Are hair straightening products safe?

Ah, the allure of straight hair! When your hair is curly, frizzy or wavy, it’s hard not to think the grass is greener (and certainly sleeker) over there on the straight side. Straightening products are a booming industry, with salons and stores offering countless options to help us tame our tresses.

However, the question is – are they safe to use?

Hold onto your hair straighteners! A recent study found that frequent chemical straightening treatments may double your risk of developing uterine cancer. But before you toss your products in the trash, let’s look closely at what the experts say.

What are hair straightening products?

Hair straightening products are a range of cosmetic products designed to change your hair's texture, making it appear straighter and smoother. These products break down the protein bonds in your hair, which are responsible for its natural texture and shape.So, in the long-term, yes, it’s helpful that your weight doesn’t fluctuate extensively and that you’re in a healthy range for your height, and with consideration to health conditions.

Chemical relaxers are the most well-known type of hair straightening product. They use chemicals like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and guanidine to alter your hair's structure permanently.

On the other hand, keratin treatments use a protein called keratin to smooth and straighten your hair temporarily. This treatment loosens your curl pattern momentarily and fades out over time, which means that your hair texture will eventually return to its natural state.

Types of chemical straighteners

Traditional chemical straighteners: made with sodium hydroxide, designed to straighten hair.
Japanese heat straighteners: also known as thermal reconditioning or Yuko System. It originated in Japan and uses chemicals to permanently straighten hair. The main active ingredient is a solution containing a high concentration of a chemical called ammonium thioglycolate. This chemical breaks down the protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped and permanently straightened. The process can take several hours to complete and typically lasts around six months.
Brazilian straighteners: Keratin treatments are a popular type of Brazilian straightener, and are typically used for very curly hair. They last about three months and work by smoothing hair without breaking protein bonds.
Lye-based relaxers: like traditional chemical straighteners, lye-based relaxers also use sodium hydroxide to break down protein bonds and permanently straighten hair.
No-lye relaxers: use a combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate to straighten hair. They are less damaging than lye-based relaxers but can cause scalp irritation if not used properly.
Thio relaxers: use ammonium thioglycolate to break down protein bonds and straighten hair. They are less harsh than traditional chemical straighteners.

The dangers of chemical straighteners

According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the frequent use of chemical hair straightening products may increase the risk of breast cancer. The study found that women who used these products every five to eight weeks were about 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.

Chemical straighteners contain strong chemicals that can cause scalp irritation and damage. Sodium hydroxide, for example, is a common chemical known to cause burns and irritations. However, this process can also weaken your hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends over time. Over a long period, you may experience hair loss, especially if the scalp is burned or damaged.

Chemical straighteners can also damage hair follicles, leading to thinning hair and bald patches. Some chemical straighteners, including keratin treatments, contain formaldehyde. This known carcinogen can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems and other health issues.

Other common side-effects:

Using hair straightening products can cause allergic effects in some people. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including itching, swelling, hives and difficulty breathing.
Getting hair straightener formula in your eyes can be seriously damaging. Even a small amount of the product might harm your vision.
Recent research has linked the frequent use of chemical straightening products to an increased risk of certain cancers. Women who use these products frequently and start at an early age are at risk of developing uterine, ovarian, endometrial and breast cancers.

While chemical straighteners may seem like a quick fix for unruly hair, always weigh the potential risks before taking the plunge. The consequences of using these products can be severe, ranging from allergic reactions to eye injuries and even cancer. Do your research and ask your doctor for advice.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.

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