Can Your Hair Products Affect Fibroids & Fertility?
Can Your Hair Products Affect Your Fibroids & Fertility?
Let’s talk hair, sis.
Because while we’re out here laying edges and protecting our crowns, there’s something that’s not getting enough attention, the connection between our hair products and our hormonal health.
Yep. That gel, that relaxer, that “miracle growth” oil sitting on your bathroom shelf?
It could be doing way more than just styling your hair — it might be silently messing with your hormones, feeding fibroids, and even impacting your fertility.
Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Hair Products
Many mainstream hair care products — especially those marketed to Black women — contain a long list of ingredients that are known endocrine disruptors. That means they can mimic or mess with your hormones.
Some of the biggest red flags to watch for:
Parabens (preservatives that mimic estrogen)
Phthalates (used to make fragrance stick — can disrupt hormone signaling)
Formaldehyde (used in some hair straighteners — also a known carcinogen)
Fragrance/parfum (an umbrella term for hundreds of undisclosed chemicals)
Petroleum & mineral oils (linked to estrogenic activity)
Many of these chemicals are absorbed through the scalp — which, by the way, is incredibly absorbent — and can enter the bloodstream. Over time, this buildup can throw off your estrogen levels, trigger inflammation, and make fibroids grow even faster.
What the Research Says
Studies have shown that:
Black women are exposed to more hormone-disrupting chemicals through personal care products than any other demographic.
Frequent use of chemical hair straighteners has been linked to a higher risk of fibroids and hormone-sensitive cancers.
The average Black woman uses more than 9 different personal care products daily, many of which contain ingredients that haven’t been tested for long-term safety.
Sis , we are being overexposed and underserved. And our hormones are catching the heat.
What This Means for Fertility & Fibroids
When your hormone system is off, your body can’t function the way it’s supposed to — especially your reproductive system.
Hormonal imbalance caused by chemical exposure can:
Feed fibroids (especially if you already struggle with estrogen dominance)
Disrupt ovulation
Lead to irregular periods or PCOS
Make it harder to conceive or carry a pregnancy
And the worst part? Most of these products don’t come with a warning label. That’s why you have to be your own advocate.
What to Do Instead: Safer Hair Care Swaps
Don’t worry — you don’t have to give up slayed edges or juicy twist-outs to protect your health. You just need to start swapping out the toxic stuff for cleaner, hormone-safe options.
Here are some easy shifts:
Switch to fragrance-free or naturally scented products (look for essential oils instead)
Use clean brands made specifically for women of color (look for Black-owned if you can!)
Avoid chemical relaxers and opt for protective styles that don’t require harsh treatments
Choose products that are paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free
Use apps like Think Dirty or EWG Healthy Living to scan ingredients and get the tea on what’s really in your products
Need some clean hair care recs? Don’t worry, sis — we’ve got a roundup post coming soon. 👀
At The End Of The Day..
Your crown is sacred.
And so is your womb.
At Freedom Over Fibroids, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good. You can have both, when you choose products that honor your body, your hormones, and your future.
So read the labels. Ask the questions. Make the swaps.
Because this isn’t just hair care — it’s self-care.
It’s hormone care.
It’s healing.
You deserve a beauty routine that loves you back. 💖
Sound Off. Let’s talk about in the comments below.
And check out our FREE Fibroid Detox Checklist for a list of common toxic products found in your home and healthier swaps.
