Why Choose 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.
Nonchemical vs. Chemical Hair Relaxing
| Nonchemical Hair Relaxing | Chemical Hair Relaxing | |
| Application | Involves applying heat, masks, keratin or oil to your hair. | Tends to be more complex and may call for allergy tests, skin protection, even applications, precise timing and multiple stages and materials. |
| Duration of Effect | Varies in duration, but most are temporary, lasting a few days for flat-iron straightening. | Often permanent, lasting until hair grows out. |
| Effectiveness and Effects | Can instantly reduce frizz, enhance shine and create versatile hairstyles. However, excessive heat can lead to dryness, rough texture and split ends. | Using products multiple times can cause frizzy hair, dryness, hair thinning and hair loss. Hair color may become uneven, and split ends can lead to overall damage. |
| Materials | Many nonchemical hair relaxers use heat or high-quality oil. They may also include natural ingredients such as milk, honey and other food-based materials. | Various chemical straightening formulas exist, typically including a substance with a high (basic as opposed to acidic) pH. |
| Side Effects | Straightening methods like hot combs, hair dryers and flat irons can cause dehydration, protein damage and weakened hair structure, especially at high temperatures. | Chemical straighteners could cause skin damage, hair damage, kidney injury, respiratory disease and impacts on puberty and fertility. There is also a possible link between some straighteners and a higher risk for certain types of cancers, including uterine cancer. |
| Skin sensitivity | Generally, it doesn’t cause skin issues unless a person is sensitive to a specific product or ingredient. However, heat can dry out your scalp. | It could irritate sensitive skin, though chemical formulations are marketed to people with this issue. |
“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.
Key fact
A study from the National Institutes of Health suggests women who frequently use chemical hair relaxers could be more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than women who don’t use these products.
Source: National Institutes of Health
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.
Benefits of Nonchemical Hair Relaxers
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.
Fact
People choose to straighten their hair for a variety of reasons. Some women feel pressure to change their hair because of complex structures of social and workplace discrimination. Whether you’re choosing to straighten your hair out of personal preference or for social beauty standards, understanding the health risks and alternatives can help you make an informed decision.
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.
Types of Nonchemical Hair Relaxers
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.
Chemical-Free Hair Relaxers
- Heat: Flat irons pass hair between two heated plates to straighten it.
- Keratin: Chemical-free keratin is a long-lasting, professional treatment.
- Oil: People typically apply warmed oil to their hair and let it sit under a towel before washing it out.
- Silicone: Silicone is a polymer and not a natural product, but these short-term straighteners typically don’t have the same components as standard chemical relaxers.
The distinction between chemical and nonchemical relaxers isn’t always clear. Any other ingredients on a product package call for further research.
How Do Nonchemical Hair Relaxers Work?
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.
Tips for Choosing a Nonchemical Hair Relaxer
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.
Finding a Relaxer for Your Hair
- Calculate your budget for straightening. Some techniques can be expensive at professional salons, ranging from $250 to $450.
- Determine where the natural relaxing process fits into your hygiene and beauty routine. Some techniques require more frequent applications than others.
- Set goals about your desired look. Many natural products don’t create completely flat hair.
- You can smell and feel the treated hair. Examine the look in different lights and weather. This will help you assess the best fit for you.
- Test products in small applications for skin or hair sensitivity, especially formulations with unfamiliar ingredients.
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.
Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making decisions about your health or finances.
