Dangers of Chemical Relaxers

[CottonandCurls]

Spring - Perhaps but what would constitute enough of "danger to one's health" I wonder? As we all know its almost normal to suffer burns during a treatment. Why not research and develop a system that's less caustic?

 

[kupenda]

^^^ I'm adding more views because I keep coming back to read people's replies. I stopped reading the original post 1/4 of the way through. Mainly because this is a hair forum. And I was offended not by the information, but by the assumption that we as a band of women that have used everything under the sun and then some to care for our hair, are not intelligent enough to know the dangers of relaxers. We are chemists without degrees. We do enough research to give Johns Hopkins a run for their money. So why is this posted as if you're dropping knowledge on the ignorant? We are all very much aware. I appreciate your concern I guess. But some women choose to be relaxed because it fits their lifestyle. Not throwing shade or anything, just letting you know how I feel

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[sunnieb]

Have any one of you who have had a relaxer felt that it was doing physical harm to your, body aside from the usual burns?

No I haven't. Ever.

I never burn and I've been self-bonelaxed for a year and bonelaxed for approximately 25 years.

I've felt sick when I've eaten the wrong foods or didn't drink enough water. I go to doctors and specialists regularly and we've talked about all of my bad habits hair chemicals included and none have mentioned relaxers. Yes, I go to black, women doctors.

I've done my own research and know that I apply my relaxers safely.

Just like you will have relaxed heads who slap a relaxer on their heads willy nilly, you'll have naturals who burn/color/whatever to their hair just as haphazardly.

I will be happily relaxed for a long time to come.

If anyone has any questions about proper relaxed haircare, please post a thread or send me a pm. There are plenty of healthy relaxed ladies here who are more than willing to help.

OP, I do thank you for the information because maybe it will help someone who needs it.

 

[CottonandCurls]

Cherrypie - I agree that the post should have been tailored to be more sensitive. Whether you are natural or relaxed does not make anyone superior and nothing I've said has suggested otherwise. This forum is filled with posts by people with relaxed and natural hair trying to devised strategies to do the best they can to maximise the potential of their hair. Its tantamount to mass self help and its because up until now we were stuck at shoulder length hair that was thin and unhealthy. The traditional hair care methods were simply not working. It great to see us taking our hair into our own hands (pardon the pun) but I hope with time that we can see ourselves as doing that together without the divide.

 

[sunnieb]

Raspberry - Girl, you ain't neva lied! If you knew how addicted I was to drinking soda (coke mainly), you'd think it was amazing that I finally gave it up.

Can a caustic chemically relaxed head get some props for that??? My doctor thought I was lying! She's been trying to get me to give up soda for TEN years!

 

[CottonandCurls]

kupenda - I totally accept that but please don't assume that because this is a hair forum everyone knows the dangers of a particular process. Heat damage in the natural hair world is a good example. It is exactly for that reason why we have a hair forum to learn, change, evolve, stop bad practices and develop good ones. I join this forum to be informed not because I was informed. Sure, I had some knowledge before I joined and became more informed in the process but the experiences of those on here are as varied at the texture of our hair.

 

[RocStar]

Raspberry - I am not sure what you mean by "acting brand new".

This right here cracked me up.


Anyway, I think that the OP is either:
1. a troll
2. trying to get traffic to her facebook site


Tis all.

 

[CottonandCurls]

sunnied - lol! thanks for changing the tone. This brought a smile to my face.

 

[CottonandCurls]

RocStar - why did you need to go there? I understand freedom of speech but there was no need to be derogotary. You took this to a level that it didn't need to go to. The things you say are merely a mirror of your own views of self. All the same I am all about positivity so blessings.

 

[sunnieb]

CottonandCurls - it's true! Shoo, me and Coke was like...:fat:

When I read, I mean really read what all that soda was doing to my insides...

 

[SuchaLady]

I hope I didn't come off rude didn't mean to. I'm just a pro in this relaxer game. Won't tell you how long though. Y'all aren't about to judge my mama.

 

[CottonandCurls]

sunnieb - I know! I'm sure they slip something addictive in that stuff. I stopped drinking coke a while ago but get the shakes when I walk pass the soda aisle. And is it me or is the aisle getting bigger?

