Relaxer Use Rises Again as Health Lawsuits and Hair Discrimination Persist
According to hairstylists in London, chemical hair relaxers, which experienced a 60% decline in sales from 2011 to 2016, are making a comeback among certain Black women. This resurgence occurs amid legal challenges, as Arizona has filed a lawsuit against L'Oréal for failing to disclose risks such as uterine cancer and fibroids. A report from World Afro Day revealed that 84% of participants value reliable ingredients, with one-third experiencing harm from products. Dermatologist Sharon Belmo points out that while UK relaxers are classified as cosmetics, they still carry risks. Celebrity stylists mention factors like fatigue with natural hair and workplace bias, with 76% of Black women reporting discrimination against their natural hairstyles. The Sister Study (2022) indicated a potential link between frequent relaxer use and increased uterine cancer rates, although the evidence is not definitive.
Key facts
- Relaxer sales fell by 60% between 2011 and 2016, but use is now rising again.
- Arizona filed a lawsuit against L'Oréal over alleged failure to warn about health risks of chemical relaxers.
- World Afro Day report found 84% of respondents valued trustworthy ingredients; a third reported physical harm from hair products.
- 76% of Black women reported workplace bias due to natural hair; 64% said it limited career progression.
- 42% of Black respondents avoided exercise because of hair-maintenance concerns.
- Sister Study (2022) showed women using relaxers more than four times a year had 4% uterine cancer incidence vs. 1.6% for non-users.
- Dermatologist Sharon Belmo states lye-free relaxers are not proven safer and can still burn the scalp.
- #RelaxerTok has attracted hundreds of millions of views, documenting a return to relaxers.
Entities
Artists
- Zateesha Barbour
- Charlotte Mensah
- Andree Marie
- Sharon Belmo
- Michelle Sultan
- Tems
- Burna Boy
- Zendaya
Institutions
- L'Oréal
- World Afro Day
- Shift Insight
- Vogue
- Forbes
Locations
- Arizona
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom