Nonchemical Hair Relaxers

Nonchemical hair straighteners could be a safer option than chemical relaxers. A study from the National Institutes of Health highlights that chemical hair straighteners have been linked to uterine cancer and other potential health concerns. Hair damage, sensitivity and cost have also led many people to look for alternatives to potentially harmful chemical hair straighteners.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on hair straightening and smoothing products containing formaldehyde in October 2023, with implementation scheduled for April 2024. However, the agency missed the original deadline.

While the FDA said banning products containing formaldehyde is a “high priority,” it missed reset deadlines in July and September. In October 2024, the agency issued a consumer fact sheet about using hair relaxers containing formaldehyde.

“Education is key in reducing the popularity of chemical relaxers,” Rachel Voss, a hairstylist and owner of Voss Salons in the Dallas area, told Consumer Notice. “In our salons, we hold workshops to inform clients about the beauty and versatility of natural hair textures, encouraging them to accept authenticity over conformity to outdated beauty standards.”

Chemical relaxers may cause harm beyond scalp and hair damage, so weighing the benefits and risks between chemical hair straighteners and nonchemical relaxers is essential.

Many people who used chemical products and experienced serious injuries are filing chemical hair straightener lawsuits. They are seeking compensation to cover medical treatments and lost wages.

Nonchemical relaxers can be gentler, easier to apply and safer than chemical alternatives. Additionally, oils and many other natural relaxers can help moisturize the scalp and hair.

Some benefits of nonchemical hair relaxers are specific to people with sensitive skin. Others might be preferable from a health perspective. For example, natural techniques don’t usually contain potentially toxic chemicals or cause possible chemical hair straightener effects like hair loss.

Chemical hair relaxers can severely impair the health of the hair follicle, according to Ghanima Abdullah, a cosmetologist and beauty consultant at therighthairstyles.com. When the hair follicle undergoes corrosion, it can’t build or hold onto healthy hair, resulting in hair loss from the follicle.

Using non-chemical hair straightening methods can help prevent weak and damaged hair that could result from chemical alternatives.

Heat, oil, silicone and keratin straightening provide straight or relaxed hairstyle options. While excessive heat treatment can also damage hair, natural products and techniques could offer more substantial benefits over chemical relaxers, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

There are two main categories of nonchemical hair relaxing techniques, including using nonchemical products and heat treatments. These strategies may overlap. For example, someone might use a flat iron in addition to a keratin treatment.

Marketing language on product packaging or advertisements can be confusing when shopping for nonchemical hair relaxers. For example, if a manufacturer advertises the product as “lye-free,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is free of other straightening chemicals.

The distinction between chemical and nonchemical relaxers isn’t always clear. Any other ingredients on a product package call for further research.

A nonchemical hair relaxer may use oils or products like shampoos, conditioners or serums to straighten hair, allowing added freedom with styling. These products can allow for straighter hair with minimal damage or harmful chemical exposure.

Heat is another main nonchemical relaxer for natural hair. Heat treatments break hydrogen bonds, simultaneously pulling and heating hair. These bonds can form again in humid or wet conditions, causing your hair to regain its natural waves and curls.

The best nonchemical hair relaxer for you depends on your individual needs. It is more than the final look. Factors like cost, how long a treatment lasts and health concerns are also crucial to consider.

Choosing a nonchemical hair relaxer is more complicated than picking a jar on a beauty supply store’s shelf. However, finding the right solution is important if you are concerned about the potential adverse health effects of chemical products.