Chemical hair straightening creams and their link to cancer have been in the news lately. You’ll probably read about them everywhere.
The hair relaxer cancer lawsuit claims the chemicals found in these products increase the risk of breast cancer and other dread diseases.
Manufacturers of hair straightening products containing carcinogenic formaldehyde stand accused of failing to warn consumers properly of the potential health risks.
Several lawsuit claims have been filed against haircare brands, including L’Oreal, Dark & Lovely and Motions Hair.
Sadly, the hair straightener cancer lawsuit has mostly affected the Black community. The frequent users of hair relaxers, including Black women, are the main target market. After decades of using the product, studies confirmed what many had claimed.
Thankfully, the tide is turning, albeit slowly. Black women are no longer hiding their natural hair. Curly. Kinky. Frizzy. Everything goes.
In this article, we’ll discuss natural alternatives to chemical hair relaxers.
#1 Hair Mask
Treehugger swears by this homemade recipe. You as of now have the provisions in your storage space.
All you’ll need is one cup of whole or coconut milk and a tablespoon of honey. Leave the mixture in your hair for an hour and then wash.
Treehugger further suggests using two cups of milk and an egg. Soak your hair for 10 minutes. Instead of rinsing your hair, squeeze out as much as you can. Wrap your hair with a plastic cover for 30 minutes and wash it out. Brush it dry.
While these masks won’t have the same effect as chemical straighteners, they will leave your tresses looking naturally healthy and shiny. A few drops of almond or coconut oil should help tame the frizz.
Traditional relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). It’s these compounds that have been linked to cancer, says TorHoerman Law. To err on safety, it’s best to refrain from store-bought relaxing products.
#2 Hot Oil Treatments
Dry, damaged hair needs moisture. The best way to lock in moisture is with a hot oil treatment.
Stylists prefer coconut, olive or almond oils. Coconut oil in particular is rich in fatty acids to hydrate and soften the hair while protecting the scalp.
Dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner tells CNN coconut oil can reduce frizz and smooth the hair. Dandruff problem? She’s also your girl, as the oil contains lauric acid, which is known to lower yeast levels in the scalp. No yeast? No dandruff.
The oil needs to be warmed to get the maximum benefits. Warm oil seals the cuticle by adding moisture to the follicle, stylist Jana Rago explains to Real Simple.
Hot oil treatments soften frizzy and textured hair and promote growth.
#3 Straightening Brushes
Using a straightening brush is probably the closest to getting sleek, straight hair.
A hairdryer and flat iron in one, straightening brushes dominate beauty TikTok. The advantages are fewer styling products and less heat.
Thanks to the latest technology, these products have dual purposes. They can detangle and straighten hair simultaneously. According to Splash Magazines, the ceramic tourmaline bristles enable faster styling as you brush.
Because they use lower heat settings, heat damage is minimal. But heat straightening brushes do have their drawbacks.
The primary focus is achieving a straight look. There’s no room for experimenting with curls or waves. With a bulky design, it’s hard to target smaller sections.
#4 Go Natural
Transitioning from chemically straight hair can be daunting. Many women have shared their experiences on blogs and social media. Some admit the journey hasn’t been easy.
Breaking away from the chains of Western beauty standards means unlearning everything we were taught about hair. Going natural takes determination and the belief that you are enough. Your hair doesn’t define you.
Versus Salon encourages its clients to start with baby steps. Don’t become overwhelmed. Create a routine. Follow four steps: shampoo, condition, moisturise and style. If you’re feeling adventurous, trim the ends.
If you’ve been using chemical relaxers for years, you might not see the results immediately. The duration of a keratin treatment is up to six months. Chemical straighteners can stay in the hair for six to 12 weeks.
As the hair straightener cancer lawsuit unfolds, consumers want to know how these products stay on the shelves. How could manufacturers not warn customers of the potential risks? Hopefully, the outcome of the lawsuit will provide answers.
What we do know is that the increased possibility of developing uterine cancer or uterine fibroids far outweighs the desire for perfectly straight hair.
