Getting to the “Root “of Health Disparities

Hi Ladies,

I hope you are finding peace and joy during this holiday season. Most of you have finished your Christmas Shopping; gathered your last few items for your Christmas Menu; and now you are focused on finalizing the last few details on what you will wear on Christmas Day. We all know that no holiday outfit feels complete without the perfect hairstyle. There are so many hairstyles to choose from. I usually have a hard time deciding between a 30’ inch ponytail; knotless braids; a sophisticated bob; embracing my natural curls; or asking my stylist for a timeless press and curl. I mean we all know that picking the perfect hairstyle can be more challenging than choosing the perfect nail color. No matter what hairstyle you choose, it can affect how you feel; how you interact with others; and your overall mood. But what if your hair affects more than what the eye can see or more than how you feel in the moment? Not to be a Grinch, but I thought it was the perfect time to tell you that your hair is more than the last touch to a perfect outfit. It could be the “root “of your past, present, and future health problems.

I know I may be too late to convince you to change your holiday hairstyle. Sis, I understand the hair is paid for, and your appointment is set. However, I ask that you take this time to identify and consider how your hair could be directly linked to health disparities for you and those you love. African American women specifically suffer more from health disparities, and many can be directly linked to the way we style our hair. The most common health disparities in the African American community related to hair are obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and hair loss. Keep reading to understand how hair is directly correlated to your health.

Obesity: We have all been there before. Hair is styled to perfection, and now you must follow the unwritten rule of waiting two to three days before you can “sweat” your hair out. Following this rule for many women can result in an inconsistent exercise routine. Utilizing exercise as a means of reducing obesity has a value that extends beyond fat loss. Exercise can be associated with more desirable clinical outcomes such as decreasing metabolic disease; cardiovascular disease; Alzheimer risk; and inflammation (Niemiro et al., 2022). When choosing a hairstyle, consider selecting a style that won’t compromise your exercise routine. Better yet, take a vow that you will dismiss the idea of “perfect” hair and commit to an exercise routine even if you sweat during your workout. Sweating during your workout is natural, and you should embrace this fact. There are so many stylish headbands and protective hairstyles to choose from, so remove all excuses and commit to a healthy exercise routine.

Heart Disease:According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 314,186 women in 2020 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Two of the major causes of heart disease are obesity and physical inactivity. As we addressed earlier, lack of physical activity can lead to obesity which has a domino effect leading to an increased risk for heart disease and other diseases like diabetes. Make a commitment to move your body. Go for a walk; ride a bike; dance; or incorporate yoga into your exercise routine. All physical activity does not have to happen in a gym or require you to break a sweat. Find what works for you and don’t let your hair determine how you move your body on your wellness journey.

Cancer: Recent clinical studies have linked hair dye, hair relaxers, and hair straightening chemicals to a 60% increase of breast cancer for some women (Alexander, 2020). The National Institute of Health found an association between women who frequently use hair straightening products and uterine cancer risk (Hair Straightening Chemicals Associated with Higher Uterine Cancer Risk, 2022). Research has proven time and time again that exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of cancer. Not only does the risk of cancer increase with the use of hair relaxers and dyes, but it is also associated with increased risk and prevalence of uterine fibroids. I know many women feel that hair straightening products are needed to “manage” their hair but I’m not sure that women have been educated on the risk. Now that you are aware of the risk, ask yourself if you are willing to embrace your natural texture of hair or find alternative hairstyles that do not require using harmful chemicals. If you are going for a straight look, consider allowing a professional to flat iron your hair occasionally throughout the year. This option allows you to achieve the look you are going for without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. If you are not yet convinced of the need to find alternatives to hair relaxers or hair dyes, hold yourself accountable and schedule routine screening (breast exams, pelvic exams, mammograms, ultrasounds) and be aware of the signs and symptoms of uterine and breast cancer.

Alopecia: Earlier, we discussed how protective hairstyles can be a great option on your wellness journey. Two of the most common protective hairstyles are sew-ins and braids. These popular hairstyles allow women the option to protect their natural hair and express themselves with different styles and hair colors. Often, protective styles can lead to hair loss due to tension and stress on the natural hair. Traction alopecia is very common among African American women for many reasons. Many African American women live for “snatched edges”! Perfect edges often come at a cost to African American women when trying to achieve a flawless look.Many women sacrifice hair loss in the temple area when they are trying to have perfect hair. Johns Hopkins completed a literature review and determined that one–third of African American women are affected by hair loss that is associated with traction alopecia (How Cornrows and Other Protective Hairstyles Can Cause Hair Loss, 2017). Clinical research has proven that hair loss can be directly linked to how we choose to style our hair.

How we as women style our hair can reflect how we feel on the inside. Our hair is a way to express ourselves. In the future, it is my hope that women can use our hair as an inspirational tool on our wellness journey instead of an excuse to not make healthy lifestyle choices. We should seek ways to express ourselves freely through our hair without sacrificing our health. Some women make positive lifestyle changes because of their desire to look beautiful on the outside. I hope this article will challenge you to embrace the beauty that lies within and find freedom in imperfection. We as women must find a way to embrace our hair from the root (no matter the color or texture), to decrease health disparities now and in the future. Next time you are deciding how to style your hair take a moment and consider the risk, remind yourself there is more to beauty than what the eyes can see, and always make wellness your best accessory!

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren