Hair relaxers have long been a staple in the beauty arsenals of women seeking to transform their natural curls into sleek, straight locks. Promising the allure of smoother, more manageable hair, these chemical concoctions have found their way into countless salons worldwide. But behind the glossy ads and promises of beauty lies a darker truth.
Also known as hair straighteners, hair relaxers are chemical products designed to alter the natural texture of the hair. They work by breaking down the protein bonds within the hair shaft, allowing it to be reshaped into a straighter form. This transformation is achieved through the use of powerful alkaline chemicals like lye, or alternatives like calcium hydroxide or ammonium thioglycolate.
While they offer sleek, straight hair, the chemicals used in relaxers can wreak havoc on both your hair and the scalp. From hair breakage and scalp irritation to more serious health concerns, the risks of hair relaxers have sparked quite a debate among consumers.
A study cited in a Reuters article claimed that women who used hair relaxers more than four times a year were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as those who didn’t. The lead author of the study also stated that a number of ingredients in hair relaxers – including cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and parabens – may release formaldehyde when heated. This carcinogen is known to have a series of ill consequences on your health.
TorHoerman Law further notes that the usage of hair relaxers has been known to increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including uterine cancer.
Today, we’re here to explore the risks hair relaxers pose and question whether they are truly worth the gamble. Let’s get started.
The Risks of Hair Relaxers
To answer whether or not hair relaxers are worth the risk, we must first understand what risks they pose for us. From breaking down the chemical composition of these products to addressing the potential health concerns they raise, we’ll discuss it all below:
Chemical Composition of Hair Relaxers
Essentially a chemical treatment, hair relaxers contain various chemicals designed to alter the natural structure of your hair. Understanding these chemicals is crucial for grasping the potential risks associated with their use.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) Relaxers
Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is a powerful alkaline chemical used in many traditional hair relaxers. It works by getting inside your hair strands to break their sulfur bonds, which results in permanently straightened hair until the emergence of fresh growth.
However, lye can also burn the scalp if not applied carefully. Such burns leave your broken skin vulnerable to other chemicals present in the relaxers, like parabens and phthalates. Improper application or leaving the relaxer on the hair for too long can, therefore, lead to severe damage.
Calcium Hydroxide Relaxers
Calcium hydroxide relaxers – also called non-lye relaxers – are an alternative to lye-based relaxers. They use calcium hydroxide as the active ingredient, which is milder on the scalp compared to sodium hydroxide.
While calcium hydroxide relaxers tend to be less irritating to the skin, they may still cause dryness and brittleness in the hair if used improperly. They are often preferred by women with sensitive scalps or those looking for a gentler option.
Other Potentially Harmful Chemicals
In addition to sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide, hair relaxers may contain other chemicals that can pose risks to hair and scalp health. These include:
Formaldehyde:
Relaxers containing formaldehyde – or chemicals that release formaldehyde when heated – can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are often used as plasticizers in hair relaxers to increase flexibility and durability. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
Parabens:
Parabens are preservatives commonly found in cosmetic products, including hair relaxers. They have been associated with allergic reactions and hormonal imbalances.
Mineral Oil and Petroleum:
These ingredients are used in some relaxers to provide moisture and shine to the hair. However, they can also weigh the hair down and cause product buildup over time, leading to dullness and dryness.
Health Concerns
Having touched upon the chemical breakdown of hair relaxers, we’re now ready to delve into the health risks the chemicals in these hair products pose for us:
Potential Link to Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) recently proposed a ban on chemical hair relaxers because of their link to hormone-related cancers. Among these, breast and uterine cancers emerge as two commonly occurring conditions.
The proposed ban outlines the severity of chemical hair relaxers or straighteners becoming a health hazard for women who use them frequently.
The manufacturers of these products are now facing lawsuits from countless women who, being their consumers, have developed uterine cancer and other adverse health effects. Global brands like L’Oreal, Motions Hair, Softsheen-Carson, African Pride, Just For Me, Dark & Lovely, and ORS Hair Care are among these manufacturers.
Are you someone who has used hair relaxers sold by any of these manufacturers and went on to develop uterine cancer? If yes, then you’re eligible to file a chemical hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuit against them as well. You can contact a lawyer to navigate the legal proceedings better.
Respiratory Issues
DrugWatch notes that the chemicals used in hair relaxers create health concerns not only for the women who receive the treatment but also for the salon staff who apply them.
Formaldehyde, a well-recognized carcinogen, is an active ingredient in most hair relaxers. It has been known to cause breathing problems and other lung issues in people who are exposed to it. What’s surprising is that even in hair straightening products that claim to be formaldehyde-free, other chemical contents can release formaldehyde when subjected to heat.
Are Hair Relaxers Worth the Risk?
The recent revelations about the unforeseen threats of the chemicals used in hair relaxers have led to many questioning if they’re truly worth it.
Below, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of these permanent hair straightening products and explore the alternatives to give you more options. Let’s get into it:
Pros and Cons
Hair relaxers offer several advantages, such as providing sleek and straight hair that is easier to manage. For many, this means reduced styling time and increased versatility in hairstyles, ultimately boosting confidence and self-esteem. However, these benefits come with significant drawbacks.
The chemicals in hair relaxers can damage the hair shaft, leading to breakage, dryness, and brittleness. Moreover, their improper application can also irritate your scalp, causing chemical burns, and even hair loss.
Beyond hair concerns, there are potential health risks associated with hair relaxers, including a link to cancer and respiratory issues due to exposure to formaldehyde. Maintaining straightened hair often requires frequent touch-ups, further worsening the damage over time.
Alternatives to Hair Relaxers
If you’ve been with us so far and have grown wary of the risks associated with hair relaxers, we completely understand. Here are some alternatives to these chemical products that might not give such permanent results but are certainly safer:
Heat-Styling
Heat styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers can be used to straighten hair temporarily without using chemicals. While heat styling carries its own risks of heat damage, heat protection products can help keep them to a minimum.
Other Chemical-free Straightening Methods
Heat styling is not the only choice you must go for. Other chemical-free straightening methods include:
Blowouts:
Professional blowouts performed at salons can provide temporary straightening without chemicals.
Straightening Brushes:
Electric straightening brushes use heat and bristles to straighten hair quickly and without chemicals.
Natural Hair Masks:
Homemade or store-bought hair masks containing ingredients like coconut milk, aloe vera, or olive oil can help soften and straighten hair naturally over time.
Steam Treatments:
Steam treatments or steam caps can help soften and straighten hair without using harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better keratin or chemical straightening?
Between keratin and chemical straightening treatment, keratin is a better alternative since its primary active ingredient is the protein naturally found in hair. Furthermore, keratin works on the outer layer of the hair, while chemical straightening alters its internal structure, causing more damage to the hair.
Can I wash my hair after permanent straightening?
It is advised to wait at least 48 to 72 hours to wash your hair after treatments like permanent straightening.
Which straightener is the safest for hair?
Ceramic hair straighteners are considered the safest for hair. The ceramic plates used in them facilitate a more even distribution of heat across the hair, leading to lesser hair damage.
In conclusion, the dark truth behind hair relaxers unveils a myriad of risks that you cannot – and should not – overlook. Countless women have already suffered adverse health effects and are pursuing lawsuits against manufacturers of hair relaxers. These legal actions also shed light on the accountability of global brands in prioritizing consumer safety over profits.
By prioritizing safety and making informed choices, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair without compromising your well-being.
