There is a high chance that hair straightening products line the front row of your dressing table shelves. You are not to be blamed here because, as a matter of fact, these products do give an instant sleek makeover.
But hair straightening chemicals might be doing you more harm than good.
There have been recent concerns that certain chemical hair straightening products contain carcinogenic components. You should be careful if you use these styling products very often.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) carried out an in-depth examination that focused on diverse potential causes of breast cancer. The outcomes of this research, released in October 2022, revealed that women who often used hair straightening products were twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer.
You cannot live in denial about these products that have been alleged to lay seeds for serious health issues. A safe ground would be that you understand The importance of hair care safe practices, to begin with, and implement preventive measures.
Understanding the Concerns
Chemical hair relaxers comprise powerful alkaline elements, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, that weaken the protein bonds in the hair. This process changes your hair chemistry, making it smoother.
However, the chemicals can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness, and increased hair breakage. Over time, this can cause thinning of your hair or even hair loss.
Moreover, studies have also found carcinogenic toxins in many chemical hair straighteners. These products contain chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors, triggering hormonal changes that, in severe cases, can result in various types of cancers.
Some of the common cancers induced by the prolonged usage of hair relaxers are:
- Cervical cancer
- Chronic hormonal imbalance
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
It is imperative that you exercise caution, read product labels, and adhere to all instructions when using cosmetic and beauty products.
Over the course of a few years, several well-known companies have been mentioned in the hair straighteners uterine cancer lawsuit, including L’Oreal, Softsheen-Carson (Optimum Relaxer), Dark & Lovely, and Just For Me.
Choose High-Quality Hair Products
It is better to be safe than sorry! So, the next time you go out to shop for a hair straightening product, go for a model that comes equipped with adjustable temperature settings.
This feature allows you to tailor the heat level based on your hair type and condition. Excessive heat can cause damage to the hair shaft and potentially impact the scalp, leading to inflammation and other adverse effects. By using a straightener with adjustable temperature controls, you have greater control over the amount of heat applied to your hair.
In addition, you can also consider hair straighteners that have ceramic or tourmaline coating. These materials distribute heat more evenly across the hair strands, minimizing the likelihood of hot spots that can result in excessive damage. The smooth surface of ceramic or tourmaline also helps reduce friction, allowing your straightener to glide through the hair smoothly.
Moving on to hair relaxers, try and use the ones that are milder in nature. These relaxers should not be too harsh on your sensitive scalp. No lye relaxers are much less potent for your use.
Protect Your Hair and Scalp
Your scalp is the breeding ground for your healthy, lustrous locks. So, keep it nourished and protect it at all costs.
Prior to using a hair straightener, it is crucial that you apply heat protection products. These products create a barrier between the high temperatures and your hair, reducing the direct impact on the strands.
You can go for heat protectant sprays or serums that are specifically formulated to shield the hair from heat damage.
In the case of hair relaxers, perform a patch test before applying a chemical hair relaxer to your entire head. Just apply a small amount on your scalp. Look for any possible visible signs of discomfort. Discontinue the product immediately if it does not suit you.
Minimize Exposure to an Optimum Level
While you may be tempted to use a hair straightener daily, it is crucial to never overdo it. Excessive and prolonged exposure to the chemicals can contribute to hair damage and potential adverse effects on your scalp.
Limit straightening your hair to twice or thrice a week, giving your hair ample time to recover between styling sessions. You can try your hand at alternative hairstyles on non-straightening days to give your hair a much-deserved break.
Also, reducing the duration of each straightening session can help minimize the potential risks. You should avoid leaving the hair straightener in one section of hair for an extended period of time, as this can lead to excessive heat exposure and damage.
It is important to be cautious when using hair relaxers and take measures to protect your skin and eyes from any potential chemical exposure. Using a barrier cream or petroleum jelly along the hairline and ears can create a protective layer.
Stay Informed and Seek Professional Advice
Keeping up to date with the most recent research and updates related to hair products and their relationship with cancer is very important. Staying abreast with recent developments will help you make informed decisions regarding your usage of hair straightening products.Check trustworthy outlets such as scientific studies, professionals’ opinions, and health organizations to remain informed about the newest discoveries or suggestions.
Additionally, you can also seek legal help if you believe that you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer owing to the prolonged use of chemical hair straighteners.
According to TorHoerman Law, the average settlement amount per person for hair straightener lawsuits can be estimated to be between $100,000 to $1,500,000.
A professional attorney would help you evade the tough legal waters and fight for your rightful compensation.
Conclusion
All in all, the key is to prioritize your overall well-being while enjoying the versatility and beauty that different hair styling options can offer. By staying informed, being mindful of potential risks, and taking proactive measures, you can make confident decisions about your hair care routine and embrace a healthy and vibrant hair journey.
