Health & Safety Info on Hair Relaxers & Natural Hair Straightening Alternatives - By: Christen R.

Do hair relaxers cause breast cancer?



While there’s a higher incidence of breast cancer in African American women than white women, hair relaxers are not to blame! A 2007 study led by Lynn Rosenberg of Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center found no connection between use of hair relaxers and increased cancer risk. According to the study, hair relaxers are not carcinogenic to breast tissue.



Have hair relaxers changed through the years?



Lye hair relaxers emerged in the late 19th century when clothing manufacturer Garrett Morgan found that the liquid he used to polish sewing machine needles also straightened fabric and hair. The first no-lye relaxer was introduced in 1919, using potassium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide. Hair relaxers improved in the following decades, with the introduction of water-in-oil emulsions to reduce burning and stinging.



Today, popular no-lye hair relaxers include guanidine hydroxide. Guanidine hydroxide hair relaxers contain slightly weaker alkaline agents, are milder than lye-based systems, and are somewhat less effective at producing completely straight hair. A natural hair straightening alternative emerged recently as well, using mild alkaline mineral formulas.



Are no-lye hair relaxers safer?



The safety of your hair and scalp depend on how the relaxer is applied—both lye and no-lye hair relaxers can cause damage if used improperly! Lye hair relaxers (sodium hydroxide) are stronger, and are typically preferred by salons. No-lye formulas contain guanidine, lithium or potassium hydroxide. No-lye hair relaxers are usually sold in kits with everything you need (activator, stirring stick, base, neutralizer). Both contain harsh chemicals, and should be used with care.



Are there any alternatives to harsh hair relaxers?



Women who want straighter hair, without the risks associated with harsh hair relaxers, could try alkaline mineral natural hair straightening formulas. Better known as sodium carbonate, carbonated soda, or soda ash, this chemical serves as the base of a new breed of hair relaxers and natural hair straightening products. Alkaline mineral hair relaxers balance the pH of hair, and maintain the hair’s texture and elasticity and will not burn the scalp. While these formulas do not produce pin-straight results, they are a much safer option than conventional hair relaxers.



Is it safe to use hair relaxers when pregnant?



We don’t know! There’s no proof that hair relaxers are dangerous to use while pregnant, but there’s no proof that hair relaxers are completely safe, either. For your and your baby’s sake, it’s best to err on the side of caution. It may be a good idea to switch to natural hair straightening products, or go au natural during your pregnancy. Try sodium carbonate formulas, a natural hair straightening alternative.

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