For over a century, chemical hair straighteners have been a big part of the black hair community. The first chemical hair relaxer was invented by Garret A. Morgan in the early 1900s. A lot of black women got their first chemical hair relaxer when they were just little girls, and they keep getting chemical hair relaxers way into their adult years. There are so many black women who don’t even know what their real hair texture looks or feels like.
For so many years, the way our natural hair looked was not accepted, we had to modify our hair to fit in. We were so brainwashed by the narrative that our beautiful natural hair was ugly and nappy that we, as a black community, would convince each other that our hair was not something to wear loud & proudly. Thankfully, times have changed a lot, and this generation is growing up loving and accepting their natural hair and all the different hair textures that come with it.
Using Chemical hair straighteners comes with side effects, due to the harsh chemicals these hair straighteners contain. Some of these side effects are.
Hair Damage:
Chemical straighteners alter the natural structure of your hair by breaking down the protein bonds. This can weaken your hair and make it more susceptible to damage, including breakage and split ends.
Scalp Irritation
The chemicals in straightening products can irritate the scalp, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Hair Loss / Alopecia
Overuse or improper application of straightening chemicals can result in hair loss, particularly if they are applied too close to the scalp.
Health Risks
Many chemical hair straighteners contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde or lye. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and skin irritation.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to the chemicals used in these treatments. Allergic reactions can lead to severe itching, swelling, and redness of the scalp and skin.
Weakened Hair
Chemically straightened hair is often weaker and more prone to damage from heat-styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons. This can lead to further hair breakage and loss.
There is research done about the connection of certain cancers linked to chemical hair straighteners, I would really recommend you to visit the website drugwatch.com where you can find more information about chemical hair straightener, as it is more dangerous than a lot of us thought it was. A lot of people are filing Chemical Hair Straighteners Lawsuits, against these product manufacturers, because they did not warn the people about the potential health risks.
It’s time to take care of your health, and if you are still using chemical straighteners, maybe it’s about time to let it go and thrive for healthy hair care.
Share this message with your loved ones and people around you who are still using these hair products, to warn them about the dangers. And if you are still using chemical hair straighteners, go and do your own research!
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