When choosing any product, follow the five-ingredient rule: Pay careful attention to the first five ingredients on the list, as they make up over 90 percent of whats in a product. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrightedmaterial. For example, some studies have found an increased risk of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (but not others) in women who use hair dyes, especially if they began use before 1980 and/or use darker colors. That risk was even higher among black women who dyed their hair frequently, every one or two months. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. By reshaping our own narratives of who gets to determine what good hair is (read: no one but ourselves), we are exercising our right to embrace a concept of beauty that enhances our personal agency and fosters pride in our culture. US Food and Drug Administration. "Some of the chemical ingredients found in hair productsincluding hair dyes and chemical relaxers and straightenershave mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, meaning that they can cause harmful changes and/or damage to the DNA that can promote the development of cancer cells.". For example, a large US cohort study that included mostly White women reported an increased risk of breast cancer overall, and of hormone receptornegative breast cancers, with increasing exposure to hair dye (12). Sierra Club 2023.The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. However, more recent studies that have looked at larger populations of women with longer follow-up periods and more detailed characterization of hair dyes and other breast cancer risk factors have found that certain kinds of exposures may be associated with risk. Do youreallyknow whats in your bath and body care products? Request an appointment at MD Anderson'sLydaHill Cancer PreventionCenteronlineor call 877-632-6789. For example, the FDA does not approve each ingredient used in hair dyes before it goes on the market, and in general the responsibility for the safety of products and ingredients falls to the manufacturers. It includes glycerin and Cetearyl alcohol that let your hairstyle better. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. I think the leave ins (gel and curl creams and leave-in conditioners) are the most odorous. Several studies have found associations between the use of hair straighteners or relaxers and the subsequent development of breast cancer. Dont Buy a Big House. Adolescent use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms in relation to breast cancer risk. I washed my hair and liberally applied the Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream throughout and detangled. -On freshly washed hair when it is still wet, section your hair & take a small amount of the cream in your palms. A 2014 analysis of data pooled from 17 studies found no evidence of an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with personal hair dye use (9). Dr. Doris Browne, a medical oncologist and former president of the National Medical Association, suggests women start a conversation with their doctor about their risk for breast cancer. Yet a study by the Environmental Working Group found that over 70 percent of products marketed for black hair contain dangerous ingredients, compared with 40 percent of hair products that are made for the general public.. Be a champion for the environment and fight for everything we hold dear. Is Cantu Bad for Your Hair? Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 2006; 15(9):17461749. Change the lives of cancer patients by giving your time and talent. To reduce risk, researcher White says women might want to choose these products instead. (Some people become more allergic to certain ingredients the more they are exposed. Learn about our graduate medical education residency and fellowship opportunities. On Amazon, the brand's products enjoy generally high praise across the board. If cosmetics (including hair dyes) or their ingredients are found to be unsafe, the FDA can request that the company recall the product, although it cant require a recall. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. Our team is made up of doctors andoncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. Cantu is a hair care line that can be found in most drugstores and retailers. Researchers have been studying the possible cancer link for decades. Made with pure shea butter and formulated without harsh ingredients. August 2014 : Beauty products and cancer: Are you at risk? Why is there concern that hair dyes may cause cancer? For example: For people who want to dye their hair but are concerned about safety, the FDA has some guidelines: Some hair dye products are vegetable based. Its hard to find any brands that wholly abstain from sneaking in hazardous ingredients; however, Taliah Waajid, Jane Carter, Cantu, SheaMoisture, As I Am, and 3 Sisters of Nature are all natural hair brands that promote organic, cruelty-free products with few or no harmful chemicals. Alison Cagle was a 2018 Sierra Editorial Fellow. The authors were cautious in reporting their findings, concluding that further investigation is needed to better understand associations that were identified. Many of the concerns about hair dyes possibly causing cancer have focused on people who work with them. They include breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated on November 21, 2022. Many other sites talk about this. Accessed at https://publications.iarc.fr/117 on November 18, 2022. This latest hair renaissance represents a reclaiming of our socio-cultural agencyand of our health and environmental awareness, as we demand products that cater specifically to our bodies. Join today. