Yaneek Page | Fake hair, real consequences

Over the past week, many black women around the world have been reeling from the news of mounting evidence that synthetic hair used mainly in our communities might contain toxic chemicals and carcinogens.

Specifically, an investigation by Consumer Reports has corroborated previously established and peer-reviewed research that there is a devastating hidden health cost to wearing and using these products, they could increase the risk of cancer.

Entrepreneurs need to pay attention, because there are serious problems looming that require enterprising solutions.

Last week an independent United States-based non-profit revealed the results of their investigation into 10 popular brands of synthetic hair regularly used by women and even children. Every single one contained carcinogens, substances that can cause cancer.

The question must now be asked: What does this mean for Jamaica’s love affair with synthetic or ‘fake’ hair? This is not simply about fashion or personal style; it’s about health, wealth and our future as a community.

Beauty price tag

There’s a popular saying that “beauty is pain”, which has long been used to justify discomfort in the name of aesthetics – high heels, uncomfortable clothing, waist shapers, body waxing, hours at the salon, and even the scalp tension from tightened locks and braids.

However, these recent revelations about toxic beauty products and their long-term health consequences expose a darker, more insidious reality: in many cases, beauty isn’t just about short-term discomfort; it can mean lifelong damage and financial hardship. The pain isn’t just the sting of a tight ponytail, flaky lock gels and waxes, or burning relaxer or hair colour; it’s the hormonal imbalance, infertility, fibroids and chronic illness that can follow years of exposure to harmful chemicals.

The gut punch is we’ve also been warned of the “social and environmental injustice” of beauty products that are marketed and sold mainly to black women being the least regulated. There is virtually no accountability or standards for what is produced for us.

It gets worse. We haven’t even scratched the surface of research into synthetic eye lash extensions, eye lash and scalp glue or wig melting spray. Or the risk to beauty workers, cosmetologists and hairdressers.

Yet, we can’t afford to ignore the growing body of knowledge that confirms our standards of beauty are hurting our health. Many synthetic hair extensions, relaxers, dyes, gels and pomades contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt the body’s endocrine system.

Studies have found these products often include mixtures of hormone-altering substances like phthalates and parabens – with one analysis noting 84 per cent of detected chemicals weren’t even listed on the labels.

A lack of regulation of this industry is their ally, and our formidable enemy. We now know that frequent use of lye chemical hair straighteners is associated with higher rates of uterine fibroids; and endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates, commonly found in hair products, are connected to polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis.

Jamaica’s healthcare scare

Women are reporting allergic reactions, skin irritation, alopecia, scalp burns and hair breakage, and there appears to be a rise in hormone-related disorders. Uterine fibroids, which affect the majority of black women, have become alarmingly prevalent and are a top cause of hysterectomies.

The outlook is worrisome, with a likely surge in preventable conditions which will further strain Jamaica’s health resources, as clinics and hospitals already battle with treating preventable diseases.

Locally, the absence of consumer product safety testing and protection for these products might mean mounting long-term health risks. We need strict safety standards and enforcement to protect public health, now.

Finally, we must consider another angle our people are very touchy about, money. Specifically, how much of it is literally being worn and thrown away. In Jamaica, it’s common for women to spend tens of thousands on wigs and hair extensions.

Many of us are wearing our wealth on our heads. Some are forking out $100,000 or more every few weeks on the latest hairstyle. One visit to the salon can devour the monthly food budget for a family of four.

In other words, in just a year we can easily burn through a million dollars or more to keep up an appearance that might be slowly poisoning us. That is equivalent to a deposit on a home. False hair is imported, and every dollar goes out of Jamaica into foreign pockets. Is this safe or sustainable? Are our beauty regimens costing quality of life, the chance to own property, and work smarter instead of harder? Should these foreign hair companies continue to profit more from our sweat than us?

Data meet denial

Unfortunately, the data have already been met with anger and denial. I am not surprised. Some critics have rubbished the recent Consumer Report investigation as flawed and insufficient.

Notwithstanding, an examination of the literature on this issue, the ingredients in some of these products, how they are made, and the accounts of users and medical professionals can’t be dismissed.

Some women see this as an attack or attempt to shame or police their hair and beauty regimens. Many refuse to believe their beloved braids, weaves or wigs could pose such danger.

“Lady shut up! Mi wearing braid from mi a pickney, nothing never do me,” one social media user scoffed under my Instagram post on this issue last week, echoing the sentiments of many women.

Yet, we can’t afford this nonchalance. We also can’t solve a problem we won’t acknowledge. We urgently need education, advocacy, and revolutionary national policy and entrepreneurial solutions to the ugly dilemma of toxic beauty products.

One love!

Yaneek Page is the programme lead for Market Entry USA, and a certified trainer in entrepreneurship.yaneek.page@gmail.com