Today, in the black community, it seems that going natural has become a major movement. Why? I asked myself the same thing. After doing a little research, I discovered that relaxers are linked to health issues such as scalp irritation, skin burns, permanent scarring, irreversible baldness, as well as weak, dry, broken and damaged hair. Also, it has other risks like deep ulcerations, skin drying and cracking, dermatitis, eye damage and even blindness. In today's hair world, children as young as 2 years old are getting relaxers on their hair to alter it from its natural state. Could it be that we as African Americans are not happy with ourselves? Could it possibly be that it is easier to comb through and style? I had the pleasure of speaking with a few "naturalistas" about their styling and conditioning routines. Although the products can be more expensive, there are alternatives such as ingredients found in your own kitchen. From coconut oil, avocado and banana  to eggs and honey, all of these ingredients can aide in the health of your hair. Does it really take a relaxer to tame your hair? Relaxers contain an ingredient called "lye" also know as potassium hydroxide. When inhaled, this chemical can cause coughing, sneezing and breathing problems. If it is exposed long enough, it is strong enough to damage the lungs. Hair relaxers have been linked to uterine fibroids, as well as early puberty in young girls. Is straight hair really worth all of these risks? Not in my book. I have had the pleasure of experiencing, with my own hair, the most beautiful curls, coils and locks in it's natural hair state. Lets quickly review the relaxer boxes. I call it a marketing scheme. Of course the models shown are advertised with beautiful, flowing hair with lots of volume and body but what if the manufacturer showed all scenarios? What if the boxes advertised women with hair loss, chemical burns and skin damage? Of course, it would be the honest thing to do,  but not the lucritive way to go. So now we have to ask ourselves, truthfully and honestly....is the "creamy crack" so addictve that we are willing to lose ourselves in the midst? I don't think so!





http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~nshah/cosmetics/relaxers-healtheffects.html 

http://www.naturalhairrules.com/5-hair-treatments-that-you-have-in-your-kitchen/

http://www.younghopes.hubpages.com/hub/DIY-Natural-Hair-Conditioner-To-Make-Your-Hair-Shiny-and-Long

http://www.docakilah.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/the-dangerous-effects-of-perms-hair-relaxers/