Could the Chemicals in Your Hair Straightener Increase Cancer Risk?

From smoothing unruly locks to increasing cancer risks? Many rely on hair straighteners for sleek styles, but new research reveals these products may come with a hidden cost. As lawsuits mount against manufacturers, let’s explore the emerging science of tying chemical hair tools to some cancers in women and what it means for consumers.

Certain Chemicals in Straightening Products May Increase Cancer Risk

Scientific research has uncovered potential links between some chemicals commonly found in hair straightening products and an increased risk of certain cancers.

According to studies, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like parabens, heavy metals, bisphenol A (BPA), and formaldehyde that are present in many hair straighteners can disrupt hormone function in the body. This disruption has been associated with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and breasts.

A notable 2022 study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used chemical hair straighteners more than four times per year faced double the risk of developing uterine cancer. This risk was observed in comparison to those who did not use these products.

While this research did not examine specific product brands or ingredients, it implied that the chemicals routinely included in chemical hair straighteners may contribute to higher uterine cancer risk.

That said, not every user will necessarily develop cancer-related to straightener use. Some professionals, like hairstylist Tonya Herrell, have noted clients and family members who have been using relaxers for extended periods without any cancer diagnoses. Still, scientists believe further study is prudent given existing evidence linking certain chemicals to hormonally-driven cancers.

Potential Mechanisms of Cancer Risk from Hair Straightener Chemicals

One theory is that such chemicals disrupt the hormone balance when absorbed through the scalp.

Some also speculate that product-related scalp burns or lesions could make chemical absorption into the body more likely. Attorneys familiar with ongoing litigation note research is still developing in this area but cite key chemicals of interest:

• Formaldehyde (a known human carcinogen per IARC) is released when heating products and may damage DNA.
• Parabens can disturb hormone and reproductive systems when interacting with the body.
• BPA can bind estrogen receptors, potentially explaining links to estrogen-driven cancers.
• Heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, classified as group 1 carcinogens, may induce DNA changes, raising cancer risk.

More studies continue exploring potential connections between hair straightener use and cancers of the uterus, breasts, and ovaries, given hormones play a role in these diseases.

While research remains ongoing, certain chemicals widely utilized in these products show properties that may increase cancer development for some users. Further investigation into the mitigation of any health risks is warranted.

The Legal Angle Beyond Health Risks

There is mounting legal pressure on companies that manufacture beauty products containing potentially dangerous chemicals without adequate health warnings. Specifically, lawsuits have been brought against hair straightener and relaxer producers for their alleged failure to disclose risks.

According to TorHoerman Law, several hundred claims have already been lodged, prompting the formation of multidistrict litigation (MDL). Related lawsuits were consolidated in the MDL before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.

Cases such as the hair straightener lawsuit have initially been filed in this district. They have also been filed in the Southern District of Georgia, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of New York, and Northern District of California. As of now, over 400 lawsuits are pending consolidation in the MDL, demonstrating the substantial legal action taken against manufacturers.

The MDL structure will facilitate coordinated pretrial proceedings like consolidated discovery and consistent pretrial rulings across cases.

Its goal is to promote litigation efficiency while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts given the common questions of fact involved. As additional suits are anticipated, the centralized proceedings will aim to resolve shared issues for all related actions.

The FDA Suggests Banning Formaldehyde From Hair Straighteners Due to the Risk of Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a ban on the use of formaldehyde in hair relaxers and smoothing products. Citing links to cancer and other long-term health effects, the agency’s new rule would prohibit the toxic chemical from being added to high-straightening and hair-smoothing products commonly labeled as relaxers.

The proposed ban is targeted to take effect in April 2024. This aims to raise awareness about formaldehyde’s potential harm, which disproportionately impacts Black women who frequently use chemical relaxers, Brazilian blowouts, and keratin treatments that may contain it.

The FDA action follows the studies that we discussed. Moreover, the findings were especially alarming for Black women, who are more likely to report regular usage.

Researchers estimated women who never used straighteners face a 1.64% risk of uterine cancer by age 70. However, for frequent users, the risk jumps to 4.05%, raising concerns about formaldehyde’s dangers.

Questions remain about the full health consequences of formaldehyde exposure through these cosmetic products. The proposed rule seeks to better protect consumers by prohibiting the toxic chemical, previously classified as a known carcinogen, from these hair care formulations. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to weigh in on the FDA’s plan before the slated April 2024 implementation.

FAQs

What is the recommended type of hair straightener for safe use?

A: According to experts, straighteners with ceramic plates are considered the safest option, especially for those with fine, normal, moderately coarse, or color-treated hair. Ceramic plates are smooth and glide through the hair without causing excessive snagging or breakage, minimizing potential damage compared to other materials like titanium.

Are there any potential health concerns associated with keratin treatments?

A: While keratin itself is a natural protein found in hair, skin, and nails, keratin treatments often contain additional ingredients, including formaldehyde. It is important to note that formaldehyde is classified as a known carcinogen by the American Cancer Society, raising potential health concerns related to its use in these beauty treatments.

What are the potential drawbacks of using inexpensive hair straighteners?

A: Cheap hair straighteners may appear to be a cost-effective choice, but they come with several potential downsides. These budget-friendly options tend to have a shorter lifespan and are more prone to breaking or malfunctioning. Additionally, they may apply heat unevenly, snag or pull the hair, or even overheat, increasing the risk of hair damage. Investing in a higher-quality, more expensive straightener can ultimately prove to be a wiser choice. Such a product is likely to last longer and cause less harm to your hair over time.

The issue of chemicals in hair straighteners and cancer risk shows how consumer products are complicated with both benefits and potential unknown costs to health. While more research is still needed, it’s clear that certain ingredients pose risks that manufacturers did not adequately address.

As lawsuits mount and regulations change, this serves as an important example of consumers rightfully demanding transparency and action and regulatory bodies responding. Ultimately, maintaining an honest and open dialogue between industry and public health will be key to addressing safety. It will also be crucial for building trust and ensuring consumers can feel confident in the products used every day.