Prior to the latest natural hair movement, many Black women used chemicals to turn the texture of their hair straight. In a society that promotes white beauty ideals and culture, for many, relaxing their hair was the only way to obtain professional success and feel beautiful. In recent years, this “beauty” treatment, which often results in scabs on the scalp, chemical burns, and even hair loss, has also been linked to cancer.
A comprehensive body of scientific evidence has proven that straighteners and other hair products marketed to Black women and girls contain endocrine-disrupting substances. These chemicals interfere with the body’s natural hormonal systems and are associated with uterine fibroids, preterm birth, infertility, and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. In 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a study revealing women who use hair straightening chemicals are more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who do not. Since Black women are more likely to use these types of chemicals on their hair, they are 2.5 times more likely to develop uterine cancer, the most common cancer of the reproductive system. Since 2000, aggression subtypes have been on the rise, especially among Black women.
With this wealth of scientific research to support their claims, nearly 9,000 women across the country have filed lawsuits. Industry leaders L’Oréal and Revlon are two of the defendants in the case. The legal proceedings are currently in the discovery phase, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages. L’Oréal released a statement in November 2023, stating they “believe the allegations made in these lawsuits have neither legal nor scientific merit.”
Despite definitive scientific data, formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer, is still present in many cosmetics, including hair straightening creams. The FDA proposed a ban on the toxin that was supposed to be implemented in April 2024 and then rescheduled for July 2024. The FDA is now hoping to enforce the ban in September 2024.
Despite extensive scientific evidence and the rising number of affected women, harmful chemicals persist in products marketed to Black women. The legal battles against giants like L’Oréal and Revlon highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and greater accountability within the beauty industry.
SOURCES
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/loreal-hair-relaxers-litigation
https://www.sfchronicle.com/us-world/article/hair-relaxers-cancer-women-19577996.php