As the world becomes more image-conscious, people are willing to spend big on cosmetic treatments. From facelifts to tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts and hair treatments, many image-enhancing procedures are in high demand. Women, in particular, fall for the allure of chemical hair treatment to achieve the perfect color, texture, and shine for their tresses.
According to statistics, the hair care market in the US is worth a whopping $13.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow annually by 1.16%. These numbers include chemical treatments such as coloring, keratin, and relaxing. While you may achieve the perfect appearance and high levels of confidence with these procedures, the cost is higher than the saloon bills.
Beneath the gorgeous streaks and silky texture lies a world of potential perils. We will explore the risks of chemical hair treatments and highlight their health effects to help you make informed choices.
Coloring: Beyond the Stunning Hues
Did you know that over 75% of American women color their hair? The reasons vary from covering grays to changing their appearance and experimenting with new styles. You may want a global effect or pretty streaks and highlights. While there is a plethora of shades and techniques, harsh chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide can ruin your hair and health.
Prolonged use of chemicals can cause damage, breakage, and scalp irritation. Women with sensitive skin are prone to allergies, with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) being the most common cause of such reactions. In rare cases, the chemicals in these products can cause a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Additionally, some studies establish a link between hair color and a high risk of certain cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. While more research is required in this context, the risk isn’t worth taking only to get the hair color of your dreams.
Keratin: The High Price of Silky Strands
Keratin treatment promises shiny, smooth, and frizz-free hair, making it popular among American women. The keratin market is poised to cross the $ 2.5 billion mark by 2030, considering the current demand and popularity stats. However, silky strands come at a hefty price as a keratin-based solution coupled with heat can cause extensive damage.
The results are undeniably impressive, but formaldehyde, a potent chemical used in the treatment, can take a toll on your health. Potential adverse effects include skin problems, eye irritation, and respiratory issues. Unfortunately, women fail to pay attention to these risks because the lure of shiny tresses is too hard to overcome.
According to studies, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Repeated exposure at high levels can lead to various cancers, specifically leukemia. The worst part is that heat releases formaldehyde at highly concentrated levels, aggravating the risk of cancer during keratin treatment. It is vital to read the labels and ask about the chemicals in the keratin products before proceeding with the treatment.
Relaxing: Straightening Risks for Curly-Haired Women
If you have those unruly, curly locks, you may have tried or considered a relaxing treatment to get a straight and beautiful texture. But beware of the risk because it goes beyond scientific studies establishing the health hazards of chemical straighteners. The chemical hair straightener lawsuit is proof of women battling with the effects of these chemicals and seeking justice for their suffering.
TorHoerman Law notes that several claims have already been filed against manufacturers. According to the latest update, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) is being formed. Like keratin treatment, formaldehyde is the core culprit in hair relaxers. It contributes to the risks of uterine cancer,
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also proposed a ban on formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers. Other chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, can cause breakage, thinning, and scalp burns. Allergic reactions are also common in women using these products.
Safe Alternatives and Responsible Choices
Now that you know the health risks of chemical-based hair treatments, you will probably want to skip them and look for safer alternatives. Fortunately, you can find a middle path to achieve the perfect texture without chemical exposure.
For example, ammonia-free coloring options are ideal for hair coloring with a gentler approach. Styling techniques can help with the texture. The best piece of advice is to embrace the natural color and texture of your hair and steer clear of damaging chemical processes.
Conclusion
Chemical hair treatments are alluring because they provide instant transformations. However, they entail significant risks that require your attention. You should understand the potential perils to make informed decisions and opt for a healthy hair care regimen. The good thing is that safer alternatives exist. Most importantly, embracing who you are is the best way to deal with your hair woes and handle your expectations.