Chemical Hair Relaxers Linked To Fibroids And Infertility

Dr. Melanye Maclin, M.D.

September 9, 2014

Recent medical research reports some chemical hair processes negatively impact women’s health. A study by the American Journal of Epidemiology says the chemicals used in hair relaxers may be linked to tumors and early puberty in black women.

The study followed 23,000 African-American women and found that black women are two to three times more likely to have fibroids. Research claims that higher tumor rates may be connected to chemicals that enter the bloodstream through hair follicles, cuts or burns on a woman’s scalp.

As a national hair research dermatologist, with more than 15 years experience and reviewed nearly 70,000 African-American hair loss cases, it is clear that chronic use of chemical hair relaxers in African-American women causes hair loss, especially in the crown called “Follicular Degeneration Syndrome.” Harsh hydroxide chemicals can absorb deep into the scalp damaging the hair roots. In addition, these destructive chemicals may be absorbed into the bloodstream affecting the reproductive system.

Additional research has found a direct correlation to early menses and early puberty (before 10 years of age), uterine fibroids, and difficulty having children, as well as hysterectomy in women younger than 40 years old. Based on my multitude of chemical hair loss cases and the research studies, my recommendation is that, chemical relaxers should be avoided in females less than 16 years of age, those experiencing current hair loss or scalp issues, and women with fibroids or infertility complications.”

This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately, especially since millions of teenage and adult African-American women use chemical relaxers. It is my mission to increase awareness to protect future child bearing options.

Dr. Melanye Maclin, M.D.

http://www.blackgirlhealth.com/portfolio/chemical-hair-relaxers-linked-to-fibroids-and-infertility/