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How dangerous are chemical hair straighteners and relaxers?

And why is the US talking about banning them?

Some women with afro and curly textured hair use chemicals to straighten their hair. But using these products can lead to burns and skin irritation. And some of the ingredients, like formaldehyde, are carcinogens. Some studies have shown a link between their use and higher rates of some cancers.

Kate Holden, a hair and scalp expert, tells us how chemical straighteners work. Dorcas Wangira, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Africa Health correspondent, explains the health effects of using these products. Mary Isokariari from the What in the World team discusses why some women feel pressure to straighten their hair. Chinenye Γ‰zΓ©mbu in Nigeria tells us why she chemically relaxes her hair and Deborah William shares her health issues, which she thinks are linked to her use of chemical hair straighteners.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mary Isokariari, Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury
Researcher: Jaidaa Taha
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

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12 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Mar 2024 03:50GMT
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service News Internet
  • Thu 21 Mar 2024 03:50GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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