In the United States, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause. In addition, they are more likely to die of this disease at any age. Now scientists suggest that hair care products may play a role. Researchers presented their findings at the Endocrine Society annual meeting in Atlanta on June 13, 2022.

Researchers have long wondered whether women who use hair dye are more likely to get breast cancer. Epidemiological studies have found an association for both Black and white women using permanent dark-colored hair dye. Now, however, there is a new concern that goes beyond hair dye. Scientists at the City of Hope Hospital have found that parabens used as preservatives in some hair care products are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with normal hormone activity.

This is worrisome for two reasons. First, Black women are more likely to purchase hair care products containing parabens.

“Black women are more likely to buy and use hair products with these types of chemicals…Importantly, a survey looking for products that do not contain parabens and other harmful chemicals revealed that there are fewer paraben-free options marketed to Black women.”

In laboratory research, a breast cancer cell line derived from Black women of West African ancestry responded to parabens with aggressive growth. Both butylparaben and propylparaben increased their reaction to estrogen. As endocrine disruptors, the parabens mimic estrogen in some of its actions. Breast cancer cells often respond to estrogen as if it were fertilizer. However, a different breast cancer cell line from women with European ancestry did not react to the tested parabens in the same way.

Hair care products, especially those for Black women, make up a huge market. It is time to ensure that they are safe for use and do not increase consumers’ risk for any cancers.

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