Using technology to address skin health issues in underserved communities
Official title: Knowledge Engine- A computational approach to combatting dermatological health disparities in underserved communities
Funded at Hairdays, INC. · NIH-10697912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain hair products made for Black women might contain harmful ingredients that could affect their health, and it aims to find safer options to help improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hairdays, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $259,613 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MD017966-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10697912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who use hair products and may be affected by the associated health risks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use hair products or are not part of the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful effects of hair products marketed to Black women, which often contain toxic ingredients that may lead to serious health issues. By utilizing machine learning and data analysis, the project aims to identify and mitigate the health disparities caused by these products. The approach includes assessing the chemical exposure from these products and its correlation with various health outcomes, such as skin irritation, hair loss, and increased breast cancer risk. The goal is to improve access to safer alternatives and enhance patient-centered outcomes in underserved communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer hair care products and improved health outcomes for Black women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the health risks associated with chemical exposure in hair products, indicating a need for further investigation and potential solutions.
Where this research is happening
-
Hairdays, INC.
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St. Bernard, Tiffany — Hairdays, INC.
- Study coordinator: St. Bernard, Tiffany
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered platform to speed skin checks by hair stylists and dermatologists
A new, user-friendly AI tool helps hair professionals flag suspicious skin changes and connect quickly with dermatologists to speed care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.