Women who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer compared to women who did not report using these products, according to a new study from the National Institutes of Health.

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The researchers found that women who reported frequent use of hair straightening products, defined as more than four times in the previous year, were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.

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Certain hair products may contain toxic chemicals with “endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties.” These chemicals can disrupt and potentially harm your hormones, found a recent study released by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 

 

Previous studies have also linked chemical hair product use with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including uterine and ovarian. 

 

In addition to the built-in dangers of certain chemicals, heating processes can release or change how the chemicals break down. These processes can lead to a greater risk of breathing or exposure to dangerous chemicals. Examples would be using a flat iron or blow-drying your hair while performing hair straightening treatments.