Resorcinol - Potential endocrine disruptor and carcinogen that may cause allergies and immunotoxicity; contributes to occupational hazards, and may cause skin, eyes and lung irritation
Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate - Potential carcinogen and immunotoxic agent
Methylisothiazolinone: May cause neurotoxicity, irritation and immunotoxicity
Artificial fragrance - High potential for allergic reactions and immunotoxicity; potential cause of organ system toxicity
Methylparaben - Potential endocrine disruptor and may cause biochemical or cellular level changes
1-Naphthol - Potential carcinogen; may cause immunotoxicity and irritation
Ethanolamine - May cause organ system toxicity, irritation and allergic reactions
Formaldehyde - Impacts the central nervous system, leading to mood changes, insomnia, memory impairment and headaches.
There are actually lots of clean brands that don't use harmful ingredients to color or straighten your hair. Check out the EWG's Skindeep Database for for the safest options. VB locals - I just got my hair done at The Organic Hair Company. If you like my locks and want chemical-free color, give Lauren a shout!
Side note - she said I only had 5-6 greys (and I have a lot of hair!). Detoxing has its perks.
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