Yes, chemical hair straightening products are effective and help you achieve amazing results that last long. But certain people think chemical hair straightening products could lead to serious issues such as uterine cancer. How true is that? Well, read along to find out.
This blog briefly defines what chemical hair straightening is, its link with uterine cancer and other issues, and some healthy and safe tips to achieve straight hair. So, read in full.
What is Chemical Hair Straightening?
It's the process of breaking down your hair's natural protein bonds. Chemical hair straightening is also called hair relaxing. Simply, it is a permanent hair straightening solution.
Further, chemical hair straightening involves a chemical relaxer that could be ammonium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, etc. The expert usually chooses a product depending on your hair texture, length, etc.
Experts have studied several potential harms of using chemical-based hair products in recent years, and the research is still ongoing. However, the researchers discovered that other products, such as dyes, highlights, and bleach, are safe for women and have no link to uterine cancer.
Chemical Hair Straightening and the Possibility of Uterine Cancer
Although chemical-based products show better and quick results, they come with several side effects. Unlike natural products, they are comprised of elements that directly risk your health. The use of such products is highly associated with the risk of hormone disruption and reproductive health problems such as Uterine cancer, as per the study.
The use of chemical hair straighteners is estimated to increase the risk of uterine cancer by 2.46 times by the age of 70, according to study leader Alexandra White of NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Safety) of the US. Some studies have also found hormone-disrupting chemical compounds in hair straighteners. These products have been associated with high ovarian and breast cancer risk.
So, yes, you can say that chemical hair straightening can increase your risk of uterine cancer.
What Else Does Chemical Hair Straightening Do Besides Increasing the Risk of Uterine Cancer?
Other disadvantages of using chemical hair straightening, apart from causing a potential risk of uterine cancer, are:
It Harms your Scalp
The chemicals used in hair straightening are often quite strong. They can damage your scalp if applied by an inexperienced stylist. Too often, such carelessness can lead to infections, hair loss, and other problems.
It has many negative long-term effects on your body. If you already have a serious hair problem, say 'No' to permanent straightening right away and rely on safer methods (more on that later) instead.
→ Make Your Hair Incredibly Voluminous & So Much Softer with This Scalp Detox
Loss of Hair Elasticity
Since Hair straightening dissociates natural keratin, your hair consequently loses elasticity and becomes dry. Also, after getting the treatment, you are supposed to use the recommended products. Otherwise, your hair becomes even more frizzy and rough.
Split Ends & a Boring Look
Chemical hair straightening involves the use of strong chemicals, as stated earlier. These chemicals often render your hair dry, leading to split ends which are often hard to deal with.
Chemical hair straightening is permanent or at least effective for a pretty long time. And during all that time, you cannot try curling your hair which can be boring. So, make sure to keep this in mind if you're going for permanent hair straightening.
All in all, chemical hair straightening gets the job done pretty well, it's a complex procedure, and the benefits aren't worth the risk. Therefore, try to opt for better and healthier ways of straightening.
→ Know More About Permanent Hair Straightening
Natural Tips by Experts for Straight-Like Hair
More or less, chemical-based things do make you vulnerable to health-related problems. Nothing can beat products obtained naturally, regardless of any theory. Some of the amazing natural products recommended by experts for straight-like hair are:
Aloe Vera
It's an excellent option that contains almost all the essential properties needed for hair care. Also, it works as a moisturizing product that simply results in the natural straightening of hair. And interestingly, it's quite simple to apply. All you've got to do is prepare a pack of aloe gel and warm olive oil. Then massage the mixture on your scalp. Leave it for an hour or so. And you are good to go.
Multani Mitti
Multani mitti, which is commonly used to get glowing skin, is also used to keep your hair straight. The use of Multani mitti is an easy task. Just take one white egg, two tablespoons of rice flour, and a cup of Multani mitti. Mix it well and apply it to your head.
Banana
Bananas have good softening properties and can be used to treat dry and frizzy hair. They are helpful in natural hair straightening and work as deep nourishment for chemically treated hair.
Besides, there are also some natural products that work extremely well, such as milk and honey. Milk's fat content aids in the softening and smoothing of your hair. Also, honey, a natural moisturizer, could simply add shine to your locks.
Take Away
Most chemical-based products pose a number of health-related risks which often outweigh the benefits. And while chemical hair straightening can improve the risk of uterine cancer, it's not always the culprit. There could be several other explanations. Therefore, before you jump to any conclusions, gather as much information as you can and talk to an expert.
Also, use chemical-based skin and hair products with caution. However, if you want to minimize the risk of any health issue, avoid chemical products altogether and use natural products that offer nothing but benefits.