Black haircare is killing black women: solutions + options
Our campaign for FrOtober may seem striking, but in light of recent claims that certain haircare products are causing hair loss, we thought it best to investigate.
We uncovered a plethora of examples of formaldehyde and other carcinogenic ingredients rife in black haircare products, from chemical straightening creams, to high street shampoos. Whilst it seems like formaldehyde and its derivatives are everywhere, there is hope.
Wait, before we explain, what is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has been used for years in beauty products because it’s a highly effective preservative, extending the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. But the cost of this convenience is too high. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, linked to various health issues including cancer. It has no place in the products you use daily to care for your beautiful, textured hair. But here’s the good news: There are alternatives.
Safer options. Hope
Full disclosure: We use phenoxyethanol and ethyhexyglycerine (EHG). EHG is a mild, natural preservative, whilst phenoxyethanol is added to legally ensure mould stays out of the product. We are legally obliged to use a preservative and phenoxyethanol and EHG rank low on the toxcity scale, and have been shown to safely keep mould from growing.
Our approach is to work with nature, not against it. Call us crazy, but producing smaller batches allows us to maintain freshness, ensuring that what you’re putting in your hair is both safe and effective. Yes, this means a shorter shelf life — but it also means you can trust what’s inside every bottle.
A revolution
The world of Afro and curly hair care is changing, but we need that change to come faster. Mercifully, we’re not alone. More and more brands are looking for safer, cleaner alternatives when it comes to preservation.
We’re pulling together a list of trusted brands that share our values because we know we can’t do this alone. The more brands that adopt safer preservation systems, the faster this industry will evolve.
Change takes time, but it will come. At Jim + Henry, we are proud to be part of a movement that’s driving the future of Afro and curly hair care. We’re committed to producing flawless, natural products that honor your curls while ensuring they are free from toxic chemicals. And we’re not stopping there. By advocating for a shift in the entire industry, we believe we can inspire other brands to prioritise health over profit. They've called us mad before, we'll take it if it ensures the health of our hair, but really of our lives.
Keep an eye out for our list of brands that share this commitment, and rest assured — there are options, sign our petition to support real change for Afro hair.