What should I know before I try hair treatments?

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association actively investigates the safety of cosmetic products. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigates complaints of dangerous hair care products, even though the FDA does not regulate hair products. However, consumers should exercise caution when using any hair care product.

Consumers should not assume that an "organic" label means that the use of the product may contain no health risk. Hair care products contain many chemicals, which may pose health risks, regardless of whether they were procured from organically grown plants. Testing cosmetic products on animals does not necessarily guarantee that the product will interact safely with the each human individual.

Hair straightening and permanents (perms) involve extreme heat and/or chemicals; both of these processes have been known to cause damage to the hair, hair follicles, and scalp if used frequently. The hair may burn or break. Treatments may damage the follicles themselves, and result in hair loss and premature thinning. Hair straightening involves either extreme heat or chemicals, both of which may cause damage to the hair and hair follicles. Hair straightening processes may leave an individual with burnt and thinning hair, hair follicle damage, hair breakage, and hair loss. Treatments may result in an aggravation of dandruff, or the development of a dry and flaky scalp. Many hair treatments are considered painful to the scalp.

Caution is advised in children.

Hair products may irritate open, sore, or bruised areas of the skin.

Some hair products may cause blindness; dying one's eyelashes is not recommended. Hair products applied to the pubic hair may burn the external genital structures and skin in this area, resulting in permanent scarring.

Studies have shown a connection between the frequent use of hair products and adverse events such as birth defects; frequent consumers of cosmetics should vigilantly monitor their health.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.