By Ruth Adebayo
Recent research findings have raised great concerns and awareness about the dangers and threats that hair relaxers and associated chemicals pose to the human health. For many years, relaxers have been the best solution to straightening and taming the hair, but as it poses health risks and challenges, the shift towards caring, nurturing and maintaining natural hair should be put into consideration not only to promote healthier hair but also to create sustainable and safer beauty choices.
It is believed that chemicals found in hair relaxers, such as formaldehyde and phthalates, are endocrine disruptors, can interfered with the body’s hormonal systems and possibly increase the risk of cancer.
A 2019 study in the U.S.A. by the National Cancer Institute revealed that women who frequently use chemical hair straightening products have a 1.5 times higher risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who don’t use these treatments.
Similarly, studies conducted by the University of California, Berkeley found that African American women who used chemical relaxers regularly were at a significantly higher risk of developing hormone-related cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer.
These findings have ignited interest especially in countries like Nigeria, where women are known for their naturally thick and curly hair. The shift towards caring and maintaining natural hair should be put into consideration not only to promote healthier hair but also to create sustainable and safer beauty choices.
While the natural hair journey might seem challenging, it’s entirely possible to care for natural hair without relying on harsh chemical treatments.
Nurturing Your Natural Hair While Avoiding Dangers
Here are some ways Nigerians and other black women can nurture their natural hair while avoiding the dangers posed by relaxers:
1. Regular Moisturization
Natural hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so keeping it moisturized is key making use of hydrating oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter to lock in moisture and reducing the risk of breakage and ensuring hair remains healthy.
2. Gentle Cleansing with Sulfate-Free Shampoos.
Sulfates can strip natural oils from the hair, which is especially damaging to curly hair. Opting for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without drying out the hair, preserving its natural texture.
3. Deep Conditioning Treatments.
Weekly deep conditioning is vital to maintaining hair strength and elasticity. Opting for treatments with proteins and moisture balancing ingredients can prevent split ends and encourage healthy growth.
4. Protective Styling.
Protective hairstyles can help minimize hair manipulation while shielding it from environmental factors. These styles also reduce the temptation to use harmful heat or chemical treatments. Popular options include:
Locs : locs are a low-maintenance option that can last for months while promoting healthy natural hair, either micro locs or macro locs both play the trick.
Braids: From box braids to cornrows popularly known as all back or braids keep the hair protected and make for a stylish, low-maintenance look.
Twists: Two-strand twists or Senegalese twists are perfect for those looking for a neat yet natural style.
Buns and Updos: Simple ‘buns’ or ‘updos’ provide a chic, protective style for any occasion.
5. Avoiding Heat Styling Tools
Heat tools like flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons can cause long-term damage to natural hair. Embrace your natural curl pattern and limit the use of heat styling tools, if not entirely.
6. Trimming Regularly.
Black women don’t like cutting off their hair but at the same time Regular trims are essential for keeping hair healthy. While trimming may feel like you’re cutting away growth, it helps prevent split ends and encourages stronger, faster growth.
7. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
At night, use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to prevent friction. This reduces breakage and keeps your hair looking fresh in the morning.
8. Healthy Hair Starts from the Inside.
A balanced diet plays a huge role in the maintenance of natural hair, consider incorporating vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to support healthy hair growth.
By avoiding harmful chemicals and choosing natural alternatives, we’re not just making a healthier choice for our hair, we’re making a conscious decision to care for our bodies in the long run.
