Chemical treatments meant to straighten naturally curly or textured hair are hair relaxers. They help straighten the hair by dissolving the protein connections in the hair shaft, facilitating hair manipulation. In the 20th century, hair relaxers became rather popular, especially among African-American women who frequently sought a neat, under-control haircut. Still, the compounds involved in the relaxation process are not at all innocuous.
Hair Relaxers: Understanding the Risks and Safer Alternatives
Those trying to get smooth, straight hair have traditionally turned to hair relaxers as their first choice. Although the outcomes can be transformative, new research and professional perspectives have sparked questions regarding the possible hazards connected with employing these goods. This thorough tutorial will go over the risks associated with hair relaxers and better substitutes for straight hair.
Brief History of Hair Relaxers
Early in the 1900s, African-American inventor Garrett A. Morgan was credited with creating the first hair relaxer, which introduced the idea of chemically changing hair texture. Relaxers have changed since then, but the hazards involved in their use are still rather great.
Obukowho P.’s chapter in Hair Relaxers: Science, Design, and Application claims that hair relaxers have evolved greatly since their first introduction. Although these chemical treatments were severe at first and lacked the protective agents seen in contemporary formulations, they helped open the path for creating more sophisticated, consumer-friendly goods throughout time.
Why People Use Hair Relaxers
Many people choose hair relaxers to:
- Simplify hair management
- Minish tangling and frizz
- Get a sleek, straight look.
Though relaxers have many advantages, their long-term use might have negative effects on hair condition.
Hair Relaxer Risks
Chemical Composition and Health Concerns
The chemicals in hair relaxers—most usually sodium hydroxide (lye), calcium hydroxide (no-lye), and ammonium thioglycolate—can cause major health hazards. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives claims that these compounds can burn, irritate the scalp, and permanently harm skin and hair.
Scalp Burns and Hair Damage
Scalp burns are one of the most immediate hazards of hair relaxers; these can arise from overly lengthy chemical exposure on the scalp. In hair, relaxers impair the protein connections, which could cause breakage and permanent damage. Particularly in cases of repeated usage of relaxers, this process can seriously affect hair condition.
Hormonal Disruptions
According to a worrying collection of studies, the chemicals in hair relaxers have endocrine-disrupting effects. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that regular use of relaxers could lead to hormonal abnormalities, which raises the risk of several malignancies and problems with reproduction.
Link to Health Issues
Long-term relaxer use has been related in several studies to major medical disorders, including:
Early puberty in females, breast cancer, uterine fibroids.
A 2021 study in Carcinogenesis found that African-American women’s risk of breast cancer may rise in line with relaxer use.
Safer Alternatives to Hair Relaxers
There are various safer substitutes for people trying to straighten their hair without running the dangers related to chemical relaxers. These are several techniques less harmful to general health and hair.
1. Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments straighten and smooth hair without weakening its chemical links using protein. Usually lasting three to six months, keratin treatments are not permanent, unlike relaxers. Still, specific keratin treatments include formaldehyde, a chemical connected to cancer; thus, you should choose formaldehyde-free ones.
2. Japanese Hair Straightening
Like a relaxer, Japanese hair straightening is a semi-permanent therapy in which the intrinsic links of hair are broken down to straighten it. The lesser chemical concentrations employed define the difference and make this a less harmful choice. This should be done by a professional since incorrect application could cause major harm to hair.
3. Natural Hair Straightening Methods
Though the results may be less spectacular or long-lasting, there are natural solutions for people looking for a totally chemical-free technique to straighten hair. Several techniques consist of:
- Heat Styling: Temporary straightening of hair without chemicals can be accomplished with flat irons or blow dryers combined with a heat protector.
- Ayurvedic Treatments: Home cures for softening and smoothing hair frequently call for ingredients such as coconut milk, almond oil, and aloe vera.
- Roller Sets: A heat-free technique whereby curly hair is stretched and straightened by surrounding big rollers with damp hair.
Hair Relaxers and Alopecia
Swee et al. described in the Archives of Dermatology a national outbreak of alopecia connected to a particular hair relaxer formulation. The study underlined the importance of regulatory control and public knowledge about hair relaxers since it showed that poor formulation and application of them might cause extensive hair loss.
Dermatitis and Staphylococcal Infections
Kaur et al. recorded a case whereby a deep-seated staphylococcal infection complicated irritating contact dermatitis brought on by a hair relaxer. This emphasizes the dangers of diseases brought on by compromised skin, especially in cases of incorrectly applied relaxers.
How to Minimize the Risks of Hair Relaxers
Assuming you choose to keep using hair relaxers, there are ways you can lower the related risks:
Professional Application: Always have a licensed expert apply your relaxer; they know how to reduce hair damage and scalp sensitivity.
Scalp Protection: To lower the possibility of burns, first treat the scalp with a protective base like petroleum jelly before using the relaxer.
Regular Treatments: Space your relaxer treatments—every six to eight weeks—to allow your hair time to heal.
Conditioning: To give chemically treated hair strength and moisture, use deep conditioning treatments often.
The Importance of Embracing Natural Hair
The utilization of natural hair textures has become somewhat popular in recent times. Promoting the idea that beauty doesn’t need extreme chemical changes, celebrities, influencers, and regular people are choosing to keep their hair in its natural condition. Many people find liberation in giving up the continual upkeep of relaxed hair, as natural hair is healthier and less prone to breakage.
Conclusion
Although they provide a simple approach to getting straight hair, hair relaxers carry major health concerns related to their application. The chemicals in relaxers have been connected to scalp burns, hair damage, and more major illnesses, including cancer and hormone disturbances. Effective approaches to straighten hair without the health concerns are safer substitutes, including keratin treatments, Japanese straightening, and natural techniques.
Long-term health depends on one knowing the hazards and choosing wise hair care practices. Maintaining beautiful, strong hair requires giving hair health a top priority, whether your preferred method of use is relaxers or safer substitutes.
References
- Obukowho P. History and evolution of hair relaxers. In: Kozlowski AC, editor. Hair Relaxers Science, Design and Application. 1st ed. Portland: Allured Pub Corp; 2012. p. 26.
- Swee W, Klontz KC, Lambert LA. A nationwide outbreak of alopecia associated with the use of a hair-relaxing formulation. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136:1104–8.
- Kaur BJ, Singh H, Lin-Greenberg A. Irritant contact dermatitis complicated by deep-seated staphylococcal infection caused by a hair relaxer. J Natl Med Assoc. 2002;94:121–3.