Uncovering the Hidden Health Risks in Our Hair Care: What Black Women Need to Know

But behind the beauty of a fresh silk press or a new set of knotless braids lies a serious conversation we need to have about our health. Recent scientific studies have confirmed what many in our community have quietly suspected for years: the chemicals hiding inside some of our most trusted hair products—specifically chemical relaxers and synthetic braiding hair—are putting Black women at a disproportionate risk for severe health issues, including uterine and breast cancer.

It is time to pull back the curtain on these products. Not to spark fear, but to spark action. Because when we know better, we can advocate for ourselves better.

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The Heavy Truth About Chemical Relaxers

If you grew up getting relaxers, you are deeply familiar with the “creamy crack” and the distinct burn of chemicals on your scalp. For decades, these products were marketed to us as the standard for professional, beautiful hair. In fact, data from the Boston University Black Women’s Health Study shows that up to 95% of Black women have used hair straighteners in their lifetime.

However, science is now showing the long-term cost of that beauty standard. A major 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found a deeply concerning link between chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer.

Here are the facts you need to know:

• Women who used chemical hair relaxers four or more times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to women who did not use them.
• While the chemicals are dangerous to anyone who uses them, the impact falls heavily on us: 60% of the participants who reported using these straighteners identified as Black women.
• Long-term, heavy use of lye-containing relaxers has also been linked to a higher risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Why is this happening? Many of these products contain Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde. EDCs are sneaky—they enter the body through scalp burns or normal skin absorption and mimic our natural hormones, specifically estrogen. Because uterine and breast cancers are highly sensitive to estrogen, these chemical disruptors create an environment where tumors can easily grow.

“Protective Styles” and the Synthetic Hair Surprise

As more of us transitioned away from relaxers, we embraced natural hair and protective styles. Braids, twists, and faux locs gave our natural hair a break and shielded our ends from damage. But recently, researchers have started asking: What exactly is in the synthetic hair we are using for these styles?

The answers are alarming.

• A February 2025 investigation by Consumer Reports tested popular synthetic braiding hair brands. They found carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) in 100% of the samples tested. This included dangerous heavy metals like lead, as well as benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia.
• A 2026 study by the Silent Spring Institute looked closely at hair extensions and found 48 hazardous chemicals, including 17 distinct chemicals known to be associated with breast cancer.
• They also found organotins and flame retardants in the synthetic hair—chemicals meant for plastics and fire safety, not the human scalp.

The racial disparity here is massive. Studies show that over 70% of Black women report wearing hair extensions at least once in the past year, compared to less than 10% of women from other racial groups.

When we get our hair braided, we typically use multiple packs of synthetic hair, and we keep the style in for four to six weeks. That means our scalps, necks, and hands are getting continuous, daily exposure to unregulated, toxic chemicals.

Moving from Silence to Strategy

It is incredibly frustrating to realize that products marketed heavily to our communities are under-regulated and unsafe. But remember this: you are not to blame. You purchased these products assuming they were safe. Now that we have the data, we can change how we navigate our beauty routines and our healthcare.

At Rooted in Violet & Co., we believe self-advocacy is not a skill you’re born with — it’s a practice you grow into. Knowledge is power — and protection. When women understand their symptoms, lab results, and rights, they can recognize red flags early, make informed choices, and demand equitable care.

If you have a long history of using chemical relaxers or synthetic hair, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider. The ROOT Framework™ is our signature, evidence-informed method that empowers women to speak up, seek clarity, and co-create their care plans with confidence and intention.

Here is how you can use the ROOT Framework to advocate for your reproductive health at your next doctor’s appointment:

• R = REVEAL WHAT’S GOING ON: Be honest about your symptoms, concerns, and observations. Track symptoms, emotions, or health changes in journals or digital logs. If you are experiencing heavy periods, severe pelvic pain, or unusual spotting, write it down. Recognize that your body’s signals are valid and deserve investigation, not dismissal.
• O = OFFER YOUR OBSERVATIONS: Share specific details about what you’ve noticed. Use specific, fact-based language to describe changes and concerns. You can say, “I have a 15-year history of using chemical hair relaxers, which I know increases my risk for uterine issues. Recently, I’ve noticed my periods are much heavier than usual.”
• O = OUTLINE WHAT YOU NEED: Be clear about what you’re asking for. Express preferences about diagnostic tests, treatment options, and follow-up care. Don’t be afraid to ask, “I would like to schedule a pelvic ultrasound to check for fibroids or other abnormalities. Can we get that ordered today?”
• T = TAKE NOTES & FOLLOW-UP: Write down information and make a plan for next steps. Document every conversation, diagnosis, and medical recommendation. If your doctor dismisses your concerns, take note of it and ask them to document their refusal in your medical chart. Then, request referrals, second opinions, or culturally competent providers.

Your Next Step

For too long, Black women’s pain, intuition, and voices have been ignored or minimized in medical spaces. But every woman is the architect of her health. By knowing the risks associated with chemical relaxers and synthetic hair, you can make the best choices for your body going forward—whether that means exploring human hair extensions, trying chemical-free styles, or simply having a proactive conversation with your gynecologist.

“Reveal. Offer. Outline. Take Note. — Because your voice is the strongest medicine you have.”

🌿 Call to Action: Ready to take charge of your next doctor’s visit? Download our Violet Sheets today. These printable advocacy guides walk you through each ROOT step for specific conditions so you never have to navigate the healthcare system unprepared.

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References:

Chang, C. J., O’Brien, K. M., Keil, A. P., Gaston, S. A., Jackson, C. L., Sandler, D. P., & White, A. J. (2022). Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 114(12), 1636–1645. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac165

Consumer Reports. (2025, February 27). Consumer Reports Tests of Synthetic Braiding Hair Find Carcinogens in All Products. Consumer Reports Advocacy.

Franklin, E., et al. (2026). Scientists find cancer-linked chemicals in popular hair extensions. ScienceDaily. Silent Spring Institute.

Llanos, A. A., Rabkin, A., Bandera, E. V., Zirpoli, G., Gonzalez, B. D., Macis, M. A., Omilian, A. R., Khoury, T., & Ambrosone, C. B. (2017). Hair product use and breast cancer risk among African American and White women. Carcinogenesis, 38(9), 883–892. https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgx060

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2022). Hair straightening chemicals are associated with a higher uterine cancer risk. NIH News Releases.