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