Which hair relaxers cause cancer

Hair relaxers, also known as hair straighteners, are chemicals used to straighten and soften curly or kinky hair. These products contain a variety of chemicals, including sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, and thioglycolic acid, which can be harmful to both the hair and scalp.

Research has shown that some hair relaxers contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer. These chemicals include formaldehyde, which is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and 1,4-dioxane, which is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen.

Formaldehyde is commonly found in hair relaxers that use sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. This chemical can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, as well as allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can also lead to cancer, specifically leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer.

1,4-dioxane is a contaminant that is not intentionally added to hair relaxers, but can be formed during the manufacturing process. It is commonly found in products that use sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent, as an ingredient. 1,4-dioxane can be absorbed through the skin and is linked to cancer, specifically breast cancer and liver cancer.

There are alternative hair straightening methods that do not use chemicals that are known to cause cancer. These include keratin treatments, which use proteins to smooth and straighten hair, and Japanese hair straightening, which uses heat to straighten hair.

In conclusion, hair relaxers that contain formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane can increase the risk of cancer. It is important to carefully read the ingredient list of hair relaxers and consider alternative hair straightening methods to reduce the risk of exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

Hair relaxers are chemicals used to straighten hair and eliminate frizz. These chemicals, also known as hair straighteners or hair smoothing products, are commonly used by people of African descent to achieve a smooth and sleek look. However, some hair relaxers have been found to contain chemicals that may cause cancer.

One of the main chemicals found in hair relaxers that may cause cancer is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a preservative used in many hair care products, including hair relaxers, shampoos, and conditioners. It is a known carcinogen, meaning that it has the ability to cause cancer.

Another chemical found in hair relaxers that may cause cancer is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline substance used in hair relaxers to break down the hair's natural structure, allowing it to be straightened. However, it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the mouth and throat.

In addition to formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide, hair relaxers may also contain other potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens and fragrances. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in hair care products and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Fragrances, on the other hand, are added to hair relaxers to give them a pleasant smell, but they may contain chemicals that can be harmful to the body.

It is important to note that not all hair relaxers contain these potentially harmful chemicals. Some hair relaxers are made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils and plant extracts, that do not pose a cancer risk. It is recommended to check the ingredients list on hair relaxers before purchasing them to ensure that they do not contain any potentially harmful chemicals.

In conclusion, hair relaxers that contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, parabens, and fragrances may increase the risk of cancer. It is important to choose hair relaxers carefully and avoid those that contain these potentially harmful chemicals.