If you are looking for an alternative option to straighten your hair using a heated tool then straightening cream could be a great choice.
But what are the side effect of straightening cream you ask?
There are many side effects that come with using straightening cream to straighten hair. I know the initial thought must be that it is safer than other options such as heated tools. In fairness this is half true, it reduces the negative side effects to your hair but there are still effects you must be aware of before using it on your hair.
Let’s take a look at the research we have put together on all the side effects both women and men have suffered from using straightening cream on their hair.
7 Side Effects of Hair Straightening Cream
1. Can Cause Split Ends
Unfortunately, hair straightening creams can cause hair to become dry and brittle which then, in turn, weakens the hair follicles. This will then cause the follicles to split down the middle and cause multiple split ends.
This is something you should think about before choosing to use the cream on your hair as split ends will change the look of your end results, making the hair look un-uniformed and unsightly.
2. Changes The Hair Texture
Hair straightening cream can unfortunately change the texture of your hair. This is mainly due to the fact that it contains harsh chemicals which can strip away the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy.
This is something you should take into consideration before using straightening cream as it could leave you with hair that is difficult to manage.
Problem is, once you choose to use it and it causes damage, there is no going back. If you want to have healthy hair again, protein conditioning masks and treatments won’t cut it- you need a more natural solution.
Looking for the best smoothing keratin hair treatment? Look no further than GK HAIR Global Keratin! This professional-grade treatment rejuvenates hair, making it smooth, strong and frizz-free.
Treatment lasts 3-5 months, so you can enjoy beautiful, healthy hair for months at a time. Plus, our easy-to-use keratin treatment is perfect for at-home use!
3. Can Cause Hair Fall (Severly)
One of the most common side effects of using this product is hair fall and not just little many people have reported severe hair fall when using all types of hair straightening creams.
Whilst it is smoothing out the hair to create the straight texture, these creams then soften to root with its harsh chemical mixture which in turn causes excessive hair fall and even hair thinning (Is it worth the risk?)
When you use a flat iron on your hair, the heat weakens the hair follicles, even more, when you have already caused weakness from the cream. This condition can get worse when you don’t choose the right cream or follow the recommended steps of using a straightening solution.
4. Itchy Scalp
There are many different products that can cause an itchy scalp so if you are sensitive to an itchy scalp it might be best you dont even attempt to use this product on your hair.
As hair straightening creams are made up of different chemicals, it reduces the production of the natural oils we need in our hair, unfortunately, this is what helps to keep our scalp healthy and hydrated.
With this cause, your scalp a lack of nourishments, your scalp can then become flaky, dry and can result in dandruff.
Read Here: Do Steam straighteners cause damage?
5. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can be quite common with hair products, hence why when you use a hair dye you are recommended to do a patch test before using it, well this falls under the same category.
If you are allergic to any of the chemicals in the straightening cream then you could have irritation on your scalp and your skin. Prolonged exposure can result in rashes, redness, and potentially medical assistance.
6. Can Sometimes End With Health Problems
Unfortunately, formaldehyde is present in all hair straightening creams and is a trigger for many other health issues as well as allergic reactions.
You can suffer from anything from sneezing, coughing, skin rash, itchy scalps, runny nose and any of these symptoms is enough to put you off using this cream again.
7. Has a Small Chance to Cause Cancer
Something we all avoid talking about is the C word! Unfortunately, it’s the reality of one of the ingredients in these creams. Formaldehyde is a colourless, powerful gas that helps to remove frizz.
According to the U.S environmental protection, this component is hazardous and should not be used even if it’s only on your hair. It states that there is a very small chance it could cause cancer if you are exposed to this ingredient for a long time.
Although this is an unlikely cause, it’s something you need to consider and look into before you decide to use the cream on your hair.
Read Here: Do steam straighteners cause damage?
Conclusion
Hopefully from this guide, we have educated you enough on the side effects of using hair straightening cream on your hair, the choice is yours depending on how much you worry about side effects.
You could suffer from anything from split ends, hair loss, allergic reactions to healthy conditions, so it’s important you understand what COULD happen, although this is not to say any of these will actually happen.
Many men and women use hair straightening creams without any side effects at all, so it’s essential you make the decision based on your own thoughts.
What did you think of our guide on the 7 side effects of hair straightening cream? If there are any questions you feel we haven’t answered, then please feel free to contact us, as we love to hear from our readers?