Women around the world use a wide variety of hair products, including hair oils, shampoos, heat protection sprays and leave-in repairing conditioners. Different products have different compositions, but most of the materials used are considered safe due to the lack of evidence in the form of scientific studies.
However, there is little recent research to suggest that hair relaxers, leave-in conditioners, and oils commonly used by women may contain estrogen or estrogen-destroying compounds. The chemical is known as an “endocrine disrupting chemical” commonly found in parabens, which are used in cosmetics as preservatives.
Do hair products increase cancer risk?
Although a direct link between endocrine disruptors and cancer has not yet been proven, these disruptors are known to affect hormones in the human body. They can cause hormone-driven cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. It’s best to avoid products that can put you at risk for cancer.
With that said, here is a list of potentially harmful chemicals found in hair products:
Paraben
Parabens are used in cosmetics as preservatives. This means the product will stay on the shelf longer. Some small studies have found that parabens can disrupt reproductive hormones in the body, harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and even increase cancer risk. rice field.
Also Read: What you need to know about parabens
benzene
Benzene, which is found in many popular brands of aerosol dry shampoo, is classified as a carcinogen and can expose you to several risk factors that can lead to leukemia and other blood cell cancers.
formaldehyde
Some hair straightening or smoothing products contain formaldehyde. Studies have shown that professionals who may be exposed to formaldehyde at work have an increased risk of leukemia and brain tumors compared to the general population.
1,4-dioxane
After conducting extensive research on ingredients in over 27,000 products, the Washington-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) found a carcinogen known as 1,4-dioxane in 28% of all personal care products. did.
Choose the Right Products to Reduce Your Health Risks
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 1.6% of women who had not used chemical hair straighteners developed uterine cancer by the age of 70 and used such products regularly. 4% of women who used it developed uterine cancer. This increased risk could be attributed to her EDC mentioned above. More research is needed to draw concrete conclusions based on facts and figures, but these preliminary studies serve as a reminder to be more careful with ingredients before using a product.
Finally, this needs to be contextualized in light of modern lifestyle changes, especially exposure to other potentially carcinogenic and harmful chemicals and toxins. It is necessary to be aware of the types and how they affect one’s health. Moderate use along with a healthy diet and lifestyle is the way forward.
