Are you someone who loves the sleek look of straight hair? You’re not alone; many of us do. But have you ever thought about what might be lurking in those permanent hair straighteners? Anything that alters your hair structure permanently is bound to have some downsides, right?
Consumer Notice observes that these chemical creams used in permanent hair straightening break the disulfides (protein bonds) of your hair. Since curly hairs have more disulfide bonds, the curlier your hair, the stronger chemicals are used in the straightening process.
And the scariest part? There aren’t always clear rules about what goes into these treatments, so you never know what you’re exposing yourself to. Join us as we dive deeper into the truth about “Straight Hair, Toxic Risks.”
Permanent Hair Straighteners – What Are Their Health Risks?
Ever wondered what those permanent hair straighteners might be doing to your health? Let’s break it down. These treatments often contain chemicals like formaldehyde and lye. They’re not just tough on curls—they can wreak havoc on your skin, trigger respiratory issues, and even up your chances of developing cancer.
Here’s the deal: these chemicals penetrate deep into your hair, altering its very structure. And because regulations on these products can be fuzzy, you might not realize the risks until it’s too late.
TorHoerman Law notes how the increased risk of certain cancers has been linked to chemical hair straighteners. A 2022 NIH study serves as a suitable example. This study revealed the link between women who used permanent hair straighteners and uterine cancer.
It disclosed that women who used these chemical products frequently (more than 4 times a year) were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The research followed over 33,000 US women for 11 years, during which 378 cases of uterine cancer were reported.
Women who suffered from cancer following the usage of these products came together to file a hair straightener cancer lawsuit against their manufacturers. The lawsuit alleges that these companies failed to warn their customers of the products’ harmful side effects and should pay compensation for the same.
In light of the research and growing number of lawsuits, the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) filed a ruling to ban some of them.
According to its proposed ruling, the ban would extend to all chemical hair straighteners that contain formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. While it’s not the ultimate solution, we count it as the first step in the right direction.
Are Black Women More Vulnerable to the Risk of Permanent Hair Straighteners?
The 2022 (NIH) study we referred to earlier in our article presented another disturbing fact. About 60% of the women who were known to use hair straighteners more often were self-identified as black women. This translated to a higher risk of uterine cancer among black women due to higher frequency of use, if nothing else.
But the real question here is – why do black women tend to use more chemical hair straighteners than white women in the first place? Is it just an outcome of an ongoing trend in the community? Or is there a deeper issue at play here?
Forbes highlights how many black women face biases – especially at the workplace – for keeping their hair in its natural form. This workplace discrimination leads a majority of them to straighten their hair out to improve their chances of being hired and promoted at work.
The CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act bill was passed in 2022 to tackle such biases. But we suppose it’s going to take more time for the Act to take effect across the country.
Safer Alternatives to Permanent Hair Straightening
Looking for a safer way to get that sleek, straight hair without going for permanent straightening? Here are some alternatives that might just do the trick without the long-term risks.
Ever tried non-chemical straightening products? They’re awesome for avoiding harsh chemicals while still relaxing curls and taming frizz. They may not give you that super-straight look of chemical treatments, but they really help with manageability and smoothness.
Then there are heat-activated creams and serums. Perfect for occasional straightening without the commitment. Just apply before blow-drying or using a flat iron—they protect your hair and give it a temporary sleekness.
Don’t forget leave-in conditioners with smoothing properties. They’re like your daily go-to for detangling, moisturizing, and keeping frizz at bay. Super handy for all hair types.
And for those who want a bit more oomph, professional salon treatments offer longer-lasting results without permanently altering your hair. These mainly include Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments, both of which are great options. However, if you’re a vegetarian, here’s something you must know about the latter:
Just as our body naturally produces keratin, this protein is also found in animal fur, hooves, horns, and feathers. In fact, most keratin hair treatment products are made up of ground-up animal parts. This might create a concern for you as a vegetarian. So, choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any at-home natural hair straightening treatments?
Yes, you can try a bunch of natural treatments that can do the job alongside nourishing your hair. The first one is a DIY hair mask with ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, banana, olive oil, honey, and milk. Massaging your scalp with rice water is another great hack.
Is it safe to use flat iron for straightening my hair?
Flat ironing your hair is a popular temporary hair straightening solution that many women seek out on a regular basis. However, if you’re starting new, it’s best to watch some video tutorials of how that’s done first. Also, do not forget to use a heat protectant before you start.
For how long does a chemical hair straightening treatment last?
The longevity of a chemical hair straightening treatment depends on various factors, including your hair’s growth rate, texture, and maintenance. While the average period of these products is between 4-6 months, you can retain it for longer using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
To conclude, while we understand the allure of sleek, smooth-falling hair all too well, you can’t simply ignore the health risks chemical hair straighteners pose. After all, life-threatening diseases like cancer are a price far too expensive to pay just to look a certain way.
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