Hair relaxers have been a beauty staple in numerous households for decades, designed to make naturally curly or kinky hair straighter. Originating in the early 20th century, they were deemed revolutionary, promising consumers the ease of managing their hair and allowing them to style it as they desired. However, over the years, concerns have arisen about the safety of these products and their potentially harmful effects.

This product was first invented by Garrett A. Morgan in the early 1900s. He discovered that certain chemicals used in the textile industry to clean needles could also be used to flatten curly fibers. Utilizing these chemicals, he developed the first-ever chemical hair relaxer product. Morgan’s ground-breaking invention paved the way for future iterations of chemical-based permanent hair straightening products that we know today.

The Process of Hair Relaxation

The process of hair relaxing, or lanthionization, can be performed by a professional cosmetologist in a salon or barbershop. But, due to the convenience of at-home relaxer kits, it can also be done right in one’s own home. These kits are widely available in grocery, drug, and beauty supply stores in urban and rural areas throughout the United States. Applying a relaxer involves applying the product to the base of the hair shaft and letting it sit for a certain “cooking” interval. This process alters the hair’s texture by intentionally damaging the hair’s natural protein structure. The resulting effect of this protein damage is straighter, smoother hair.

The Cycle of Hair Relaxation

The effects of a hair relaxer are not permanent, requiring upkeep every few weeks. On average, every 4 to 8 weeks, the treated portion of the hair grows out, and new growth emerges from the roots. This new growth, maintaining its natural, untreated texture, requires additional relaxer treatment to match the already treated hair. This cycle of treating new growth ensures consistent smoothness. It’s crucial to note, however, that with each treatment, the hair undergoes another round of intentional damage to alter its natural structure.

The Dark Side of Hair Relaxers: Harmful Chemicals

At the core of these concerns are the harmful chemicals often found in hair relaxers. Sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and guanidine hydroxide, among others, work to alter the hair’s natural structure. While these chemicals serve the purpose of relaxing hair, they can also cause severe damage to the hair, scalp, and skin. Repeated use can lead to hair loss, scalp burns, and other serious health problems, which can have lasting impacts on an individual’s wellbeing and self-esteem.

Recognizing the Double Impact of Hair Relaxers

The application of hair relaxers carries an undeniable double impact: they not only modify the inherent splendor of naturally curly and kinky hair, but they also introduce potential cellular-level harm to the body. In striving to adjust hair’s texture, these products regrettably interfere with the distinctive, natural curls that warrant recognition and celebration. Every coil and kink in our hair is a symbol of our individuality and should be admired in its true, unaltered state. Additionally, the chemicals present in hair relaxers have repercussions that transcend mere cosmetic changes. These compounds can permeate the scalp and infiltrate the body, inflicting potential damage at a cellular level. This fact accentuates the necessity to comprehend the potential effects of these products fully, to advocate for more benign alternatives, and most importantly, to value and celebrate our natural beauty in its purest form.

The Rise of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

As more individuals started to experience these adverse effects, the increase in hair relaxer lawsuits followed suit. People began to file lawsuits against manufacturers, claiming the companies failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers of their products. The injuries sustained from these harmful chemicals can be severe, resulting in medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. These lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for the damages their products have caused.

Your Rights as a Consumer

As a consumer, you have the right to use products that are safe and do not pose undue harm. Manufacturers are obligated to ensure the safety of their products and to provide clear and adequate warnings about potential risks. If you or someone you know has been harmed by hair relaxers, it’s important to remember that you have legal options available to you. Companies should not be allowed to put profit before the health and wellbeing of their consumers.

Johnnie Bond Law: Advocates for Hair Relaxer Victims

At Johnnie Bond Law, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that injuries from harmful products can take on an individual. We firmly believe in holding manufacturers accountable for the damages their products cause and we stand ready to help you seek the justice you deserve. We work tirelessly to ensure that those affected by the harmful effects of hair relaxers get the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Call or Contact Us Today

Have you or a loved one been affected by a hair relaxer? It’s time to take action. Don’t let the fear of confronting large corporations keep you from seeking justice. We are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Call (202) 683-6803 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. At Johnnie Bond Law, we are ready to fight for you. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we will not rest until you get the justice you deserve.