7 citations
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August 2018 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” This study found that chemical hair straightening significantly reduced hair curl and improved smoothness and shine, but did not significantly affect transverse fissures or split ends, indicating potential benefits with some side effects.
September 2025 in “Sahel Journal of Life Sciences FUDMA” 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.
2 citations
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January 2022 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” This review discusses the effects of chemical hair straighteners and reports associated side effects like scalp inflammation and hair damage, noting the variability of findings and the need for further research.
June 2024 in “Journal of Clinical Oncology” In this study, researchers analyzed data showing that Black women became the racial group with the highest incidence of endometrial cancer starting in 2017, associating frequent use of chemical hair relaxers with an increased risk of this cancer.
The researchers in this study observed that while hair chemical use was common among females with SLE, it was not linked to the development of SLE. However, those who used chemical hair straighteners before their SLE diagnosis had a higher risk of developing cutaneous manifestations.