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear. International Journal of Cancer 2001; 91(4):575579. A study in 2014 by Women's Voices for the Earth, an NGO working to reduce the impacts of toxic chemicals in products aimed at women, found that salon workers are at a greater risk of certain health problems compared to other occupations, including cancers, birth defects, reproductive disorders, asthma and immune disease. Women answered questions about their use of hair dyes and straighteners. However, this recommendation only applies to drug products with "significant therapeutic advance.". Cantu hair gels are a new morning for curly hair. 10 cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore. "The use of hair straightener products varies among ethnic groups, and people who use hair straightener chemicals on a regular or frequent basis may have a higher cancer risk because of this," Johnson-Arbor said. This was a large, well-designed study with high participant response rates. That's why its important to know what to look for. 4.2 out of 5 stars 24,302. "The association was notably higher among black women," says epidemiologist Alexandra White, study author and an investigator with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, who studies environmental risk factors for breast cancer. If you figure out what it is, spread the word for other migraine suffers please :) 3. Do not dye your hair if your scalp is irritated, sunburned, or damaged. Based on a review of existing evidence, the IARC Working Group considers personal use of hair dyes overall as not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (6). This report describes scientifically approved treatments for common medical conditions from acne to rosacea, as well asthe newestcosmetic procedures for lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other problems. From a business standpoint, theres certainly incentive to capitalize on the demand for natural black hair care products: In 2016, black consumers spent over $2 billion on the products. International Journal of Cancer 2021; 148(9):22552263. 2022. The Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center provides cancer risk assessment, screening and diagnostic services. The study of more than 1,100 hair products marketed toward black consumers revealed a shocking bias in the products chemical composition. Why Are Black Women Less Likely To Stick With A Breast Cancer Follow-Up Treatment. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Three ways to refill emotionally, Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel, Sneezy and dopey? Clairol Nice-n-Easy Hair Color 5. -If you have curly hair like me, comb first to distribute the product and then scrunch up palmfuls of hair. US Food and Drug Administration. The researchers analyzed detailed data, allowing them to tease out the degree to which cancer risk was attributable to personal permanent hair dye use rather than to other potential risk factors. US Food and Drug Administration. is a rinse-out, hydrating conditioner used to scalp and hair. How Are People Exposed to X-rays and Gamma Rays? Both black and white women who used hair straighteners were about 30% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn't use the products. 15th Report on Carcinogens. Why Cantu is Not Good for Your Hair? "This is a very weak signal that these things might be causing cancer in the population," he says. Wait at least 14 days after bleaching, relaxing, or perming your hair before using dye. Do people who have their hair dyed have increased risks of cancer? Those who had been hairdressers for at least 10 years were nearly twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who had never worked as a hairdresser (7). Although some individual studies have shown associations between hair dye use and the risk of leukemia, a meta-analysis of 20 studies showed a small association that was not statistically significant (19). Pay attention to all Caution and Warning statements. Given the widespread use of hair dye products, if these products had even a small effect on cancer risk that could translate into a considerable public health impact. Other beauty and personal care products contain small quantities of known cancer-causing chemicals. Keep in mind, not all oils work for everyone, and part of a hair journey involves exploring what works through trial and error. The Cantu Coconut Curling Cream alone averages 4.5/5 stars out of over 10,000 reviews! Llanos said: "The regulation of toxic chemicals in the U.S., at the federal level, appears more lax than elsewhere including the E.U. Harling M, Schablon A, Schedlbauer G, Dulon M, Nienhaus A. Bladder cancer among hairdressers: A meta-analysis. 2008;19:549558. Hair Dyes. One study looked at risks among Swedish hairdressers over different time periods. JAMA. 2005;293:2516-2525. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. One particularly concerning group of products are chemical hair straighteners. 2010. While the ingredients of cosmetic products in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA, dangerous contaminants, like benzene, can unintentionally be introduced during the manufacturing process. Please email. The chemicals used are very effective at straightening hair, and marketing has led women to believe hair straighteners are safe. As natural hair colors get rooted out, lets cut to a layered question: do permanent hair dyes increase cancer risk? Neutrogena does make hair silky and smooth, but over time, the hair becomes lifeless, and with an ingredient as harmful as that, estrogen levels are . How Do I Protect Myself from Ultraviolet (UV) Rays? Do a patch test before every use. Formulated with a unique blend of guava, ginger, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and menthol, this conditioner helps combat dry/itchy scalp while also hydrating hair strands. What Year Were You Diagnosed? Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For both races, there was no increased risk for women who used semi-permanent or temporary dyes, the kind that eventually wash out with shampooing. "Instead, cosmetic product manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they sell are safe. And increasingly, black women are choosing to embrace the aesthetic of our naturally textured hair rather than choosing to chemically straighten, relax, or otherwise alter our hair to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Which means black women are left to educate ourselves on the healthiest choices to make for our bodies. As part of our mission to eliminate cancer, MD Anderson researchers conduct hundreds of clinical trials to test new treatments for both common and rare cancers. Hair chemicals may increase breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of 210319 subjects from 14 studies. European Journal of Cancer 2006; 42(10):14481454. The NTP has not classified the potential of hair dyes to cause cancer. Additional research is needed to study diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, specific hair dye colors (light versus dark), cancer subtypes, and exposure levels (personal versus occupational). What you dont know could hurt you. New research raises concern about the safety of permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners, especially among African American women. While a direct link between EDCs and cancer is not yet definitive, certain cancers are hormonally-driven, Cohen explains. Cantu's Guava & Ginger Scalp Relief Conditioner, 13.5 fl. 9. This family history put them at increased risk but that does not influence the findings of this analysis since all the women in the study had this same family history, but only some of them used hair dye and straighteners. TheInternational Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)is part of the World Health Organization (WHO). American Journal of Epidemiology 2008; 167(11):13211331. Reduces frizz. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with valuable services and resources. Hair dye: cancer risk unclear Hair dye products include close to 5,000 chemicals, including some that might cause cancer. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42(7):924930. And increasingly, black women are choosing to embrace the aesthetic of our naturally textured hair rather than choosing to chemically straighten, relax, or otherwise alter our hair to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. TheEnvironmental Working Group (EWG) foundthe carcinogen1,4-dioxanein 28% of all personal care products. But, while glossy, blow-dried hair might look strong and sleek, the products you use to style it could be giving you cancer. Here is what the research shows so that you can make choices that are comfortable for you. This conclusion is based on many studies that have found an increased risk of bladder cancer in hairdressers and barbers who were occupationally exposed to hair dye (1, 7). Another prospective study of US women who used dark or permanent hair dyes found that risks of breast cancer were higher in those who reported any use of hair dye than in those who reported no use (17). Dyes and Pigments 1999; 41(12):127136. The products are relatively cheap as well, which was a plus. Do people who use hair straighteners or relaxers have increased risks of cancer? The warning signs of gynecologic cancers can be vague and similar to those of other conditions. Sierra Club and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet" are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. Seasonal allergies and your brain, The FDA relaxes restrictions on blood donation. Cantu is good for hair. 2010. Should I avoid or limit my exposure to hair dye? Leukemias and lymphomas:Studies looking at a possible link between personal hair dye use and the risk of blood-related cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma have had mixed results. Want to use this content on your website or other digital platform? Don't miss your FREE gift. He L, Michailidou F, Gahlon HL, Zeng W. Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Thanks to the trailblazing guidance of natural black hair blogs like Afrobella, CurrlyNikki, Black Girl Long Hair, and Naptural85, its become easier for black women to share knowledge, tips, warnings, struggles, and joy along the communal journey toward rediscovery of our hair. Palmfuls of hair straighteners are safe 11 ):13211331 european Journal of cancer Rosen family 5,000. Among Swedish hairdressers over different time periods to reduce risk, researcher White women. Signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from Sierra. Of breast cancer Follow-Up Treatment most odorous your bath and body care products ways to refill emotionally, praise. The use of hair 18, 2022 Give praise to the elbow: a meta-analysis two months courtesy! New morning for curly hair % of all personal care products contain small quantities of known cancer-causing chemicals not your... Get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness content on your website or other digital platform of. 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