Data shows that over 10 million women in the U.S. rely on hair relaxers at home. Hair relaxers gained popularity because they effectively straighten hair through chemical alteration. This product contains harmful chemicals that can end up in the user’s body after every use. If you routinely use hair relaxers or have done so for years, the collection of chemicals in your blood can result in serious diseases like uterine cancer. African-American women represent the greatest population of hair relaxer users.
The rates of uterine cancer in African-American women have been on the rise over the last decade. This might be connected to this population’s use of hair relaxers. Women who rely on these products should stop purchasing them as soon as possible and decide on safer alternatives to achieve straight hair. Some of the non-toxic and safer alternatives that you can use to straighten your hair include:
- Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. Countless hair dryers exist that can help you to properly style your hair. When hairdressers are utilized as recommended, you should anticipate having very smooth hair. By using a blow dryer, you will also end up maintaining your hair’s natural volume. Before settling on a certain hair dryer, it is a good idea to perform adequate research because most blow dryers are designed for distinct types of hair. Blow dryers evenly distribute heat so your hair can quickly dry and provide a smooth and silky shine. Some advantages that people realize by blow-drying their hair include that it provides desired flexibility to your hair, your hair dries quickly, and blow dryers are both light and portable. Hair drying, however, comes with some disadvantages. One, blow drying might weaken the thread. Two, repeated blow dryer usage can end up decreasing your hair’s brightness or shininess.
- Heat styling. Simple and easy-to-do, heat styling is also a reliable way to straighten hair. With the use of a flat iron (which costs somewhere between $25 to $200), you can successfully straighten your hair in the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, it often takes up to one hour to complete the process if you either have long hair or if your hair is thick and challenging style. Heat styling is not without its disadvantages, though. For one, heat styling can damage hair if you plan on repeated usage. Additionally, some of the best hair straightening irons can be expensive, which is why it is a good idea to research the market before you purchase one of these products.
- Keratin treatments. This treatment combines your hair with keratin protein, which seals the cuticle. This, in turn, makes hair both stronger and shinier. While some options can be performed at home, this treatment is only done in salons. Unlike some treatments, however, a keratin treatment can last up to six months based on how frequently you wash your hair. This can end up saving you substantial time in straightening your hair, which makes this a good fit for people who do not have a lot of time. If you are interested in straightening your hair, keratin treatments might be the best choice for you despite being expensive and often ranging in price between $250 to $800. You should also be aware that keratin treatment sometimes contains formaldehyde. Before deciding if this is a suitable option for you, you should make sure to speak to your hairstylist and address your various concerns. Some additional shortcomings of keratin treatment are that it is not suitable for pregnant women, some people experience allergic reactions to treatment, and the process can only be performed by a qualified hair stylist.
- Oil treatment. A natural and often effective way to straighten hair, oil treatment also is inexpensive and widely accessible. This type of treatment comes with the bonus of locking in moisture and avoiding hair damage, which are two factors that can quickly lead to unhealthy hair if not appropriately avoided. These oils can include avocado, coconut, or olive oil. Another reason people love oil treatment is that it can be done on your hair at home without ever needing to go to the salon. Oil treatment, however, is not without its shortcomings. For one, it can weigh down your hair, which can be an unpleasant experience. The reason why these oils work so well is due to their hydrophobic properties, which help to protect your hair. To see the best results after using vegetable oils, you should consider mixing ingredients. Be aware of additional risks associated with oils, including that they contain both trans fats and fatty acids, which can end up harming your hair.
- Silicone cream. This widely available product requires neither heat nor unique tools. Instead, silicone cream should only be placed on the hair when it is dry. Silicone cream is a good choice for women who experience difficulty with other hair straightening techniques. Silicone serves as a modeling agent and manages to keep the hair in position until shampoo is placed on your hair. Like the other options, silicone cream comes with its drawbacks, including that washing the cream out of your hair can be challenging and is often only viewed as a temporary solution. This product often costs anywhere between $5 to $50. Silicone cream is a good fit if you have thick hair or you have fine/damaged hair that does not respond well to heat or chemicals. Due to its thick consistency, silicone cream works best for people with thick hair. Another shortcoming of silicone cream is it can prevent the hair shaft from breathing properly.
Speak With an Experienced Hair Relaxer Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has received a serious medical diagnosis following the use of hair relaxers, you should not hesitate to obtain the results that you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today. During a free case evaluation, we can review your available options to pursue compensation.
