Hair Straightener and Cancer: Hair coloring, hair straightening, and hair smoothing are currently trending. People of all ages, not just the youth, are following these fashion trends. However, the medical perspective on this is quite different, and it’s essential for you to be aware of it.
Hair Straightener and Cancer: Hair straightening, hair coloring, and hair smoothing are all the rage these days. Everyone is getting them done to give a new look to their hair. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently banned the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in products used to make hair silky and smooth for cancer prevention. Understanding why and how these hair products pose a cancer risk is crucial. To shed light on this matter, we spoke with Dr. Rajit Channa, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
How do Straightening, Coloring, and Smoothing Increase the Risk of Cancer? Dr. Rajit Channa states that the FDA’s ban on the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents in products used to make hair silky and smooth for cancer prevention is something we wholeheartedly support. Products that straighten hair can lead to both short-term and long-term serious issues. Formaldehyde, present in some hair straightening products, can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat upon contact with steam. Additionally, respiratory issues may arise, increasing the risk of cancer in the long run.
Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer in Women These hair products increase the risk of uterine or cervical cancer in women. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 indicate that women exposed to the fumes of these chemicals have a higher likelihood of developing uterine cancer. This type of cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Formaldehyde triggers these cancer cells and promotes mutations in the body.
Hair Dye and Bladder Cancer Risk Research from Cancer.gov reveals that using hair dye, especially those containing hydrogen peroxide, increases the risk of bladder cancer. Approximately 80% of hair dye products are made from hydrogen peroxide, which can form carcinogenic formulations. This raises the risk of bladder cancer.
Increased Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Hair dye, straighteners, or relaxers contain carcinogenic agents that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These products are absorbed through the hair and scalp, reaching the body. Compounds such as formaldehyde or methylene glycol, which are present in these products, release formaldehyde when heated during flat-pressing or blow-drying, triggering cancer. Moreover, these compounds affect the healthy sequence of cells and enhance hormonal and free radical effects, increasing the risk of cancer.
Doctor’s Advice: Dr. Rajit Channa emphasizes the importance of identifying carcinogenic agents in daily products and avoiding their use. By doing so, you can prevent potential cancer-related issues. It is also crucial to choose safe hair products by carefully examining their ingredients and using them accordingly.
