Using chemical hair straighteners and relaxers predispose women to a higher risk of cancer and other health conditions. According to studies, women who regularly use straighteners and permanent hair dye are at an increased risk of developing uterine, breast, and other hormone-related cancers.
Traditionally, there has been a high societal preference for straighter hair, breeding discrimination against people based on their hair texture and style in both work and school setups. Owing to societal pressure, many people, especially women of color turn to hair relaxers, straightening treatments, and permanent hair dye, which alters the chemical structure of the hair to give them the desired look.
Unfortunately, common chemical hair treatments including the traditional chemical straighteners, Brazilian straighteners (keratin treatments), and Japanese heat straighteners, all contain harsh chemicals (e.g., sodium hydroxide, formaldehyde, ammonium thioglycolate) that are absorbed through the scalp posing a health risk.
As sensitization about the health risks posed by hair straighteners and permanent hair dyes increase, creating a shift towards embracing natural hair, women of color will worry less about discrimination based on their hair, especially in the face of the increasing adoption of the CROWN (Creating Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act across the country.
Potential Health Risks of Using Chemical Hair Treatments
Chemical hair treatments such as relaxers, dyes, and straighteners have been considered to offer great reprieve, especially to women of color, in their endeavor to wear straighter and more culturally acceptable hairstyles. Unfortunately, regular use of these products can lead to long-term health woes, including cancer and other health conditions.
According to the International Journal of Cancer (IJC), chemical hair straighteners and permanent dyes contain many chemicals (including carcinogens), which increase the risk of breast cancer. While the products raise cancer risk in women of all races, black women are more susceptible as they’re more regular users of the products. Black women also tend to initiate the usage of chemical hair treatments at an earlier age, increasing exposure.
A similar study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers also linked using hair straighteners and relaxers to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Some hair straighteners contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, bisphenol, and parabens linked to cancer. The study backed the findings published by IJC that these hair products contain harmful chemicals with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties.
Generally, chemical hair straighteners, relaxers, and dyes have been linked widely to hormone-related cancers (cancers that grow in response to hormones), including uterine (endometrial), breast, and ovarian cancers. This results from the absorption of the chemicals in the products (through the scalp), depositing estrogen-like properties in the body.
According to the research, the prevalence of uterine cancer among women who do not use hair straighteners is 1.64%. However, the risk increases in women who use the products up to 4.05% prevalence by the time they reach age 70.
Benefits of Embracing Natural Hair
There are numerous benefits of embracing natural hair, especially now that there’s a law to protect you against discrimination in school or the workplace. Here are a few of them:
Reduced Exposure to Chemicals
Perhaps, the main benefit of embracing your natural hair is that you avoid exposing your body to the harsh chemicals contained in straightening, relaxing, and dying products. Generally, most natural hair products are free of the harmful compounds commonly found in chemical-based products.
Reduced Hair and Scalp Damage
Besides the mentioned health risks, chemical hair straighteners, relaxers, and dyes also damage hair and scalp. They contain harsh compounds that irritate your scalp and weaken your hair leading to breakage. Embracing natural hair effectively protects your hair and scalp from the damaging effects of chemical hair treatments.
Improved Hair Health
Using chemical hair straighteners, relaxers, and dyes alters the structure of the hair and weakens the shaft. As a result, the hair becomes dehydrated and susceptible to breakage. Maintaining natural hair keeps it free from harmful chemicals that could damage and weaken it. Besides, with natural hair, you’re open to using anti-dandruff and anti-itch products, which help soothe the scalp and keep it healthy. Ultimately, your hair grows stronger, longer, and thicker much faster, as there’s no damage to interfere with the growth.
More Comfort
Since they’re no harsh chemicals going into your hair, you don’t have to deal with the discomfort of a burnt scalp and the increased itchiness resulting from the damage. Another plus of rocking natural hair is that you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined by rain or other wet conditions.
When using hair relaxers, you get worried about new growth because it can cause breakage of the softer relaxed hair. But when you’re wearing your natural hair, you have no concerns over new growth.
