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Two thirds of Black British women have experienced painful side effects – including burnt scalps and hair loss – from using hair relaxers, new research has revealed. A study of 1,024 Black British women aged 25-44, conducted by feminist group Level Up and Black hair care company Treasure Tress, found that over 95 per cent of Black British women do not trust big beauty brands to sell them safe products. Some 97 per cent of respondents believe hair products containing lye – also known as sodium hydroxide – should be banned. The survey, the first of its kind in Britain, sought to understand Black women’s experiences of hair relaxers, uncovering some startling experiences of ailments developed following use of such products. Hair relaxers that contain lye, a harsh chemical used in drain unblockers, have been linked to a range of health problems among Black British women including breast cancer, hormone imbalance, asthma, fibroids and fertility problems. … [Read more...] about Majority of Black British women suffer side effects from hair relaxers such as burnt scalp, study finds

Having emerged as a permanent and well-constructed nucleus for the famed folk artistes of western Rajasthan, a new centre situated deep in the Thar desert is helping the Langa-Manganiyar and other singers in honing the skills of their youngsters. The centre has also provided a permanent platform to the artistes from about 50 villages in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts. The new campus of Dharohar Lok Kala and Gramin Vikas Sansthan, situated over two-bigha land in Sheo village, 55 km from Barmer, will function as sanctum sanctorum of the vocal and instrumental ensemble of Langas and Manganiyars and help save their rapidly disappearing narrative traditions. The initiative has been taken by two brothers belonging to the Manganiyar community. While three business houses extended financial support to Bhutte Khan and Bhungar Khan for constructing rooms, toilets, training hall and a vast open air performing dais at the centre, a two-day festival titled “Singing Sands” was organised there … [Read more...] about New permanent nucleus created for Rajasthan’s folk artistes