Expert: Dana Sear - 6/23/2009

Question
is the karatin relaxer  safe from cancer? i want imformation about the relaxer. i died my hair last week is it safe to do the realxer

Answer
Hiya Ely,

Keratin is protein, which is a large component of hair. I have never heard of a relaxer causing cancer. And, I suspect that you would have to use an extremely large amount, frequently and over a long period of time for it to do so even if it was possible. I have clients who have been getting relaxers their entire lives, every 3 months like clockwork and have never had any health related issues.

However, if you have heard that relaxers can cause cancer, the best person to ask would be a doctor and most likely a dermatologist. They would be able to tell you more than anyone else.

Keep in mind, and I'm not saying that you can't get some valid information from the internet, but rumors have flown since the beginning of time about one thing or another causing cancer. Red dye, soda, shampoo, air freshener, cell phones, you name it. Do a bit of research and use some common sense. I even knew a girl a few years back that thought orange peels could  give her cancer. She would eat the orange though.

That being said, some people are much more sensitive to chemicals than others. Allergies can cause adverse reactions to the most common things, like ammonia, fragrance, peanuts, whatever. Allergies are much different than cancer though and the rumors that run rampant when a few people react adversely seem to grow with time. Ask your stylist if any of his/her clients have ever had any health related issues or allergic reactions and ask your doctor if you still don't feel safe.

Good luck, :-)

dana