Less Expensive
Lastly, caring for natural hair is far less expensive than relaxed or chemically straightened hair. By avoiding hair straighteners, relaxers, and dyes, you save money on routine salon visits and expensive hair care products.
Cultural and Personal Significance of Natural Hair for People of Color
Natural hair, especially for people of color has attracted much attention for centuries. Despite being perceived as unattractive and causing widespread discrimination, their hair is an integral part of their identity.
Many people of color may have suffered due to the bias that curly and hard-textured African hair is unattractive, but with the introduction of the Crown Act, they now have the freedom to celebrate their hair however its color, length, texture, and style without fear of being victimized.
This is especially important because, stereotypes aside, natural hair has deep cultural and personal significance among people of color. It’s a symbol of their heritage, and allowing them to wear it in the style and texture they’re comfortable with reinforces their freedom to express their authentic self.
Strategies for Transitioning to Natural Hair
If you’re wary of the health risks chemical hair straighteners, relaxers, and dyes expose your hair to, you might be excited about transitioning to natural hair. Though embracing natural hair can feel liberating, the process requires patience and strategy to transition smoothly.
Here are some tips you might find helpful.
- Choose a transitioning hairstyle – Do you want to cut off your chemically treated hair and start afresh, or would you prefer to grow your natural hair gradually, while trimming the treated ends after every few weeks? If you opt to keep your treated hair, you can use protective styles (such as Bantu knot outs, box braids, wigs, weaves, etc.) to minimize frequent hair handling and potential breakage. However, you should avoid putting too much pressure on the edges (temples, nape of your neck).
- Deep condition regularly – As the natural hair grows, the treated strands become increasingly fragile, especially where they meet. It’s vital to deep condition the hair at least weekly to keep it moisturized and avoid breakage.
- Reduce heat styling – Heat styling dries out hair increasing its brittleness. Minimize the amount of heat styling on the hair by trying out air drying instead.
- Detangle carefully – When detangling, especially wet hair, be extremely careful. Ensure you apply adequate conditioner and use a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage.
- Keep hair moisturized – Dry hair breaks easily. Apply moisturizing hair products regularly to seal in the moisture.
Role of Societal Expectations and Stigma When Embracing Natural Hair
As mentioned, traditionally, there has been a stigma around natural hair, especially for people of color, with most considering it unattractive. The resulting pressure has pushed many black women to use chemical hair straighteners and relaxers that have continued to expose them to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers due to harsh compounds in the products.
Despite research cautioning against the risks having been around for years, women have been hesitant to embrace natural hair due to potential discrimination in the workplace and schools. Instead, they have continued to change their hair to meet societal expectations and avoid stigma, especially in the workplace and school.
Thankfully, the shifting western beauty ideals and the adoption of legislature protecting people of color from discrimination based on their hair has ushered a new dawn for the black community. As the stigma surrounding African hair disappears, it will be liberating for women of color to embrace their natural hair and wear it confidently, without fearing negative repercussions.
Impact of Embracing Natural Hair on Self-Esteem and Body Image
Embracing your natural hair is liberating. Natural hair is less susceptible to breaking as it’s stronger and grows faster, giving you longer tresses than you would achieve with chemically treated hair.
As you stop relying on hair straighteners and relaxers to manage your hair, you focus on caring for your natural crown, which creates positive self-esteem and body image. This is supported by a study that found that women who wear their natural hair have a better self-perception.
Statistics on Women Who Feel Social Pressure to Modify Their Hair
Traditionally, most women of color have felt the pressure to modify their hair to meet societal expectations, especially in the workplace. A ‘Good Hair’ survey conducted by the Perception Institute found that one in five black women feel pressured to straighten their hair for work, double the number of white women. The study also showed that, on average, black women face bias from white women due to their textured hair. As a result, more black women than white women experience higher anxiety levels over their hair. They also spend more time on their hair than white women.
We hope this article has been insightful even as you prepare to transition to wearing your natural hair. Meanwhile, if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian or uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, remember you have a right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Talk to one of our product liability lawyers to learn your legal options.
