The Hidden Dangers of Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers are popular products used to straighten curly or wavy hair, making it easier to style. But behind the promise of smooth strands lies a growing concern: serious health risks linked to long-term use. In 2021, hair straightening products brought in over $700 million in sales. However, after a major health study in 2022, lawsuits began to surface, with companies like L’Oréal USA and Revlon named in legal actions. These lawsuits claim that long-term use of hair relaxers may be linked to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Hair relaxers often contain chemicals that can be harmful with repeated use:
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Cyclosiloxanes
- Heavy Metals
These ingredients can enter the body through the scalp—especially if there are burns or cuts—and may disrupt hormones or increase cancer risk. They can also cause short-term issues like coughing, skin irritation, and headaches.
By The Numbers
Recent studies have uncovered alarming connections between chemical hair straighteners and cancer, especially among Black women, who are more likely to use these products regularly.
- Double the Risk: A 2022 study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found that women who used chemical hair straighteners more than four times a year had twice the risk of developing uterine or ovarian cancer.
- Impact on Black Women: Black women are more likely to use these products and are also more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of uterine cancer.
- Boston University Study (2023): Found that postmenopausal Black women who used relaxers long-term had a significantly higher risk of uterine cancer.
- FDA Response: In 2023, the FDA proposed banning hair relaxers that contain formaldehyde and similar harmful ingredients.
Cancers Linked to Hair Relaxers
These products have been associated with several types of gynecologic cancers:
- Uterine Cancer: One of the most common gynecologic cancers, often affecting women post-menopause. Look out for abnormal bleeding and pelvic discomfort.
- Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: Starts in the lining of the uterus. Symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, and pelvic pain.
- Ovarian Cancer: Can begin in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or abdominal lining. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pressure, and changes in bathroom habits.
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