 

[CottonandCurls]

SuchaLady - I wouldn't dare judge your mama, pappa, sister, granny or neighbour!

 

[Spring]

I think having an informative conversation about the lack of conclusive evidence of any dangers of the effects of chemical relaxers on infants is a better place to start than to come to one"s own conclusions.... your initial statement was perhaps a misunderstanding, but for certain was misleading and doesn't address your desire to know "why" enough research hasn't been done.



One possible reason for the lack of research could be the percentages of "danger to one's health" doesn't pose a great enough threat.

@Spring - Perhaps but what would constitute enough of "danger to one's health" I wonder? As we all know its almost normal to suffer burns during a treatment. Why not research and develop a system that's less caustic?

You stated the "dangers" as being low birth rates and premature delivery. Perhaps you should edit your original post since that's inaccurate.

 

[CottonandCurls]

Spring - Done. Easy Peezy!

 

[RocStar]

RocStar - why did you need to go there? I understand freedom of speech but there was no need to be derogotary. You took this to a level that it didn't need to go to.

I wasn't trying to be derogatory, I spoke my true opinion. So I don't think I went anywhere.

The things you say are merely a mirror of your own views of self.

Yes, I am a beat to death horse.

All the same I am all about positivity so blessings.

Blessings to you too.

 

[*CherryPie*]

CottonandCurls

That's not true for everyone. Last year when I went natural, I cut off MBL ....almost waist length hair. My scalp didn't burn when I relaxed my hair, and it didn't harm my body. My relaxed hair was beautiful!

I've always done EVERYTHING to my own hair....even before joining this board.

Don't you think that relaxed haired ladies on this board know how to take care of their hair, and had has done their research on hair are, the do's and don'ts?

Cherrypie - I agree that the post should have been tailored to be more sensitive. Whether you are natural or relaxed does not make anyone superior and nothing I've said has suggested otherwise. This forum is filled with posts by people with relaxed and natural hair trying to devised strategies to do the best they can to maximise the potential of their hair. Its tantamount to mass self help and its because up until now we were stuck at shoulder length hair that was thin and unhealthy. The traditional hair care methods were simply not working. It great to see us taking our hair into our own hands (pardon the pun) but IY hope with time that we can see ourselves as doing that together without the divide.

 

[HappilyLiberal]

I read the original post--prior to the editing. The reason people feel the post was trollish is because in addition to misinterpreting the article, OP also added her editorial comments to include the whole pride/insecurity argument. That is what relaxed heads find insulting--the insistence of many naturals on suggesting that relaxed heads are somehow brainwashed because they choose to permanently alter their hair; instead of it simply being like any other styling choice.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I just think she meant well, but I hope she realizes folks are informed well here. This is not an anti relaxer hair board. It embraces relaxed, naturals, BKTers...all types of hair care choices. Relaxed ladies know the risks of relaxers. We don't know the truth of these facts OP posted. It sounds like a scare tactic and most people will ignore it because it sounds so flagrant. No one hair choice is 100 % perfect for everyone. God gives us choices and those choices should be respected.

 

[Aggie]

This thread has been both informative and entertaining for me. With that said, I was relaxed, then natural, and now mildly relaxed or texlaxed if you will, because I choose to be for my own reasons.

I would venture to say that I am indeed a "die-hard" relaxed head and have had no issues with relaxers. I have been relaxed for 32 years minus the one I spent with it natural and truth be told, having mildly relaxed hair suits my lifestyle a lot better than natural hair. Been there, done that! It was cool but just not for me.

This is all to say that I do appreciate the info given, but I'm one of those whose mind is solidly made up to relax my hair until my dying breath. Only the Good Lord Himself will have to tell me to stop relaxing my hair for me to stop.

You know, even when I was natural for that one year, I actually hated when those who wore their hair natural would bash those who relaxed their hair. I mean it was painful for me to witness! It seems like there will always be a divide among us when it comes to this particular topic so I have finally resolved to simply accept it but still respect whatever decision one makes for their hair.

