Healthy Hair and styling - What You Need to Know

We all love to style our hair! From sleek, straight strands to bouncy curls, hair products help us achieve the look we desire. But have you ever stopped to think about what's in those products and how they might affect your health?

This blog aims to inform you about the ingredients commonly found in hair styling products. We will also share the potential health risks associated with them and some easy tips for using them safely.

If you regularly use hair styling products, this post is a must-read! Let’s get started!

 

Common Hair Styling Products

Let's take a closer look at some popular hair styling products and their ingredients:

Chemical Hair Relaxers: These products straighten curly hair by breaking down the hair bonds. A common ingredient is ammonium thioglycolate, which can irritate the scalp and eyes.

Hair Gels: Used for hold and definition, hair gels often contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair and scalp. Other ingredients include polymers for hold and thickening agents.

Hair Sprays: Offering hold and manageability, hair sprays typically contain aerosol propellants, resins for hold, and film-forming agents to coat the hair.

Hair Waxes and Pomades: These styling products provide texture and shine. Waxes often contain petroleum or beeswax, while pomades may have oil-based ingredients.

Health Issues Associated with Hair Styling Products

While hair styling products make our hair look great, some ingredients can pose health risks. Here's a breakdown of some potential concerns:

Potential Cancer

Long-term use of chemical hair relaxers can expose individuals to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and lye. These substances can penetrate the scalp, leading to potential health risks, including cancer. Recent studies have shown a significant link between the use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of uterine cancer. The research indicates that these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormonal balance, which can lead to the development of cancer over time.

As awareness of these risks grows, lawsuits are underway against manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers. Victims are seeking justice for the health issues caused by these products. If you've been affected, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance. So that you can win your hair relaxer lawsuit with expert help and ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. The legal professionals have the required knowledge to deal with such cases successfully! They will calculate the right compensation amount, including your medical bills, extra expenses, and even loss of pay (if any). In addition, they also factor in non-punitive damages to maximize the amount.

Skin Irritation and Allergies

Certain ingredients in hair products can irritate the scalp, causing itching, redness, and flaking. Fragrances, preservatives, and some alcohols are common culprits.

Skin irritation occurs when these chemicals penetrate the scalp's protective barrier, leading to inflammation and allergic reactions. Prolonged use of products containing these irritants can worsen symptoms, resulting in chronic discomfort and damage to the scalp. In addition, individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, are particularly susceptible to these effects.

Respiratory Problems

Have you ever wondered why hairspray sometimes makes you cough? It's those tiny particles in the air! Many styling products, especially aerosols, release chemicals called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when you use them.

These VOCs float around and irritate your lungs, making breathing difficult. This can be especially troublesome for people with asthma or allergies. So, if you ever feel a cough or shortness of breath after using hairspray or other styling products, take a deep breath of fresh air by opening a window or stepping outside. It can help clear those lung irritants and make breathing easier.

Easy Tips for Safe Use of Hair Styling Products

Now that you're aware of the potential health risks, here are some simple tips for using hair styling products safely:

1. Read the label! Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity on the product label. Learn about the ingredients you're putting in your hair and choose products with fewer harsh chemicals.

2. Go natural! Whenever possible, look for natural and organic haircare. These are generally gentler on your hair and scalp.

3. Protect your scalp! Apply a leave-in conditioner or scalp oil before using styling products, especially heat styling tools, to create a barrier and minimize damage.

4. Less is more! Try to limit the frequency of using styling products. Give your hair a break and embrace your natural texture whenever possible.

5. Patch test! Before using a new product, always patch-test a small area of your skin behind your ear to check for allergic reactions.

By being mindful of the ingredients in your hair styling products and following these easy tips, you can enjoy beautiful hair while minimizing potential health risks. Remember, your health is always the priority! Do your research, choose products wisely, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.