We embrace our natural hair and wear Sisterlocks, but do we fully embrace our natural hair or just our natural texture? Everybody knows when you embrace your natural texture you gain a tremendous load of self-confidence but for many, that’s not enough confidence to embrace their natural color. Hair coloring is sometimes the last thing many natural hair enthusiasts struggle to give up. “I don’t want these little gray hairs popping up all over my head,” or “I’m too young for this,” and the list of justifications goes on and on.
I want to “tip a lock” to all the Silver Foxes, a term of endearment I use for those who embrace their gray. My sisters, Celeste and Carol and I have fully dedicated ourselves to the natural hair lifestyle, color and all. Celeste is the original Sisterlocks Silver Fox within the Sisterlocks world. I watched her journey with admiration. And when my own sprinkling of silver began to show up, it really didn’t faze me. I embraced each strand. But I must admit, my decision to not color my hair was born out of lifestyle, not vanity.
Those who know me, know that I’ve been vegetarian since I was in my twenties. I’ve always worked out and gravitated to an overall healthy lifestyle. That included choosing more natural deodorants, cleaning supplies and as few chemicals as possible. Coloring my hair was never a consideration and today I’m happy I made that decision.
Information has been circulating for years that hair color has been linked to various health conditions, most notably cancer. In our Sisterlocks specialty class, Coloring with Care, we talk about the various hair coloring options and rank them from the least to most harmful. We took this approach because we know that no matter what the research says, some are still going to color their hair.
Information has been circulating for years that hair color has been linked to various health conditions, most notably cancer. In our Sisterlocks specialty class, Coloring with Care, we talk about the various hair coloring options and rank them from the least to most harmful. We took this approach because we know that no matter what the research says, some are still going to color their hair.
So, why am I on this color kick, now? I’m concerned. Not only by the negative effects I see that hair dye has on Sisterlocks, namely bunching and breakage, I’m concerned about the health and well being of my Sisterlocks family. That concern isn’t just for those who color their hair but the professionals who service them, as well.
“Black women who regularly used permanent dyes to color their hair were 60 percent more likely to develop breast cancer, compared to black women who did not report using dye, according to an analysis published this week in The International Journal of Cancer.” In addition to hair dye the report also references chemical straighteners.(https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/04/health/cancer-hair-dye-black-women.html)
“Black women who regularly used permanent dyes to color their hair were 60 percent more likely to develop breast cancer, compared to black women who did not report using dye, according to an analysis published this week in The International Journal of Cancer.” In addition to hair dye the report also references chemical straighteners.(https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/04/health/cancer-hair-dye-black-women.html)
Statistics have changed somewhat since the 1990s due to changes in some of the controversial ingredients
in hair dyes but current research reported by The National Cancer Institute is now reporting that hair dye is linked to increased risks of blood and bone marrow cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia. Add this to the previous reports of kidney and bladder cancer and that makes hair dye a multi-risk service that should make many of us think twice. Knowledge is power. Please share this information with your loved ones.
in hair dyes but current research reported by The National Cancer Institute is now reporting that hair dye is linked to increased risks of blood and bone marrow cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia. Add this to the previous reports of kidney and bladder cancer and that makes hair dye a multi-risk service that should make many of us think twice. Knowledge is power. Please share this information with your loved ones.
If you’re a Silver Fox, drop a pic on our social media and let us celebrate you for fully embracing your natural self! Use the hashtag: #SLNOLYENODYE
Twitter: @Sisterlocks Blog
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Twitter: @Sisterlocks Blog
Facebook: JoAnne Cornwell; Sisterlocks
Instagram: Sisterlocks_home_office
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