About 6 months ago, my cousin introduced me to an App that scans just about hair and skin product and even food. Since then, I have been really conscious about the products I use on my hair and skin. There has been a lot of talk about the links of chemical hair relaxers and cancer. I think it is very important that we take our heath into our own hands by being intentional and educating ourselves when it come to our overall health. In this episode I share specific ingredients that can link to cancers, hormonal imbalances and other health concerns. Below are a few ingredients you want to avoid in your hair and skin care products: Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers - Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners. - Risks:Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. Parabens - Found In:Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and makeup. - Risks:May disrupt hormones and mimic estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer. Phthalates - Found In: Hair sprays, perfumes, and some plastics used in packaging. - Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and potential breast cancer risk. Coal Tar - Found In:Anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, and hair dyes. - Risks: Associated with skin cancer and respiratory issues. Benzene - Found In:Dry shampoos, sunscreens, and aerosol sprays. - Risks: Known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood cancers. 1,4-Dioxane - Found In:Shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths as a byproduct of manufacturing. - Risks: Classified as a possible human carcinogen. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) - Found In:Creams, hair products, and moisturizers. - Risks:Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) - Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners. - Risks: Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. Mineral Oils and Petrolatum - Found In: Hair moisturizers, lotions, and lip balms. - Risks:When improperly refined, they may contain PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer. Synthetic Frangrances - Found In: Almost all personal care products, from lotions to shampoos. - Risks:Often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions. Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA) - Found In:Shampoos, soaps, and conditioners to adjust pH or create foam. - Risks:Associated with potential liver and kidney cancer. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)- - Found In:Hair dyes. - Risks:Linked to bladder cancer and severe allergic reactions. Triclosan -Found In:Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste. - Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and liver cancer in animal studies. Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs "5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services" "What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You" "Texture on Texture" Styling Course