Zipporah Hair and Skin Limited principal Carmen Hope Thomas. (Photos: Contributed)
When Carmen Hope Thomas recovered from a benign tumour, which left her temporarily blind for several days, she made it her mission to research the science behind cellular mutations and tumour growths. This research led her to the Silent Spring study which linked an increase in cancers and fibroids among black women to the beauty products they use daily. The study emphasised that products marketed to women of colour had high levels of toxins that are harmful to their health. All about the Zipporah Hair and Skin line Because of this, for centuries, women of colour have found it difficult to rationalise the varying concepts of beauty. Their identities have been ripped from culture, and what was uniquely theirs was placed under constant scrutiny. From hair to features, including the colour of their skin; it’s all been ridiculed, Europeanised and eventually detached from the women themselves. Not to mention the harmful chemicals, hair-straighteners and lighteners that have ultimately change the face of African natural beauty. Toxins such as parabens, sulphates, formaldehyde and mercury, to name a few. Unfortunately, after centuries of oppression, true black beauty is only found within. ‘As I read the study, I could not believe I was using these chemicals on my hair and skin for most of my life,’ Thomas shared. From ‘beautiful, processed hair’ that was long and voluminous to ‘nothing but patches’, the hairtrepreneur recounts the horror of accepting herself following surgery. This led to the beginning of Thomas’ natural hair journey. Au naturel it is…and Zipporah was born ‘My skin and hair became sensitive to all the products I’d used before, and after reading the Silent Spring study, I made it my mission to go all-natural,’ Thomas mentioned. Thereafter, Zipporah Hair and Skin Limited was born of a partnership with a dear friend and formulator. The duo started creating and testing various trials to ‘see if it would make it healthier and more manageable’, Thomas said. ‘Eventually, we developed a formula that was completely natural and just as effective as the [toxin-heavy] mainstream hair products,’ she explained. Today, the Zipporah Hair Care line comprises an Intense Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, a Leave-In Hair Mist and a Healthy Hair Butter. Coming this spring! Zipporah is launching its Kojic Acid Dark Spot Serum this spring. The dark spot serum is a powerful blend of Kojic Acid and essential oils aimed at removing dark spots within days. ‘I am excited and very proud of this new product because I know a lot of women are struggling with hyperpigmentation and would love to find a natural solution.’ There’s also a natural skin toner that will reduce hyperpigmentation, known as Kojic Acid. ‘Your skin will even out completely to make way for your natural skin tone to shine through. This is without the use of harsh chemicals that will destroy the layers of your skin,’ Thomas stated. Kojic acid also aids to reduce acne and dissolves blackheads. The skincare line consists of a Kojic Acid Skin toning cream, wash, and scrub. The wash and scrub are also infused with Turmeric which is ideal for glowing skin. Zipporah contains DHT blockers The products are highly concentrated with natural DHT blockers – Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone that contributes to hair loss – such as stinging nettle, saw palmetto, tea tree, pumpkin seed and lavender that promote hair health and manageability. Other key ingredients include Cannabis Sativa oil, neem oil, thyme extract and ginger root extract. The best part is the base of Zipporah’s Hair Care line is not water, but aloe vera juice which also helps with hair growth prevents breakage and gives an amazing shine. 'I am choosing to challenge beauty naturally because this is the only way we can save our women,’ Thomas confirmed. The products are manufactured in Yallahs, St Thomas, too. They are available islandwide at Fontana Pharmacies and distributed by Orion Manufacturing Services. For more information or updates on distribution streams, contact: Orion Manufacturing Services 77 Old Hope Road Kingston Telephone: 876-927-9018
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