Get Well Wednesday: Do Hair Products Cause Health Problems?

Dr. Afriye Amerson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. During her training at George Washington Medical School, Dr. Amerson also studied Eastern and African healing arts. She became a Reiki Master, and practices holistic healing as well as traditional Western medicine.

In private practice for the past fifteen years, Dr. Amerson has encountered a wide spectrum of issues facing women’s health & families. These include adolescent gynecology, surgical management of fibroids & ovarian tumors, contraceptive counseling, management of menopause, prolapse of female organs, urinary disorders, prenatal care & delivery, counseling on sexual health and wellness, marriage, depression, grief and HIV, female cancers, and infertility.

Dr. Amerson has become a well-known speaker throughout the community, engaging audiences of churches, civic organizations, youth mentoring organizations, and corporations. Dr. Amerson is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and serves on the Scientific Board of Advisors for the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Banking.

She has appeared as a health expert on The Montel Williams show, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, The Tyra Banks Show, local New Jersey News and PBS showings. She has also been featured on radio, blogs, and magazine. She has been honored by the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, the NJ state blood bank (Community Blood Services), and the Urban League Guild of Bergen County.

For more information head to Dr. Amerson’s official site HERE. 

Doctor, what are the two chemicals to avoid again? 

The chemicals I mentioned are DMDM hydantoin and Propylparaben. The 60-page report by Black Women for Wellness lists a comprehensive list of toxic chemicals found in Black hair care products such as relaxers, detanglers, bleaches and dyes.

Do natural products like hennas have the same dangers?

The term “natural” products is one that should be viewed with caution, as animal placenta (a very natural product) is associated with early puberty. Henna dyes and products have no known harmful association.

If the study was conducted over a 5-year period, how can all of these conclusions be drawn in such a short period is important. I fear we are using scare tactics on our own people to further another agenda. I have no problem with data, but I believe there is just as much of a huge push for us to use natural products as there is to use chemicals.

Most published, well-respected scientific studies are conducted over five years or less. The methodology used to determine whether there is an association (or direct cause and effect relationship) is based on many statistical parameters (including number of participants, demographics, randomization and cohort comparison).

I invite you to firstly take the time to read the report. It is not at all a “scare tactic” but rather adds to the growing literature on going green, ridding our intake of and environmental dumping of toxic chemicals that lead to harmful effects and disease.

Studies showing an association with Black hair care products have been published in multiple journals, including Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Annals of Epidemiology, and American Journal of Epidemiology. Lastly, as I stated, chemical levels contained in products for hair is unregulated and not reported in any reliable way. So, consumers can simply become aware of avoiding toxic chemicals as ingredients.

Can these Black hair products cause brain damage?

There is no evidence of brain damage being associated with any hair care products. However, “beauty salon stroke syndrome” has been identified and is caused by hyperextension of a client’s neck during shampooing at the typical bowl in salons. There are newer salon shampoo sinks which avoid this hyperextension of one’s neck.

What type of hair products I use on my 1-year old who has dry, kinky hair…I use olive oil now is that OK?

Products for a one-year-old, dry, kinky hair include olive oil and other natural oils and shampoos. Read the ingredients and avoid those containing chemicals with which you are unfamiliar. Herbal products, natural oils, vitamins,and minerals are safe for use.

What can you use for hair-thinning, almost to the point of  baldness in women?

Thinning hair should be evaluated by a dermatologist to determine the type of alopecia (balding) and appropriate treatment. Basic hair, skin and nail vitamins are available over the counter and contain biotin and pantothenic acid as nutrients for hair growth. There are many options for hair restoration by specialists.What’s a good product for coarse gray hair? Something that moisturizes and softens.

Doctor, how safe is the keratin straightening process?

Each woman should individually consult a licensed hair stylist regarding the application of any chemicals, including the keratin straightening process. The consultation would include such questions as what is best for your hair type, what the expected outcome for your hair after treatment is, what ingredients will be used during treatment, and what follow up is needed after treatment to maintain good hair health.

I have a daughter who has MS. Could any of those ingredients you mentioned could have been a cause of it?

Multiple sclerosis is not associated with use of any hair products.

What products should we use on black hair, especially as it relates to hair dye?

What do we do as natural women  to color or dye hair? Are there safe products we can use? 

Coarse, gray hair responds well to leave in conditioners and daily moisturizers. Read the ingredients and avoid toxic chemicals. Women will select a wide variety of specific product brands but the key is focusing on product ingredients.

Is there a product line that IS good for our hair?

When you speak of hair dye leading to cancer, I would like to know more about that. I bleach and color my hair about every three months, but have not worn a perm in over 8 years. Should I stop coloring my hair and do you have any suggestions of a natural alternative to cover gray hairs?

I refer you to the report for a comprehensive list of recommended products. Deep color dyes used over prolonged periods has been found to be associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Therefore, continual use of dyes over time is not advised. Bleaches are also associated with potential carcinogenic effects.

What about hair glue?

Hair glues often contain chemicals with known toxic effects. Hair restoration can be accomplished through oral medication, hair transplant, use of laser, plasma injections, as well as use of vitamins and minerals. Be attentive to the ingredients used for any treatment done either professionally or at home.

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