Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.
Hair straighteners and relaxers are chemicals applied to the base of the scalp to ensure new growth straightens as it matures. These products have been popular in the Black community since the early 1900s as a way to maintain hair texture and avoid heat-based treatments.
In October 2022, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of the Sister Study, which brought together 33 ,947 women to look at potential causes of uterine cancer. It found that “hair products may contain hazardous chemicals with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties.” This was one of the largest studies that connected the two. Previous studies have connected hair relaxers to ovarian cancer.
The endocrine system regulates hormones. For women, this includes telling the body when it’s time to ovulate. If this system is disrupted or carcinogenic chemicals are passed through the body, the reproductive system is one of the most likely places to be affected. Learn more about the link between ovarian cancer and hair straighteners to better understand why women are at risk.
Research
Several studies have found connections between women who use hair relaxers and endocrine-based cancers. Even if all of these studies don’t focus directly on ovarian cancer, they connect hair relaxers to cancers found in the female reproductive system.
Here are a few publications to review:
- A 2021 report on the Sister Study found a positive association between ovarian cancer and hair straighteners.
- A 2019 study in the International Journal of Cancer connects breast cancer cases to the endocrine-disrupting compounds and carcinogens in hair products.
- A 2020 study in the National Library of Medicine connected permanent hair dyes and cancer risk in women. The study found that there wasn’t a connection between hair dyes and most cancers, except for basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Women who use dangerous chemicals in their hair are not at higher rates of other cancers, like those in the bladder, brain, colon, or lungs. However, they are at risk for cancers that affect the breast, uterus, and ovaries. This highlights a direct correlation between straighteners and the endocrine system.
Conclusions From Government and Scientific Institutions
Hair products are regulated through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This governing body ensures people do not use or consume unsafe chemicals that could harm their health. Because of the prevalence of studies connecting hair straighteners to cancer, the FDA is looking at cancer-causing chemicals within these products.
Currently, the FDA is deciding whether to ban hair-smoothing products that use formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Hair product developers already know this chemical is dangerous and yet continue to use it in their products.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, the two egg-producing organs in the female body. Cancer occurs when cells start to reproduce abnormally, which means they aren’t able to effectively do their jobs. Despite the abnormal growth, the cells reproduce rapidly and spread throughout the body.
If doctors catch ovarian cancer early on, they can contain the cells in one area. However, if the cancer is allowed to spread undetected, it will reach other organs and systems, causing detrimental effects for patients.
Prevalence of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer makes up 1% of all cancer cases but 2% of all cancer-related deaths. In 2023, there were 19,710 new cases of ovarian cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Around 10 in 100,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and it has a five-year survival rate of 50.8%.
Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer, some of which are out of your control. People with a family history of ovarian cancer are more likely to develop it again. Women who are overweight or obese, have children later in life, or have never carried a full-term pregnancy are also more likely to develop this cancer.
Ovarian cancer rates fell at a rate of 3.2% from 2010 to 2019. Better screening and treatment means that cancer cases are caught early on and patients are more likely to enter remission and feel secure.
Types of Hair Straighteners and Relaxers
There are multiple types of hair straighteners and relaxers available depending on your hair and its specific needs. However, most chemical straighteners fall into three categories:
- Traditional straighteners use sodium hydroxide to relax hair and can cause the most scalp irritation for users.
- Japanese heat straighteners use ammonium thioglycolate and are less damaging, but also less permanent. Hair returns to its normal texture within six months.
- Brazilian straighteners may contain formaldehyde and last about three months. They aren’t recommended for very curly hair.
Each of these relaxers comes with its own risk levels. While the Brazilian relaxers are the least harsh and affect the hair for the shortest term, some also use formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Dangerous Ingredients in Hair Straighteners and Relaxers
Formaldehyde isn’t the only harmful chemical in certain hair straightening products. These treatments use a variety of ingredients to treat and relax hair. Here are a few dangerous components to look out for:
- Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide.
- No-lye relaxers may contain other highly alkaline (high-pH) chemicals besides sodium hydroxide.
- Parabens are artificial preservatives in cosmetics.
- Phthalates are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Black women buy hair-relaxing products nine times more than other ethnic groups. This means the need for safe hair straighteners is essential for protecting this community.
How To Lower Your Risk
Even if you are healthy today, you may be genetically predisposed to ovarian cancer. However, the CDC does connect some activities with a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer:
- Using birth control pills for at least five years;
- Giving birth;
- Breastfeeding;
- Having a hysterectomy, having your ovaries removed, or getting your tubes tied.
Each of these activities stops ovulation, which prevents your ovaries from creating cells and potentially developing cancerous growth.
Additionally, if you use straighteners and relaxers, know the chemicals you are putting on your hair. Avoid formaldehyde and other known carcinogens. Look for natural alternatives so your body isn’t exposed to such harsh products.
What To Do if You Suspect Ovarian Cancer
If you suspect you may have or may develop ovarian cancer, take steps to catch this disease early on. Regular screenings and check-ups save lives each year by helping doctors detect cancer early on. Here’s what you need to do.
- Discuss your ovarian cancer concerns with your doctor. They can recommend a cancer specialist for detailed testing.
- Document each step of the treatment and diagnosis process if your doctor confirms your cancer.
- Follow your doctor’s orders to rest and recover. Seek treatment for the cancer so it falls into remission. Healing is the most important part.
- Bring these documents to a lawyer to discuss the connection between your ovarian cancer and your hair straightener use.
There are several existing hair straightener claims as ovarian cancer patients connect their disease to the products they use. Companies need to be held liable for putting customers in dangerous situations and risking their health to turn a profit. If you suspect your cancer was caused by the relaxers you use, reach out today to discuss your case.