Use of Hair Products Containing Hormone or Placenta by US Military Personnel

Abstract

We surveyed 2,097 subjects stationed at a US Army School to study the use of commercial hair products whose labeled ingredients included hormone or placenta. Use of some of these products is associated with premature sexual development. Use by demographics is: All = 14.8%, whites = 6.3%, non-whites = 27.0%; males = 8.7%, females = 24.6%; officers = 7.3%, enlisted = 18.7%. Frequency of use was highest among non-white female enlisted personnel (43 +/- 6.4%) and lowest among white male commissioned officers (2.0 +/- 1.7%). Regardless of ethnicity, 13.4% of respondents' children used the hair product. Use is about four times higher for non-whites than for whites. Females and enlisted personnel are more likely to use the hair product than males or officers. The use of hormonal hair products among children parallels use by their parents. In spite of federal regulation, the use of these hair products is still common.