Dose-Dependent Histopathological and Structural Impact of Chemical Hair Straighteners on Scalp Epithelium and Hair Fibers Using Albino Wistar Rats
September 2025
in “
Sahel Journal of Life Sciences FUDMA
”
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Studysummary This study reported that albino Wistar rats exposed to chemical hair straighteners showed significant hair fiber damage and scalp skin deterioration, which worsened with repeated and prolonged application, highlighting the cytotoxic potential of these products and potential systemic risks. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This study on albino Wistar rats examined the effects of chemical hair straighteners on scalp and hair, revealing that repeated exposure leads to significant hair and scalp damage. The damage includes cortical fading, cuticular lifting, keratin degeneration, pigment loss, epidermal thinning, keratinocyte necrosis, follicular atrophy, and collagen matrix disruption, all worsening with increased exposure. These findings highlight the cytotoxic risks of chemical straighteners and their potential systemic absorption, despite the study's limitations of using an animal model and a single product. The results emphasize the need for further human research and safer hair cosmetic practices.
