When it comes to appearance, there are some things you cannot change, and hair texture is one of them. Your genetics determine your hair type and texture in the first place. Asians have straighter and thicker tresses, and Africans have coiled and drier textures. Caucasian hair is a mix of straight (45%), wavy (40%), and curly (15%) types.
Despite the generalization, every person has a unique hair texture. Those with curls often struggle to maintain, manage, and style their locks. If you are one of them, you will probably have many more bad hair days than girls with straight tresses. Exploring straightening products and services will be on top of your mind at some point.
Statistics show that North America has a 24.6% share of the global hair straightening market. It means that almost every curly-haired person you know may have used a tool or treatment or will try them in the future. But before diving in, you must know that these products and tools may do more than give you silky and beautiful tresses. Here are a few good reasons to think twice before straightening your curls.
Chemicals & Cancer
Chemical straightening is a popular treatment because it offers an effective and lasting solution for even the most stubborn curls. The bad news is that research has established the link between hair straightening chemicals and cancer. According to a new NIH study, women using these products are at high risk for uterine cancer.
With the growing awareness, consumers are taking legal action against manufacturers for failing to warn them of potential health risks. Anyone who has developed uterine cancer due to the use of these products can file a hair straightener cancer lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for their pain and suffering. The manufacturer has to pay because they owe a duty of care to consumers.
According to the TorHoerman Law team, victims should follow the latest updates on these lawsuits and ensure eligibility before going ahead with the claim. Anyone diagnosed with uterine cancer (or even other forms of cancer) can file a product liability claim, provided they can establish a link between the disease and the frequent use of a chemical hair straightener or relaxer.
Cancer is a dire concern and a valid reason to avoid hair straightening for any woman. Although you may claim compensation for the harm, it is better to embrace your curls instead of risking your health.
Heat Damage
You may opt for heat styling as an alternative to chemical straightening. Although it is a temporary method, the results are reasonably good. Statistics show that the value of the hair straightening market in 2022 was a whopping 6.32 billion USD. The sheer market size indicates the efficacy of heating tools and equipment. But you cannot overlook the damage heat styling may cause.
Heat tools suck the life out of your luscious locks, whether you use a blow dryer or a flat iron. You may believe that your curls can bear occasional heat styling, but even a single session can cause significant damage. You may experience side effects such as dryness, breakage, split ends, itchy scalp, and dullness. The harm may even be irreparable when you use heat to straighten your curls frequently.
How to Tame Your Curls Safely
Considering the dire implications of chemicals and heat, you will probably want to find ways to tame your curls safely. Heat styling is not great for your hair, but it is still safer than chemical straighteners because you can do your bit to minimize the damage. Here are a few tips you can rely on:
- Learn to embrace your curls and limit straightening them to only a couple of times a week
- Stick to low or medium temperature setting to minimize exposure to heat
- Never use heat styling on wet curls because they are the weakest in this state
- Always use a heat protectant before straightening your hair as it prevents chemical burns
You can also follow the basics of an optimal haircare routine to make your curls manage. These include using the right products, moisturizing and deep conditioning your curls, and nourishing them with natural ingredients like olive oil, coconut milk, and honey.
Conclusion
Straightening your hair may seem harmless and convenient, but it may cause more harm than good. Whether you use heat or chemical products, the treatment can cause internal and external damage. It can even have far-reaching health implications. Awareness helps you choose wisely by weighing the risks or benefits of straightening. You may want to make peace with your curls on second thoughts.
