Braiding hair products are a staple in many African American and Afro-Caribbean communities, providing a means to achieve the desired styles and textures. However, a closer examination of these products reveals a disturbing reality – many contain carcinogens and lead, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of users.
The use of braiding hair products is particularly prevalent in African American and Afro-Caribbean communities, where they are often seen as a necessary tool for achieving desired hairstyles.
There are no federal regulations in place to limit the amount of lead in synthetic hair products, unlike other beauty or cosmetic items. This lack of regulation leaves Black women vulnerable to repeated exposure to these toxic chemicals. The fact that these products are marketed so widely in beauty supply stores and online, often without any warning of the potential risks, is a glaring injustice that needs to be addressed immediately. It’s not enough to simply assure us that their products meet “fashion and performance” expectations; we deserve to know that the products are safe and effective for us.
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