I hate BKTs, commercial dyes, and bleaches but there are many who love them and knows how to use them safely. I can inform them about the dangers of using these products all I want, but who am I to beat them over the head with a big stick? I have my own weaknesses to deal with.

I absolutely love the natural heads I see on the many hair boards that I am a member of and I admire their ability to take care of their hair with such patience and tenacity - I gave it a fair shot but I simply don't have the time for all that. It's as simple as that.

 

[Aggie]

I read the original post--prior to the editing. The reason people feel the post was trollish is because in addition to misinterpreting the article, OP also added her editorial comments to include the whole pride/insecurity argument. That is what relaxed heads find insulting--the insistence of many naturals on suggesting that relaxed heads are somehow brainwashed because they choose to permanently alter their hair; instead of it simply being like any other styling choice.

Ah! there you go. That's it right there. Very well said HappilyLiberal.

I'm not mad - I just wish the bashing and the segregation between natural and relaxed heads would stop.

Can't we all just get along?

 

[JudithO]

1. I think OP meant well....

2. I think OP was wrong to jump into conclusion in her original post without conclusive evidence

3. Even though being relaxed vs straight is simply an aesthetic choice, people get sensitive because of our history so OP should have been neutral in her post instead sounding pro natural

BUT

For all you relaxed heads saying OP needs to know that y'all have done your research about the dangers of chemical relaxers therefore the post is not useful..... I 'll have to disagree with you.... For the mere reason being that USEFUL RESEARCH ABOUT HAIR RELAXERS STILL DOES NOT EXIST.... How can you say you have fully researched something without any anything to base it on? Again, if I or anyone think relaxers are safe, it's only because there is no evidence to prove otherwise, and not that it is truly safe (again, not enough research)

If today, I read a conclusive research paper that says coconut oil causes women to grow 3 breasts, you can count on me posting it on here... even though there is all this other research that says it's so great.

That's what we are here for... helping each other achieve very beautiful hair without endangering our safety

In the same light, if I see anything with conclusive evidence stating that relaxers or any ingredients kill people, I WILL POST. If I see anything that says relaxers are 100% safe for women and babies, you can count on me posting as well, so everyone can rest over this issue.

Until then, I say every woman, relaxed and natural needs to keep researching ingredients, relaxers etc to help themselves and the black hair community.

I hope I didn't come off as pro-natural or pro-relaxed.... We need to just get over the emotional effects of this conversation, and have a mature, objective and factual one.

 

[EbonyCPrincess]

I respect your views but why should it matter who started the thread, relaxed or natural or none of the above? I appreciate that someone who has natural hair posting something about relaxed hair may be viewed with some skepticism but I actually think that that observation is very worrying to say the least. Also it is flawed on a number of fronts. First, that commentary proceeds on the incorrect premise that that person has no experience of what it means to be relaxed. That’s not true as a point of note I’ve been relaxed more than I’ve been natural so have many others. Second, I have friends and family who are relaxed so I am clearly invested in their well being and health. Third, merely having relaxed or natural hair does not make one an expert on that kind of hair. Granted and I accept the post should have been redrafted to take into account the sensitivities of persons who are relaxed. This post was originally posted on my facebook page which is dedicated to encouraging naturals and those who are transitioning. But the remainder of the post was about why there was a lack of research into the dangers of chemical relaxers when the need for such research was plainly identified. I would have thought that our sister with relaxers would have a vested interest in the research community developing a product that is safer or at the very least getting to the bottom of what the risks are. A better safer product could lead to less damage and the ability to achieve length objectives. Certainly I did not anticipate the depth of the emotional responses, which by the why I find remarkably interesting. Also, what is this reference to “that community” we are all trying to figure out our strands together. The LHCF logo has 4 beautiful girls with a myriad of textures and shades standing next to each other. That stands for unity. It’s fantastic that you have done your research but I am not sure you can assume that everyone has done. Its all about sharing information and I for one would have no difficulty reading any post you may write about relaxed hair or heat damage in natural or relaxed hair.

p.s my last post was in response to the post EbonyCPrincess.

Well ok. I am addressing the bolded points in sequential order. OP, I appreciate the way in which you've conducted yourself in the thread...responding to posts without being confrontational.

