What Is the Relationship Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer?
Women who use chemical hair-straightening products have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than women who do not, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers also studied the effects of highlights, dyes, perms, and bleach and found no association between those products and uterine cancer.
The study involved 33,497 women between the ages of 35 and 74. Researchers followed them for 11 years and discovered 378 uterine cancer cases. The goal was to determine risk factors for cancer and other medical conditions.
Researchers found women who frequently used hair-straightening products were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than women who didn’t. “Frequent use” means over four times in the previous year.
What Are Hair Relaxers?
A hair relaxer is a cream or lotion that straightens hair. It reduces the curl or wave by breaking down the hair strand using chemicals that alter the texture.
Typically, women who use hair relaxers have curly hair. They want to make their hair straight without causing frizz. The hair relaxers’ results depend on the hair type but can last for six to eight weeks.
Do Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?
Researchers note an increased risk of hormone-related cancer in women who use hair-straightening chemicals. Estimates show around 1.64 percent of women who never use hair relaxers develop uterine cancer by 70. However, the risk increases to 4.05 percent in women who frequently use the products.
The link between hair straighteners and cancer might disproportionately affect Black women because they tend to use these products more frequently than women of other ethnicities and races. They might also start using them at an earlier age than other women.
The Risks of Using Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers penetrate the cuticle and cortex layers of the hair to loosen its natural curl pattern. They contain high-pH systems with strong alkalis to break down the keratin in each hair strand.
Hair-relaxing products also have high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCS), substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating hormones. EDCs increase or decrease hormone levels, affecting how they are stored, broken down, and made.
Phthalates are among other toxic chemicals in hair relaxers. Studies have linked them to reproductive problems in women, such as endometriosis and miscarriages. Di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a manufactured toxic chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a probable human carcinogen. Animal studies show increased incidents of liver tumors and reproductive and developmental effects.
What Are Alternatives to Hair Relaxers?
Although hair relaxers are effective at straightening hair, they pose dangerous risks. Stay away from cancer-causing hair products by trying any of these alternatives:
- Vegetable oil
- Professional blow-out
- Straightening iron
- Coconut oil
- Silicone creams
- Keratin treatment
Talk to a Hair Relaxer Cancers Lawyer Now
Ward Black Law, located in Greensboro, has represented injured people in Greensboro and across North Carolina for over 30 years. We fight to protect the rights of individuals harmed by others’ misconduct – including victims of dangerous products. You can count on us to do our best to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. WBL has been named “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Reports every year since 2010.
Contact us today for a free confidential case review consultation if you or someone you know has developed uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer after using a hair relaxer product. develop cancer or another health concern after using a hair-relaxer product. We’re available 24/7 to speak with you. Please call 800-531-9191 or email info@wardblacklaw.com.