For many Nigerian girls, it was just part of hair care. So I was surprised when I came across research suggesting that frequent use of chemical hair relaxers may be linked to several serious health conditions.

One of the biggest studies followed more than 33,000 women over several years. Researchers found that women who frequently used chemical hair straightening products had a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than women who didn’t use them.

Other studies have also explored possible links between relaxers and conditions such as:

• Uterine cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Breast cancer

• Infertility

• Fibroids

• Pregnancy complications

Researchers believe some of the concern comes from chemicals that can be absorbed through the scalp, especially when there are burns or small cuts after relaxing the hair.

It’s important to note that these studies show an association, not proof that relaxers directly cause these illnesses. More research is still ongoing.

That said, many women are now choosing to:

-Stretch the time between relaxers.

-Avoid relaxing hair that’s already irritated or damaged.

-Switch to natural hairstyles.

-Read ingredient labels more carefully.

I’m not sharing this to cause fear or panic. I’m sharing it because every woman deserves to have the information she needs to make informed decisions about her health. 

If this research encourages even one person to ask more questions or learn more about the products they use, then it’s a conversation worth having.

Whether you choose to relax your hair or stay natural, it’s a decision that should be made with as much information as possible.