Over 10 million American women use chemical hair relaxers at home
While hair relaxers are very effective in straightening your hair by chemically altering it, they contain dozens of harmful chemicals that can end up in your body with every use. If you are a regular user, over the years, the accumulation of these chemicals in your bloodstream might lead to a serious disease such as uterine cancer. Black women represent the vast majority of hair relaxer consumers, as their hair is very difficult to straighten and needs a strong product to achieve this result.
Alarmingly, uterine cancer incidence has been rising among this demographic over the past decade, a grim statistic that might be related to their use of chemical hair relaxers. Therefore, women who frequently use these products should cease purchasing them and find safer, non-toxic alternatives if they want straight hair. The following are some alternatives you can use instead of chemical hair relaxers if you have curly hair:
- Oil treatments: As one of the most natural ways to straighten your hair, oil treatments are relatively inexpensive and accessible to most women. They are also a great alternative because they lock in moisture and prevent hair damage, both of which are key factors in keeping your hair healthy. Some of the best oils you can use are olive, coconut, and avocado oil. Perhaps the best part about oil treatments is that you can do one at home without having to go to a salon. Still, the drawback is that the oil might weigh down your hair, which can be unpleasant.
- Heat styling: This is a simple and effective way to tame frizzy hair. With the help of a flat iron, whose cost ranges between $25 to $200, depending on the quality you want, you can straighten your hair at home. However, it could take up to one hour to complete the process if you have long hair or if your hair is really difficult to style because it is thick. The only disadvantage of heat styling is that, over time, it might damage your hair.
- Keratin treatments: A keratin treatment introduces keratin protein into your hair and seals the cuticle, making your hair stronger and shinier. It is done only at a salon and can last up to six months, depending on how often you wash your hair, so if you want to have straight hair for a long time, this might be the best option for you. Nevertheless, keratin treatments are quite expensive, with the cost ranging between $600 and $800. One essential aspect you will have to pay attention to and ask about is the formula of the keratin treatment, as some contain formaldehyde.
- Silicone creams: These products, which are widely available, do not require heat or other special tools but must be applied only when the hair is nearly dry. Silicone creams work very well for women who have trouble getting other hair straightening methods to work properly on their natural hair, as the silicone acts as a molding agent, keeping the hair in place until you shampoo. The only drawbacks of this hair relaxer alternative are that washing the silicone cream out of your hair can be difficult and that it is a temporary solution.
File your toxic hair relaxer claim with our assistance
With over 30 years of professional experience, our attorneys are ready to help you determine whether you are eligible to file a toxic hair relaxer claim. If you have been using these harmful products and now struggle with uterine cancer or ovarian cancer, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the liable manufacturers. Because we are well aware of how overwhelming and painful having cancer is, we will strive to ease the legal process for you as much as possible, and if you are too ill to participate, a family member can step in.
The only documents we will request from you to assess your case are your medical records stating your diagnosis and evidence of your use of hair relaxers in the form of receipts or hair salon bills. After a careful evaluation of these documents, which will also serve as a starting point in filing your claim if you are eligible, we will let you know whether you qualify for compensation. Our resourceful attorneys will go to great lengths to obtain the most favorable results for your case, which might provide you with the money you deserve for your suffering.