In light of recent studies and a class-action lawsuit, concerns are escalating over the potential link between chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of cancer, particularly among Black women in Virginia.
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study revealed that women using chemical hair straighteners, commonly known as relaxers, were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use such products. This revelation has prompted discussions around the safety of relaxers, bringing attention to the potential health risks associated with their use.
The personal account of a mother preparing her daughters for a church service underscores the prevalent use of relaxers in African American communities. The nostalgic recounting of a childhood experience highlights the chemical processes involved in hair straightening and the associated risks. The article emphasizes the lack of explicit warnings on relaxer packaging regarding potential health hazards, leaving consumers unaware of the dangers they may be exposing themselves to.
Historically, the article notes, the use of relaxers has been linked to societal pressures and discriminatory beauty standards that favor Eurocentric features. The pressure to conform to these standards has led many Black women to use relaxers, often viewing them as a necessity for career advancement and social acceptance.
While legislative progress, such as the passing of the “Crown Act,” has acknowledged and addressed discrimination related to natural Black hair, the article suggests that for many Black women, such changes may have come too late.
Recent research from Boston University further supports the NIH study, revealing a connection between long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of uterine cancer, particularly among postmenopausal Black women. The disparities in cancer rates among Black women compared to other demographics are deemed alarming.
The loosely regulated nature of hair relaxers by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is highlighted as a potential risk factor. A class-action lawsuit against global beauty brands producing relaxers, involving over 8,200 women who have developed cancer after using these products, aims to not only compensate victims but also advocate for clearer labeling that discloses potential carcinogenic substances.
Legal experts argue that the lack of stringent oversight leaves consumers, particularly women of color and children, at risk of applying dangerous substances without adequate warning. The article cites attorney Lee Floyd, a member of the plaintiffs’ steering committee, who emphasizes the need for increased awareness and transparency within the beauty industry.
Hair stylists, who have been at the forefront of applying relaxers for decades, express concern over the potential health risks posed by these products. The evolving trend towards natural hair has led to a decline in relaxer usage, but questions remain about the safety of both home-use and professional-grade relaxers.
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of informed choice, urging consumers to be aware of the potential cancer risks associated with relaxers. It highlights the personal decision of the author, who stopped using relaxers over a decade ago, not only due to health concerns but also as an empowerment to embrace her natural hair texture.
In a society that increasingly challenges traditional beauty standards, the article calls for transparency, awareness, and the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their hair care practices, prioritizing health and personal definitions of beauty.
