Widely used hair products linked to higher risk of cancer, study shows

UNDATED (WKRC) – New research found an alarming link between certain widely-used hair products and a higher risk of cancer in women.

A study published in the Journal of Cancer shows permanent hair dyes and chemical straighteners or relaxers may be relevant to rates of breast cancer.

It’s estimated one in three women in the U.S. use permanent dyes. Temporary or semi-permanent colors did not display any associated dangers during the study.

Straighteners and relaxers are predominatly used by Black women. Scientists believe thick or coarse hair absorbs more of dyes, and that products geared toward Black hair contain more hormonally-active compounds and carcinogens.

Based on a data collected from 46,709 women ages 35-74 over an eight-year period, Black women who used dyes at least every five to eight weeks were 60% more likely to develop breast cancer. White women who used the dyes were 8% more likely.

Chemical straighters and relaxers posed an even bigger hazard, with 74% of Black women who used them every five to eight weeks showing an increased risk, versus 3% of White women.

“We are exposed to many things that could potentially contribute to breast cancer, and it is unlikely that any single factor explains a woman’s risk,” said Dr. Dale Sandler, coauthor of the study and chief of the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch. “While it is too early to make a firm recommendation, avoiding these chemicals might be one more thing women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer.”