From deep conditioners, to relaxers and gels, on any given day black women put tons of products in our hair. We don’t just wake up like this. Well, sometimes we do, but. Wait. OK. Back to the story.



African Americans have tremendous spending power. In fact, according to Nielsen we spend about $1.2 trillion a year on average. And in terms of the ethnic hair market, we’ve got that on lock: In 2017, African Americans were responsible for $54 million of the $63 million spent in that very industry.


But with all of the money that we pour into hair care, what does this mean for our health?

The Root spoke with Black Women for Wellness LA, a nonprofit that aims to promote the health, and health services of black women. The organization partnered with the Silent Spring Institute for a 2016 study focusing on hair products market towards black women. Their findings were, well— disturbing.


See the entire video above.