Hair relaxer usage raises safety concerns which prompt Black women to seek silk press and protective style alternatives. Black women seeking safer alternatives should explore silk press treatments alongside protective hairstyles. The guide provides information about hair relaxer lawsuits as well as side effects and proper care for your natural hair.
What Is a Hair Relaxer?
Hair relaxers function as chemical products to straighten naturally curly hair by breaking down hair proteins. For many decades Black women have used relaxers as a convenient alternative to their natural hair texture. The chemicals sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide along with guanidine carbonate exist in these formulas to permanently modify the hair structure.
The market offers two main types of hair relaxers which are lye and no-lye formulas. The no-lye relaxer brand positions itself as gentler but both types result in hair damage after extended usage. Relaxing your hair beyond its natural state results in significant harm to your scalp health and your general health status.
Personal Experience
I remember getting my first hair relaxer treatment at the age of 13. My mother applied the creamy white relaxer to my tightly coiled hair in the kitchen while she instructed me to hold still. The burning sensation was severe, but I remained silent because I wanted to achieve a presentable look for my school picture day. The hair relaxer process ended with me discovering straight and sleek hair for the very first time in my life. The experience left me feeling beautiful and accepted, and I must admit it brought me a sense of relief.
That feeling didn’t last.
The burning sensation turned into a regular occurrence throughout the years. The scabs on my scalp and thinning edges, and dryness that persisted despite oil application became normal for me. I started getting my hair touched up every 6–8 weeks in my mid-20s because I wanted to maintain a look that no longer felt genuine to me.
The lawsuits about hair relaxers began appearing in media headlines. The discovery that chemical relaxers might cause uterine cancer and hormonal disorders brought me to a complete stop. The irregular cycles and fibroids I experienced made me feel angry and betrayed when I learned that hair chemicals could potentially be the cause.
That was my breaking point.
I made the decision to stop relaxing my hair. The transition wasn’t easy. The combination of my two different hair textures and breakage issues along with self-doubts made the transition difficult for me. Through my journey I learned about protective hairstyles and deep conditioning treatments and I rediscovered the natural beauty of my curled hair which I had not seen since childhood.
The health of my hair has reached its best state during the past two years. More importantly, I feel free. Free from chemical dependency. Free from chasing approval. I can now present myself to the world without hiding my curls.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: A Wake-Up Call
A recent lawsuit filed against hair relaxer manufacturers has become a major wake-up call for consumers.
Multiple Black women have brought legal actions against L’Oréal and SoftSheen-Carson, as well as other companies in recent years. The court filings demonstrate how frequent hair relaxer use by women led to multiple severe medical problems, including:
- Uterine and ovarian cancer
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
The NIH published research in 2022 showing that women who used hair relaxers regularly faced double the risk of developing uterine cancer.
The legal cases demonstrate how Black women received inadequate information about the long-term health dangers of their primary use. More women are changing their hair relaxer habits as the legal cases continue to progress.
Hair Relaxer Side Effects to Watch Out For
Individuals who have used hair relaxers might already know the immediate effects these products can cause. These products lead to multiple forms of damage, which most people do not recognize until later.
Common Side Effects Include:
- Scalp burns and sores
- Hair thinning or permanent hair loss
- Dryness and breakage
- Hormonal imbalances
The products lead to a higher chance of developing problems with reproductive health.
The accumulation of these side effects happens through prolonged use of relaxers across multiple years. Professional application does not prevent the damaging effects that result from multiple chemical processing sessions on hair and scalp.
Hair Relaxers Alternatives (Healthier Options)
You can maintain stylish and manageable hair with non-harmful chemicals through multiple hair relaxer alternatives, whether you transition or simply want to explore different options.
Here are the top safe and effective options:
1. Silk Press
Natural hair receives temporary straightening from a silk press by using heat protectants together with a flat iron in this heat-styling technique. The hair structure remains unaffected by this process unlike relaxers do.
Pros:
Sleek, shiny finish
No chemicals
The curls will return after washing the hair.
Cons:
Heat damage becomes a risk when users use heat styling products excessively.
Requires frequent touch-ups.
2. Protective Styles
Natural hair growth flourishes through protective styles which include braids, twists, wigs and weaves because they minimize regular handling of the hair.
Popular Options:
- Box braids.
- Senegalese twists.
- Cornrows.
- Faux locs
Pros:
- Encourages growth.
- Low maintenance.
- Versatile looks.
Cons:
- The proper installation and removal of protective styles becomes crucial to stop damage from occurring.
- The use of tight styling can result in tension for the scalp.
3. Keratin Treatments
Protein-infused keratin treatments or smoothing treatments smooth and manage hair by injecting proteins into the hair structure. Keratin treatments present less harm than relaxers do but users should exercise caution because some products contain formaldehyde.
Pros:
- Frizz reduction.
- The treatment provides weeks of smooth straight hair results.
Cons:
- The products may include dangerous substances.
- Not recommended during pregnancy.
4. Blowouts & Flat Ironing
With proper tools and heat protection you can style your hair to look sleek by using a blow dryer followed by a flat iron. This hair styling approach enables short-term fashion without changing your natural curl formation.
Pros:
- Chemical-free
- Good for occasional styling
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Heat use in hair care can lead to dryness or damage to the hair structure
5. Texturizers
Texturizers are a less potent version of relaxers designed to loosen curls rather than straighten them. While milder, they still contain chemicals and carry risks.
Pros:
- Easier detangling
- Maintains some curl pattern
Cons:
- Not truly chemical-free
- Long-term use can still cause damage
6. Natural Hair Care Routine
Black women increasingly adopt their natural hair texture as their preferred choice. A proper hair care regimen which includes cleansing and moisturizing and deep conditioning followed by protective styling will enable natural hair to achieve both health and versatility and beauty.
Pros:
- No chemicals
- Promotes scalp health and growth
Cons:
- Requires time and patience
- Learning curve for styling and products
Embracing Natural Hair: A Journey of Self-Love
The movement away from hair relaxers serves as a symbol of personal empowerment while addressing health concerns. Throughout history straight hair maintained its position as the beauty norm. Black women across the United States are currently leading a resurgence to celebrate their natural hair textures which include coils and kinks and curls.
Moving from hair relaxers to your natural locks represents a transformative personal adventure. Your hair type will need discovery time to find appropriate care but the health benefits together with confidence boost and reduced health threats make the process worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Hair relaxer discussions are undergoing significant transformation. The current moment requires you to focus on your health because legal cases have exposed risks and women continue to share their experiences. The market offers multiple safe hair relaxer alternatives which include silk press techniques and protective styles as well as complete natural curl expression.
Your hair represents your most valuable possession. The pursuit of beauty should never force you to harm your health because you deserve to maintain both.