Chemical hair relaxers, a longtime beauty staple for many, have recently come under scrutiny amid growing legal and health concerns. Thousands of women across the U.S. are now suing major companies such as L’Oréal and Revlon, alleging that prolonged use of relaxers may be linked to reproductive cancers.
One of those affected is Heidi Parks, who began using chemical relaxers as a child. In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, which she believes resulted from decades of hair straightening treatments. “I wasn’t aware of any potential side effects or dangers,” Parks shared. “If I had known, I absolutely would not have used the products.”
These lawsuits stem in part from a National Institutes of Health study involving over 33,000 women, which found that users of hair relaxers had more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer. Many plaintiffs have been diagnosed with endometrial, ovarian, or uterine cancers, with some undergoing hysterectomies that prevent them from having children.
Scientists point to harmful chemicals commonly found in these products, including parabens, phthalates, and BPA — all endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone systems. Some relaxers also contain or release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Legal representatives argue that manufacturers misled consumers by marketing relaxers as “natural” or “gentle” despite their toxic ingredients. However, companies deny these allegations, maintaining that direct causation cannot be definitively proven.
Although Parks’ cancer is currently in remission, she faces ongoing health monitoring and emotional uncertainty. “I’m almost afraid to plan for the future,” she said. “I constantly live in fear.”
Regulatory efforts to address these dangers remain in flux. The Food and Drug Administration announced plans to ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners two years ago, but delays and recent executive orders have stalled progress. Meanwhile, thirteen states have passed legislation to limit toxic chemicals in personal care products, and New York is considering its own “Beauty Justice Act.”
This emerging controversy underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks of hair care products and highlights a pressing need for transparency and safety in the beauty industry. Integrating informed hair health advice and careful hair care steps could be crucial for consumers navigating these concerns.
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