"Ban Hair Discrimination Gaining Momentum"

Question

by Candice Norwood

Because Black people’s hair texture is naturally curly or coiled, requiring sleek and straightened hairstyles forces them to cut their hair, wear wigs and hair extensions, or to straighten their hair with chemicals or heated tools like a flat iron, which can damage the hair with excessive use.

Negative associations with natural hair or requirements for Black people to straighten their hair can have negative mental, economic and physiological effects, Greene said.

Chemical straightening products have been linked to problems with hair loss, burns, cancer, miscarriages and infant underdevelopment, according to studies that include data from the National Institutes of Health and researchers with Harvard University’s school of public health. Anthony recounted that her motivation for transitioning to natural hair came around the age of 21 when her doctor warned that the chemicals in her straighteners could be causing her to develop fibroids

K-12 schools around the country have had dress code policies forbidding styles like afros or locs; violations can result in suspension and other disciplinary action.

How does the author use details to support the following central idea of this passage: straightening hair can lead to negative effects?

(1 point)
Responses

By providing evidence from a scientific study.
By providing evidence from a scientific study.

By giving a detailed historical description of the issue.
By giving a detailed historical description of the issue.

By describing a debate between two opposing sides.
By describing a debate between two opposing sides.

By relying on the author’s firsthand experience.

Answer 1

The author uses details to support the central idea that straightening hair can lead to negative effects by providing evidence from a scientific study. This is evident in the mention of studies linking chemical straightening products to issues such as hair loss, burns, cancer, miscarriages, and infant underdevelopment, which underscores the negative health impacts of such practices.