Black women copy their white counterparts when they wear long synthetic hair and bleach their skin "to gain jobs" and "attract men". That's the broad-based finding of Ayanda Tshabalala who this week graduated with a master's degree in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Durban student Tshabalala, 25, presented her thesis on "Why are young black women using skin bleaching creams?" at the Feminist and Woman's Studies Association conference at Leeds University last year. She said delegates were "bewildered" about why young black women would go to such lengths to attain a lighter skin shade.She said, unlike other African and Caribbean countries, South Africa had conducted very little academic research on this topic and whether the public were informed about the health risks of such bleaches."People are always fascinated by how the skin-bleaching practice is linked to our history as a country, particularly within the post-apartheid context," said Tshabalala.She conducted a study on campus at the university, canvassing 20 to 30 black women aged between 18 and 26. She said anecdotal research suggested a rising trend in black African women aspiring towards lighter skin and associating beauty with white people."This includes black African women wearing long synthetic hair and using creams to bleach their skins to appear white," she said.The majority of women associated the "yellow bone" tone - the lightest skin tone for black women - with beauty."Women in this study were of the perception that men are more attracted to women with lighter skin tones," she said.The identity of black African women is influenced by societal factors, including legacies of colonialism and racism that have contributed to the expectations and pressure black women experience.Tshabalala said she was surprised that the practice of skin lighteners was still prevalent concurrent to black economic empowerment and affirmative action."In spite of such initiatives, women still feel cornered to construct their identity and bodies similar to that of white females to access particular spaces in society," she said.Women who practise skin bleaching said that it gives them "nicer skin" and "even-toned skin and prevents [acne] breakouts".Specialist dermatologist Dr Levashni Naidoo said initially skin-lightening products do make the skin lighter, but prolonged use leads to pigmentation problems."Some people have permanent, irreversible damage. People believe the products are safe and don't look at the ingredients," said Naidoo."Hydroquinone and mercury are dangerous as they lead to pigmentation. The steroid causes skin thinning, increased hair growth, acne and alteration of pigmentation."Often patients present themselves too late and it is limited how we can help because of irreversible damage," Naidoo said.Naidoo said men also used lightening products...