We’ve all been tempted by the allure of silky straight hair that looks smooth and easy to style. But at what cost do we get that longed-for “straight hair” look? Chemical hair straightening treatments use powerful formulations to break down the internal bonds that give curly hair its natural structure. While this allows stylists to reshape the hair into a straighter form, it introduces harsh chemicals very close to the sensitive scalp.
Over time, the busted bonds can become damaged and porous. With each pass of the flat iron or blow dryer, more breakage may occur. So, as you admire your temporary straight ‘do, consider what those chemicals may be doing beneath the surface. Is achieving pin-straight hair worth the risk of long-term damage or health effects? Before letting chemicals near your hair, read on to learn what you should know.
How Hair Straightening Works
Keratin, a protein, makes up the majority of the structure of hair. Sulfide groups found in keratin molecules have the ability to create disulfide connections with one another. As more of these bonds form between sulfide groups, it causes the hair strand to bend and curl. People with curly hair naturally have more disulfide bonds along their hair strands.
Chemical hair straighteners, also called hair relaxers, use certain chemicals to break these disulfide bonds and alter the keratin structure. As a result, the bonds holding the curls in place dissolve, breaking up the curl pattern. It is possible to straighten the hair after the connections are dissolved.
Some of the chemicals commonly found in hair straightening products that are designed to break disulfide bonds include ammonium thioglycolate, sodium thioglycolate, and sodium hydroxide (lye). Additional ingredients like benzophenone-3, cyclosiloxanes, diethanolamine, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and triclosan are also sometimes present.
If used excessively or improperly, the chemicals in hair straighteners can potentially damage the hair and skin over time by breaking down the keratin too much.
Some studies also suggest that long-term exposure to certain ingredients may increase health risks, such as some types of cancer. Due to these potential negative effects, hair straightening chemicals should only be used following the product directions and as infrequently as needed to achieve the desired results.
What Are The Risks Associated With Hair Relaxers?
Long-Term Side Effects
According to TorHoerman Law, recent scientific research has found an association between the frequent use of chemical hair straightening products and certain health risks. Studies have shown that women who regularly use relaxers and straighteners over many years may face an increased chance of developing cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
The specific chemicals in these products, such as parabens, formaldehyde, and sodium hydroxide, have been linked to the disruption of hormone levels and other cellular changes. These changes could potentially lead to cancer over the long term with high exposure levels.
As awareness of the possible health risks has grown due to new scientific studies, some legal action has begun to take place against manufacturers of hair straightening products. Several lawsuits alleging failure to warn and disclose health dangers to consumers properly have been filed against major companies that produce popular hair relaxer and straightener brands.
Attempts are underway to consolidate similar cases into coordinated multidistrict litigation, or MDL, to streamline pre-trial proceedings.
Lawsuits such as the hair relaxer lawsuit have been brought in various federal district courts around the country, such as cases in Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, New York, and California. These cases will likely be part of any upcoming MDL if approved by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. The claims aim to establish liability and compensation for injuries plausibly linked to prolonged chemical hair straightener usage.
Short-Term Side Effects
Breathing in formaldehyde can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause coughing and wheezing, according to Tracey Woodruff, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies the health effects of harmful chemicals. The proposed rule from the FDA cites the risk of respiratory issues.
It can also irritate the eyes and nose, as well as the skin. Individuals who have been exposed to formaldehyde have reported experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bronchitis may even result from prolonged high exposure. Some individuals are more sensitive to formaldehyde than others, says Dr. Woodruff. The FDA recommends that anyone experiencing a reaction after using a hair smoothing product should discontinue use and consult a doctor. Consumers can also report their experience to the FDA.
In conclusion, trying heat-free styles, deep conditioning treatments, highlights judiciously, or temporary smoothing creams tested in a patch are safer options if you want variety from your curls.
An expert curly cut can also make your natural hair more manageable. With some patience and TLC, you may find you love your curls just the way they are. Always put your well-being first when choosing hair care routines. With exploration, you have many viable options beyond harsh chemicals.