Vinaccia Hair Goddess

13 hours ago

Have you seen the headlines? "Hair Dyes And Straighteners Linked To Higher Cancer Risk".
Here are some talking points that are direct quotes from a couple of articles:
"Researchers don't know which ingredients in the products might be of concern. The study did not look at the specific ingredients in the products women were using, only at whether they had used the product and whether they developed breast cancer." - If they don't know what ingredients are causing the problem there is no way for the public or professional to begin to manage the issue.
"All women in the Sister Study were already at high risk for breast cancer since they had a sister who had breast cancer." - The study group was composed of women who were already at risk, and in many cases are already carefully watching their health and concerned about possible genetic connections.
"The study findings should be understood in context, says Dr. Otis Brawley, a medical oncologist with Johns Hopkins University. The actual risk found for use of these hair treatments is quite low, he adds, especially compared with other known carcinogens like tobacco or radiation. "This is a very weak signal that these things might be causing cancer in the population," he says." - Note the important part is always left out of the headline - "This is a very weak signal that these things might be causing cancer!"
"Sometimes science just cannot give us the answers that we want it to give us," - yes we need to be aware, but everything in life is done at some sort of risk. Should we just stay home on the couch and hide? But of course there is risk to that too - inactivity, lack of human contact, lack of sunshine, and snacking as a result of being a couch potato are also risky behaviours!
"I think it's important for women, particularly African American women, not to panic every time a study comes out," she says. "But it should raise questions for our primary care providers." - I LOVE this - major health concerns and lifestyle issues are not determined by stylists and their clients based on speculation and sensational news coverage. See medical professionals and determine what is best for YOU!
"I would also point out that the combination of obesity, consuming too many calories and lack of physical activity has a much higher relative risk for breast cancer in both black and white women," said Brawley, a former Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society." - there are numerous lifestyle choices that affect our health. Look at the entire picture when making personal decisions.
Michael Jones, Senior Staff Scientist in Epidemiology at The Institute of Cancer Research, said: "It is too early to make a firm recommendation on the basis of one study, and further research is needed. The whole literature needs to be evaluated by expert groups, bringing together the evidence to make recommendations" he told Newsweek. He adds there are limitations to the study.
"The Sisters Study is a good prospective cohort study—but women were recruited to the study because they had a sister with breast cancer, so the conclusions wouldn't necessarily hold true for women in the wider population, hence the need for further confirmation." - In the end, keep an open mind, look beyond the headlines and be informed.
The positive benefits of cosmetic beauty enhancement on the improved life experiences and self image of clients will always be weighed against any possible health risks and each person should make the decisions the feel are best for them.
Once again, this is NOT a reason to stop receiving any service in the salon, but it is a reason to do some homework and become aware of the myriad of sources of information bombarding us and our clients daily. Technology and instant awareness can be a gift and a curse!
Have a wonderful, well informed Holiday Season. ... See MoreSee Less