The companies at the center of thousands of U.S. lawsuits produce some of Africa’s most popular chemical straighteners like Dark & Lovely and TCB Naturals.

Growing up Gloria Moraa said she used almost every relaxer on the market before she quit chemically straightening her hair.

Industrial pollution

Industrial Pollution

While many Black women in US abandon hair relaxers linked to cancer, sales climb in African countries

Agatha Gichana is an award-winning gender reporter at the Nation Media Group and a Women in News (WIN) Africa Fellow. Drawing on her legal background and expertise in communications, she weaves compelling narratives that shed light on underrepresented stories through a gender lens. Her multifaceted areas of focus encompass social inclusion, law and policy, development, digital rights, governance, and climate change. 

Agatha Gichana

Agatha Gichana is an award-winning gender reporter at the Nation Media Group and a Women in News (WIN) Africa Fellow.

Fearless journalism
for a healthier world

Agatha Gichana

Latest

While many Black women in US abandon hair relaxers linked to cancer, sales climb in African countries

Fearless journalismfor a healthier world

Agatha Gichana

Latest

While many Black women in US abandon hair relaxers linked to cancer, sales climb in African countries

Fearless journalism
for a healthier world