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Chemical Hair Relaxers and Uterine Cancer: New research from Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study reveals a concerning link between long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of uterine cancer among postmenopausal Black women. With as many as 95% of adult Black women in the U.S. reporting having used hair relaxers, the implications of this study are significant.
In response to these findings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a ban on formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, like methylene glycol, in hair smoothing and straightening products marketed in the United States. This move has left many Black and Latina women with questions about the impact on their health and hair.
What You Should Know:
The Study’s Findings: The study followed 45,000 women without a history of cancer and an intact uterus for up to 22 years. It found that postmenopausal women who used hair relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years had over a 50% increased risk of uterine cancer compared to those who rarely or never used such products. Women who used hair relaxers for 20 or more years had an even higher risk of about 70%.
Ingredients and Formulations:
The specific ingredients in hair relaxer formulations are often undisclosed, making it challenging to pinpoint which elements may pose health risks. The study found positive associations with both lye and no-lye formulations. These products are known to contain toxicants, carcinogens, phthalates, parabens, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Alternatives and Precautions:
While some products are marketed as safer alternatives to relaxers, scientific evidence supporting their safety is limited. It’s crucial to read labels and consult with a hair care professional to make informed choices. Be cautious of hidden formaldehyde in products like keratin treatments. Dr. Monique Gary, a breast surgeon, recommends choosing products carefully, given potential links between these chemicals and breast cancer.
Complex Conversations:
The use of chemical hair relaxers is complex, influenced by societal pressures regarding hairstyles for Black women, especially in professional settings. While the CROWN Act addresses hair discrimination, more efforts are needed to promote acceptance of natural hair among Black girls and women.
A Holistic Approach:
Experts recommend maintaining a health-conscious lifestyle and considering longer intervals between chemical hair relaxing treatments. While the study underscores a link, not everyone who uses these products will develop gynecologic cancers, and the highest risk was associated with moderate to heavy use.
It’s important to note that the study had limitations, such as the lack of updated exposure information over time and the potential differences in contemporary hair relaxer formulations. However, recent studies have detected harmful substances in modern hair products, including carcinogens.
This study aims to raise awareness about potential risks associated with chemical hair relaxers and calls for stricter regulations on cosmetic products. The FDA’s consideration of a formaldehyde ban is a step in the direction of ensuring safer alternatives for hair care.
