permanent hair dye was also associated with increased breast cancer risk, particularly among Black women. However, there was no association found between hair dye and ovarian or uterine cancers.
A separate 2020 study in the British Medical Journal found a higher risk of ovarian and some breast cancers for women who had dyed their hair 100 times or more. That study did not, however, find a connection between permanent hair dye use and most other cancers, such as bladder, brain, colon, kidney, or lung cancers.
New hair growth, is visible at 6-8 weeks. This new hair growth this the only part of the hair that would need to be retreated with a relaxing chemical to maintain the straightened appearance.
In fact, it is critical that further chemical application to the already treated hair shaft is methodically avoided to prevent further damage to already potentially brittle hair.
The hair strand is composed mainly of a protein called keratin. Chemical bonds are the building blocks that give hair its texture and strength. The bonds cross-link the hair’s protein molecules to impart strength and rigidity to the hair.
READ: Can Hair Relaxers Increase Your Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer?
The easiest way to think of this is a ladder. The steps or rungs are the bonds that hold the two side rails or protein together.
The shape and strength of hair is partly controlled by chemical
bridges (rungs in the ladder) called disulfide bonds that connect protein fibrils together.
Hair breakage, hair thinning, lack of hair growth, scalp irritation, scalp damage and hair loss are just some of the complaints from those many who experience problems from the misuse of chemical hair relaxers. In fact, the FDA lists hair straighteners and hair dyes as among its top consumer complaint areas.
Excessive use of hair relaxation is also a cause of widespread hair loss called scarring alopecia. Unfortunately scarring alopecia is a permanent hair loss condition that is virtually impossible to correct. Any of these strong chemicals have the potential to burn the scalp causing scarring alopecia.
The age at which hair relaxation is started is controversial. Some believe it should never be done and some believe it should be started at puberty.
Most experts agree relaxers should never be applied to children’s hair under the age of 13 or until they reach puberty for varying reasons. Children’s skin is more sensitive and susceptible to severe chemical burns. It is also unfair to assume an understanding of the commitment level involved to maintain their hair after beginning this chemical process.
Although the look and manageability of relaxed, silky hair is highly sought after, it certainly is not attained without significant risk and potential damage to an individual’s hair.
This is particularly relevant to children who should not use these chemicals as their skin is more susceptible to severe burns. With the proper education and understanding of the process and the proper application of a treatment, however, one can attain the look desired with minimal damage to the hair.
However, there is also a strong movement to remain natural and avoid any risk of damage to one’s hair by avoiding any chemical treatments whatsoever.