1 - No, I did not assume that you have no knowledge or experience being relaxed. On the contrary, in my mind most people who create such threads are what I consider newly natural. I am the exact opposite of you in that I've spent more of my life natural than relaxed. And made a conscious, informed decision to return to relaxing each time. I've never had unhealthy relaxed hair. So, no that assumption was neither made nor influenced my original response.

2 - As far as the lack of research, I agree. But that is with ANY health issue that affects the Black community. There is a both a lack of research and a lack of Black participants in major studies. And as a woman in medical school, I do hope to do my small part in changing this as the young lady pursuing her MPH does as well. In my humble opinion as IMPORTANT as my hair is to me (and it is, you never see me posting "its just hair" in here!) honestly other issues that plague the Black community are far more pressing. Yes we need research on relaxers, but I'd first want to do the research that tells us why Black women are the highest infected group with HIV, why our children die more often from SIDS, are born prematurely in the FIRST place (un-relaxer related), and the list goes on. I do understand that this is a hair forum, so you post the hair info because that is what's relevant but I don't think its appropriate to spend money on relaxer research over the far more pressing health issues that affect the Black community.

3 - I agree that it would be nice if a better, safer alternative existed. IMO, non does. I briefly considered transitioning and using the BKT at the very beginning of my HHJ. But I concluded that was far more dangerous. Stylists are less experienced, its too new, formulations are constantly evolving etc. That being said, I still continue to read threads on BKT but again do not feel compelled to "educate" women who use it as a styling option on its dangers.

4 - My response was not emotional in the least, so I can only assume this portion of your reply was not in direct reference to my original response.

 

[CottonandCurls]

The recent posts (and some of those previously) have been very measured and that is appreciated. Thank you. It is very important that as a single community even though a divide exists we should do our best to close that divide by engaging in meaningful and fulfilling dialogue. Let’s fight the urge to descend into name calling. Nothing good can come from negativity. We can evolve past our differences. The ultimate aim, in so far as it concerns hair, is healthy and wonderful luscious hair. We develop friends and self esteem along the way and we start in our little way to change notions of what it truly means to be beautiful. We create our own non-mainstream media. Let’s keep it pleasant, enjoyable and information by choosing to respond in a positive way. There was absolutely nothing nefarious in my initial or subsequent post. The intent was merely trying to raise awareness. As a result some persons have responded with posts that have been quite enlightening. If we came away from all this more informed, then that result is worth applauding.

Have a wonderful day ladies and remember we are on this forum to learn, inform and encourage.

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

With the above study, I would need to see the other variables involved such as socioeconomic status, general state of health (because a lot of preterm labor in AA can be attributed to pre-eclampsia), and other stuff. Black women have a high rate of premature birth in general but I'm not so sure it has to do with relaxers as much as it has to do with lifestyle and possibly genetics.

 

[Guitarhero]

Taishan - Do I prefer natural hair? Yes. Do I think more women should go natural at least once in their lifetime? Yes, its remarkably liberating. Do I love to encourage women of colour to embrace all of themselves including their cottony curly coily kinky wonderful luscious hair? Absolutely. Am I a champion for natural hair? Unapologetically so. But this post wasn't and still is not about converting anyone to a "side". In my eyes we are all on the same side. Women, trying to appreciate and love ourselves, in a world which tells us we should not. I apologise if you felt I was trying to convert anyone. I am merely trying to raise awareness. That's all. As as simple as that. Just be cautious. Enjoy your hair! We are all fabulous (bit of a UN perspective but it is sincerely held).

That totally explains why you posted. Well, kudos to you. But don't you think that the grown and educated women on here can make their own choices, backed by evidence for either side? I'm sorry, OP, you sound like a natural hair nazi. Now, I love all kinds of hair...but again, I think these women are grown enough to choose on their own without someone else trying to persuade them to any side.

 

[CottonandCurls]

Guitarhero - Just because one is pro-natural does not mean one is anti-relaxed. That's too simplistic a viewpoint and fails because it assumes a correlation that does not exist. Throwing terms around like "natural hair nazi" is inflammatory and creates a divide. Why not celebrate freedom of choice in either direction? The point is that whichever choice we make let's know of the dangers and that is ultimately what is most important.

