HAIR RELAXERS: ARE THEY WORTH THE RISK?

Hair relaxers are chemical treatments used to permanently straighten curly or coily hair. They work by breaking down the natural protein bonds (disulfide bonds) in hair. While this makes hair smoother and easier to style, it also weakens the hair’s structure.

The invention of the relaxer is credited to Garrett Augustus Morgan, who introduced an early straightening product in 1913. Since then, relaxers have become widely used, especially among people of African descent.

The Chemicals Behind Relaxers

Early relaxers contained sodium hydroxide (lye), a highly corrosive chemical capable of causing:

• Severe scalp burns

• Hair breakage

• Thinning edges

• Permanent follicle damage

Later, “no-lye” relaxers were developed by companies such as Johnson & Johnson. These products use guanidine hydroxide instead. Although marketed as gentler, they can still cause dryness, brittleness, and scalp irritation.

Popular brands like Dark & Lovely, Mega Growth, and Soft & Beautiful made relaxers common in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Damage to Hair and Scalp

Relaxers permanently change hair structure. Over time, repeated use can lead to:

• Chronic scalp irritation

• Chemical burns

• Hairline thinning

• Excessive shedding

• Breakage at the line between natural and relaxed hair

In severe cases, burns may damage hair follicles permanently, leading to irreversible hair loss.

Possible Long-Term Health Risks

Recent studies suggest that frequent, long-term use of hair relaxers may be associated with increased risks of:

• Breast cancer

• Uterine (endometrial) cancer

• Hormonal disruption

• Kidney problems

Although these studies show correlation rather than direct causation, the concern is that relaxers contain chemicals that may be absorbed through the scalp, especially if there are burns or sores.

Hair relaxers may offer smoother, straighter hair, but they come with real risks. From scalp burns and hair damage to possible long-term health concerns, the effects go beyond appearance.

Before choosing to relax your hair, it is important to consider not just the style , but the potential cost to your health.

2026 Egena-Aruwa Aisha | TalkAfricaNG