Hair Products Raise Concern Among Black Women


Researchers Investigating Possible Link To Breast Cancer


INDIANAPOLIS -- Oils are essential for healthy hair, and African-American women may need more.

"African-American women need more oil in their hair because of the dryness that our natural texture has," said Candice Finnell, owner of Textures Salon in Indianapolis.

But an e-mail warning about the dangers of black hair products has raised concern. People e-mailed 6News Staying Healthy reporter Stacia Matthews, asking whether the warning was true.


Pittsburgh researchers are investigating a possible link between a list of products containing synthetic hormones and breast cancer. The e-mail warning talked about the research and urged people to spread the word about the possible connection.

"It's an urban legend that has some truth," said Dr. Raemy Birhiray, an oncologist with Indianapolis' St. Vincent Hospital.

Birhiray said estrogen levels can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. But he cautioned that there is no way of knowing how much hormone is in hair products.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration does not require testing on cosmetics before they hit the market.

Birhiray suggests consumers be skeptical of claims that the products grow hair.

"I don't think that it is true that estrogen increases hair growth. I don't think you need estrogen for your hair to look nicer. So, I would avoid products that have estrogen," he said.

Birhiray said consumers should always read labels.

When in doubt, talk with your doctor and your stylist.

That's exactly what 34-year-old Yolanda Oliver does. The 10-year lymphoma survivor doesn't take chances when using products in between hair appointments.

"I've told (my stylist) before what I'm using at home," Oliver said.

"We have to have a proper consultation with a client so that we will know exactly what is that we're dealing with," Finnell said.

According to the American Cancer Society, black women develop breast cancer at the same rate as white women. But more black women die from the disease because of genetics and social-economic factors.


Hair Products Raise Concern Among Black Women - Health News Story - WRTV Indianapolis