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'The numbers are staggering': Alexandra Grant reveals why she embraced her grey hair

Alexandra Grant and boyfriend Keanu Reeves. Image via Getty Images.
Alexandra Grant and boyfriend Keanu Reeves. Image via Getty Images.

Alexandra Grant is opening up about embracing her naturally grey hair.

The Los Angeles-based artist and girlfriend of actor Keanu Reeves took to social media to share a headline from Newsweek about a troubling new study linking permanent hair dye to breast cancer.

ALSO SEE: Should Keanu Reeves really be called a 'hero' for dating a 46-year-old woman?

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers noted a positive correlation between women who used chemical products on their hair and breast cancer. The study examined the medical records of more than 45,000 women between the ages of 35 and 74 over an average period of eight years and found a significant uptick in breast cancer rates among women using permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners. The results noticed a specific increase in breast cancer among black women, who were 45% more likely to develop breast cancer compared to the 7% risk increase in white women.

Image via Getty Images.
Image via Getty Images.

Although the study did not directly link the hair products as the cause of breast cancer, the findings suggest the chemicals in hair products could play a factor or contribute to its development.

ALSO SEE: 'I was completely devastated': Mother who never smoked diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer

Grant, shared her thoughts on Instagram.

“Wow. Today’s news....The numbers are staggering, especially for womxn of colour. I went gray prematurely in my early 20s...and dyed my hair every colour along the way until I couldn’t tolerate the toxicity of the dyes any more.”

Grant said she decided to let her hair turn “blonde” and has not dyed her hair since. The artist also expressed her concerns over the pressure on women to dye their hair, and for women of colour to straighten or relax their hair to be deemed “beautiful.”

Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves. Image via Getty Images.
Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves. Image via Getty Images.

“I love and support that every womxn can choose how she wants to look at every age. But/and if womxn are perishing from beauty standards...then let’s talk about those beauty standards,” she continued. “Love to all womxn!”

The study is the latest to reveal connections between beauty and hygiene products to cancer. Cosmetics, shampoos, anti-aging lotions, deodorants and soaps have all raised concerns about potentially increasing cancer risks.

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