How damaging can permanant hair straighteners be?

by Christine
(Oshkosh)

I went to a salon and had the top part and front bangs of my hair straightened a few years ago. My hair fell out in these areas. After that I had mental challenges - depression, confusion, fatigue etc. Could it have been related? Where can I find out more about this? Thank you!

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How damaging can permanant hair straighteners be?

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Nov 13, 2007

See A Doctor
by: Michelle

Hi Christine,

So sorry to hear that you've been affected this way. Permanent hair straighteners contain the harshest chemicals of any hair process. Although most people do not have these ill-effects from chemical hair straighteners, there is a definite possibility that it's related in your case.

My advice would be to see a physician about it. It's difficult to say whether the effects are from the chemical alone, or stylist error (i.e., incorrect mixing, leaving the chemical on too long). There may have been something in your system (like a medication) that reacted with the chemicals in the straightener.

I'm personally not a fan of chemical hair straightening. It's something I refuse to do as a stylist, mainly because I don't want to expose myself to the chemicals involved. I hope your symptoms settle down in the future.

All the best,
Michelle
Editor, SHM.com