I Used Chemical Hair Straighteners for Years Without Knowing They Could Cause Cancer

I am a black woman who has been natural (meaning I don't use chemical straighteners) for about eight years now. Before that, I relaxed my hair (I used Creme of Nature) for over 30 years. I started using relaxers when I was in my mid-20s.

I recently learned that the chemicals in relaxers (such as carcinogens) increase your risk of developing cancer.

My Story

When I was in my 30s, I started having excruciatingly painful heavy periods and it turned out that I had 13 fibroids. Together they were the size of a 6-month fetus. I found all this out when I was trying to conceive. It was a sad day when the doctor told me I had to have a complete hysterectomy. Today I firmly believe that all the years of using relaxers caused the fibroids. The news about relaxers causing cancer has only recently been brought to our attention. I thank God I didn't develop cancer, because I only stopped using relaxers 8 years ago when I decided to big chop and go natural.

The Danger of Chemical Relaxers

Just recently, a person reached out to me, asking me to spread awareness about the dangers of these chemical relaxers. They told me chemical hair straighteners from brands like L'Oreal, Dark and Lovely, and Just for Me, have been on the market for years, and women who use them may be at greater risk of developing uterine cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis, among other conditions, according to a recent National Institutes of Health study.

Please Stop Using Chemical Hair Straighteners

If you are still using chemical hair straighteners, I urge you to stop. There are plenty of natural hair care options available that don’t come with the same risks. Educate yourself about the risks of these products and make the switch to natural hair care.

Learn to love your natural crown. Our natural tresses are absolutely beautiful. Believe me, I know switching to natural is a process and it's a little scary. It takes time and patience, but it's worth it. There are so many resources available to teach you how to care for your natural crown. Look for natural hair care blogs, YouTube channels, and professional natural hairstylists who can provide styling advice. I encourage all women, especially black women, to embrace and celebrate their natural hair.

Where to Find Help

I want to help spread awareness about the dangers of these products. Click here to learn about chemical hair straightener lawsuits and learn more about the danger of these relaxers.

With love,

Dana