Relaxing hair used to be considered very normal. Many women and young ladies chose to straighten their hair using chemical products. Nowadays, more and more studies show that chemical hair relaxers are linked to various health issues. Fortunately, in recent years, more women have chosen to let go of relaxers and embrace their natural kinky hair. However, social media seems to give the impression that relaxers are making a comeback. But what exactly is a relaxer, and what are the potential dangers of long-term use of this product?
What are chemical hair relaxers?
Relaxers are often promoted to and used by Black women to straighten curly or kinky hair. These products are chemical substances used to alter the natural curl patterns of kinky hair temporarily. They work by breaking the sulfur bonds in the hair, relaxing the curl and making the hair smoother. In other words, relaxers temporarily straighten your kinky hair.
What are the dangers of chemical hair relaxers?
Relaxers are often used by Black women to straighten their strong curls or kinky hair. These products contain harmful ingredients that can disrupt the hormonal system. These types of chemicals are called endocrine disruptors. They can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and can negatively impact women’s health. (Source: First Large Study of Hair Relaxers Among Black Women Finds Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer, 2023)
They can disrupt the functioning of your hormones. Hormones are substances in your body that regulate everything, such as your thyroid, ovaries, pancreas, and adrenal glands. If the functioning of these hormones is disrupted, it can cause problems. (Source: What Black women should know about hair relaxers and their health, NBC, 2023)
A recent study by scientists at Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) has shown that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers by postmenopausal Black women is associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer. The study found that women who used hair relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years had more than a 50% increased risk of uterine cancer compared to women who never or rarely used hair relaxers. (Source: First Large Study of Hair Relaxers Among Black Women Finds Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer, 2023)
But that is not the only risk. Chemical relaxers often contain harsh ingredients that can irritate the scalp and damage the hair. Overuse of relaxers can lead to hair breakage, thinning hair, and even permanent damage to the hair follicles.
Why do people still choose chemical hair relaxers?
Despite the dangers, women still choose relaxers. Especially on social media, we see more and more women reverting to relaxers.
Various women on social media indicate that they find kinky hair difficult to care for. Unfortunately, this is also a stigma associated with kinky hair. Especially women with tighter curls like type 4C curls, state that too much time is spent caring for their hair. Relaxers would make the hair easier to comb and style, making it more manageable.
Some women also shared their experiences about how insecure they are about their hair and that they are not fans of how their hair looks naturally. Unfortunately, in our society, straight hair is still more accepted than natural kinky hair. Additionally, people with straight hair are often seen as neater and more professional. There is still work to be done if we want to overcome these stigmas. It is important to embrace the diversity of hair types and recognize that all hair types are beautiful, whether they are straight, curly, or kinky. Encouraging self-love and self-acceptance is essential to break these stigmas and create a more inclusive and diverse society.
Conclusion
Although chemical relaxers can be a convenient way for some people to manage kinky hair, it is important to understand the potential dangers. It is always a good idea to consider natural alternatives and be cautious with the use of chemical products on your hair and scalp. Most importantly, prioritize your health!
