A History of Experimentation And The Power Of Conscious Choices

Tiffany Ware
Apr 19
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Let's Talk About It!

For generations, the Black community has been subjected to unethical experimentation—sometimes in the shadows, other times in plain sight. From the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study where hundreds of Black men were deceived and denied proper medical treatment, to non-consensual testing on incarcerated individuals in American prisons. The history is real, and often hidden from the public and our memory. But what happens when experimentation doesn’t look like a lab coat and clipboard anymore?

What if it looks like your favorite edge control, your go-to protective style, or even your dinner plate?

In today’s world, many of the products marketed to black communities—especially in beauty and wellness—contain toxic chemicals, synthetic dyes, hormone disruptors, and even plastic-based ingredients. Recent studies have shown what we've been talking about here for some time, is that several synthetic braiding hair brands contain high levels of toxic chemicals that can irritate the scalp, disrupt hormones, and affect long-term health. These aren’t just bad ingredients—they’re signs of a deeper pattern.

Modern experimentation may not be overt, but it’s still present💡!

Whether it’s through under-regulated ingredients, targeted advertising, fast food in our neighborhoods, or lack of healthy choices in our grocery stores we must stay alert and proactive. It’s time to read labels the way those before us read energy—with care and intention.

What We Can Do: Stay Aware, Stay Empowered

Research everything. Don’t assume a product is safe just because it’s popular or on a shelf. Look up ingredients. Call the companies and ask about formulations.
Know the source. This includes food, hair products, vitamins, and even water. Ask questions. Dig deeper. Shop at local farms. Grow your own produce if you can.
Be mindful of social experimentation. From online trends to influencer-driven “hacks,” stay grounded in what feels aligned for you and your body. Just because it's viral doesn’t mean it's viable.
Detox regularly—inside and out. Herbal teas, breath-work, journaling, whole foods, and periods of social media detox all play a part in your wellness and being aware but also not overwhelmed.

Support Black-Owned Brands—But Stay Informed!

Supporting Black businesses is a powerful way to circulate our dollars within the community—but support doesn’t mean skipping due diligence. We must hold each other to high standards in safety, transparency, and integrity.

Ask:

Are ingredients clearly listed and understandable?
Does the brand educate its customers?
Do they test for safety, and are they open to feedback?

Let’s build a culture of accountability rooted in love. When we uplift each other with care, we break generational cycles of harm.

Below is a list of black-owned brands that are reputable based on personal experience!

Menstrual and Feminine Wellness Products: Reign Premium Sanitary Napkins and The Honey Pot
Laundry Care: The True Products
Oral Care: Coral Oral
Soaps and Hygiene: Nubian Heritage
Non-Toxic and Eco Friendly Braiding Hair: New Village Braid, Dosso Beauty, Rebundle, SlayyyHair
Rolling Papers: Bouqé Rolling Paper Co
Sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen
Body Butters: The Perfume Chick

**For more reference on black-owned brands that you can research and support based on your needs visit the links below**

A reminder!

KNOW that you deserve products, practices, and people that honor your wellness—not gamble with it. Freedom starts with knowledge, community, and conscious choices.

Let’s protect ourselves—from our roots to our routines.