"Such a powerful message, I stopped using relaxers years ago, and have found so much benefit in it. I did it mainly for the health of my hair but it's great to know that stopping its use potentially also has a positive effect on my overall health."

Receiving positive messages such as this is so motivating! Thank you all for joining my mother and I in the #ToxicFreeHair fight.

What if you found out, through no fault of your own - that after years, or even after decades of use - the hair products you were using contained toxic chemicals? As you know, this is exactly what happened to my mom and happens to millions of women worldwide.

But the vast majority of women aren't made aware of the issue of toxic hair dyes and straighteners, let alone their links to breast cancer. And what about salon workers that are exposed to these chemicals daily?

This is because hair care brands aren't required to list the full ingredients of their products, or warn consumers of the cancer-related risks. So who is responsible for this human health catastrophe?

We are amping up the campaign to send a clear message to multinational beauty companies who continue to use harmful chemicals in hair care products they market to women -- especially women of color. Whilst there is no proper regulation of these products -- companies should know better!

The campaign is now calling on COTY, the parent company of Clairol to remove toxic chemicals from their hair care products (makers of Nice 'n Easy, Natural Instincts, Perfect Lights, Balsam, Herbal Essences, Hydrience, Ultress).

Let's take back control of our hair and health. Write in the comments of this petition update what change you'd like see from big hair care brands, share your experience, and don't forget to share this petition with everyone you know!