SISTER STUDY RESEARCH

Hair straightener use during adolescence may increase risk of fibroids

A recent paper titled "Hair straightener use during adolescence may increase risk of fibroids" published by several Sister Study investigators was chosen as a Paper of the Month by the NIEHS!

NIEHS researchers recently published a study of the association between chemical hair straightener/relaxer use and uterine fibroids among Black women. They found that frequent use of hair straighteners in early adolescence (ages 10-13 years) was linked to a higher risk of developing fibroids before age 36. The link was potentially stronger for women born between 1928-1945 and 1965-1974, possibly due to changes in hair straightener product formulations over time. A weaker connection was found among women born between 1955-1964, possibly due to the popularity of wearing Afros and other natural hairstyles in the 1970s.

Similar positive associations were observed among non-Hispanic White women, despite lower usage rates. This study highlights concerns over endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals found in hair products and their potential role in hormone-related diseases.

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Hair straightener use during adolescence may increase risk of fibroids.