Hair relaxers have been a trendy way of achieving straighter, smoother hair since the early 1900s. It’s a popular trend that has stood the test of time, still being a commonly used hair treatment to this day. While they can dramatically reduce the amount of time and energy needed to style curly or wavy hair, there are some potential medical risks associated with their use. These health issues can be the result of someone’s negligent actions or an issue with the manufacturer. In this article, we will explore the most common health problems caused by hair relaxer treatments.
New Studies Suggest Possible Link of Hair Relaxers to Cancer
One of the most common health problems from hair relaxing treatments is allergic reactions, which can range from minor itching or burning to hives and swelling. The burning sensation, which is often felt on the scalp, forehead, or neck, may occur when the relaxer encounters the skin or when it is left on for too long. Breakage and thinning are also potential problems that may be brought about by improper treatments. This is because the chemicals in relaxers can weaken and make the hair brittle, leading to frequent breakage. Some people have reported experiencing scalp irritation and inflammation from the use of relaxers.
Whereas most of these issues were already known, recent studies suggest that frequent and prolonged use of hair straighteners might do more damage than initially thought. A 2022 study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used hair relaxers frequently had an elevated risk of developing uterine cancer. For many Black women, these findings are concerning, since they may have used these dangerous products unknowingly for years. As a result, it is not surprising that women of color are disproportionately affected by medical problems associated with hair-relaxing treatments. Prolonged use of chemical hair straightener products is also believed to result in fibroids, endometriosis, and other reproductive health issues.
Understand your Legal Options
It is important to be aware of these potential health risks and take steps to reduce your exposure and seek compensation for any harm done to you. In the United States, there are legal regulations in place that protect consumer health and safety. Any product that is a potential health hazard, including relaxers, must have a visible warning label or disclaimer explicitly stating the risk. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal action against the manufacturer or retailer of the product.
With the recent findings, victims are now seeking justice and filing class action suits against multiple brands that have since been linked to medical problems. If you believe that your medical condition was caused by a hair relaxer, you should contact a product liability attorney at Riddle & Brantley in North Carolina to evaluate your case and provide the legal representation needed when filing a hair relaxer claim. To begin with, they will assess the evidence and work with medical professionals to help establish the link between your health condition and exposure to relaxers.
Conclusion
Although quite common, hair-relaxing treatments can cause severe and life-threatening medical problems for their long-term users. With novel studies linking their frequent use to uterine cancer and other reproductive illnesses, victims have the right to seek justice and file a class action suit. Therefore, it is essential to understand the health risks and take steps to protect yourself, both physically and legally. It’s important to reach out to a trusted legal team to assist you with your claim. Your lawyer will be able to review your case and get you the justice that you deserve.