 

[Guitarhero]

CottonandCurls

But you went beyond being pro-natural, you were being pro-accusatory of relaxed heads. Did you read your own post via the eyes of anyone else? You weren't inflammatory with your charge about folks accepting themselves blah, blah, blah? Well, you talked about the dangers without evidence to back it up. Surely, let's know what our products have in them, from 88 palettes made in lead China to hair relaxers made in U.S.A. But you weren't presenting facts, you were presenting an editorial viewpoint on something above and beyond the effects of chemicals, hence, why I used the term "natural hair nazi." Hey, we all have our views. It's like somebody from the hood who graduated uni and decided to stay to "give back" declare that the other graduate who moved to the burbs was running away from his heritage and reality. No, the school district was just better. LOL.

So, what is my beef with true natural hair nazis (you might not actually be one)? I've heard the ridiculousness of one saying that Black women should wash their hair, use not product - no oils, conditioners, implying combs, braids, brushes, nothing, and wear it that way to be proud. Yes, Buckwheat-esque. Now, I took, offense with that because no fine-haired white woman would do the same. People tame and groom themselves...all people. What's wrong with using a damned comb? Natural hair doesn't have to read major disheveled pile-up. Now, I know you were not saying this.

There is a line to cross. There are some who are anti-dye, anti-henna, anti-semi-permanent color rinse...anti-makeup... It's all a choice. People are wise enough to make those determinations without somebody else coming in and schooling them.

 

[CottonandCurls]

Guitarhero - I appreciate your views and though I do not agree with all of them you have taken the time to express them.

We both agree that it’s about choice. There are extreme examples on both sides. Within your post you reveal your real issue which is with “natural hair Nazis” but not every observation that highlights the downside of relaxers is an attempt to convert. I will not resile from my “charge” for self acceptance. It is too important an issue to dumb down. Granted the post was originally directed at my fellow naturals who sometimes find it difficult to be confident in a world unaccepting of kinky curly hair but I now accept that some ladies with a relaxer may find that a bit uneasy and that it should have been tailored. It was subsequently amended on the request of one of the ladies here. However, encouraging one to accept yourself just as you are is not inflammatory and most certainly not comparable to being described as a Nazi or a troll. Sure there are some people who relax their hair simply because it’s a style choice but there are many others who do so because they do not think their natural texture is attractive. This is passed through generations of children who have deep seated self esteem issues. That aside, the post was intended to invite debate about why research about chemical relaxers was so wanting. Indeed a question was asked to which few answered. Sure, the article itself did not conclude that preterm birth etc was a consequence but it did point to resources that suggest the damaging effects. The article also recognised that there was simply not enough research and that such research was warranted. This was in 1999, and only recently was there a small book published called the Science of Black Hair by a wonderful lady trying to make her mark and give back. Then there was this incidence of the hair glue and black women suffering from hair loss and baldness, unable to reach length goals and becoming despondent and defeated. I personally think we deserve more. Someone said there are other things to worry about like heart disease and obesity but why should we have to choose? On a forum like this which is read by many but commented on by few I think it’s important that the message we send is a positive one.

 

[Spring]

... That aside, the post was intended to invite debate about why research about chemical relaxers was so wanting. Indeed a question was asked to which few answered. Sure, the article itself did not conclude that preterm birth etc was a consequence but it did point to resources that suggest the damaging effects. The article also recognised that there was simply not enough research and that such research was warranted. This was in 1999, and only recently was there a small book published called the Science of Black Hair by a wonderful lady trying to make her mark and give back. Then there was this incidence of the hair glue and black women suffering from hair loss and baldness, unable to reach length goals and becoming despondent and defeated. I personally think we deserve more. Someone said there are other things to worry about like heart disease and obesity but why should we have to choose? On a forum like this which is read by many but commented on by few I think it’s important that the message we send is a positive one.

I really think black owned businesses as well as the hair care industry would be the best place to solicit funds for such research.... maybe those who are very concerned about those percentages can head up the formidable task of getting a large enough sample group to test for many years and factor out other environmental variables etc etc etc. Just some ideas.