Hair Weaves, Chemical Hair Products & Cancer Risk: What Black Women Need to Know

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(BALTIMORE – June 13, 2025) – The Bottom Line:
Wearing hair weaves does not directly cause cancer. However, many Black women use chemical relaxers, straighteners, and adhesives in combination with weaves that may contain harmful substances linked to health risks, including certain cancers.

Why This Matters

Black women are more likely than others to use chemical hair products from an early age and more frequently.
Some of these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde) linked to higher cancer risks.
A 2022 NIH study found that frequent use of hair straighteners was associated with a doubling of uterine cancer risk — with Black women disproportionately affected.

What About Weaves?

Weaves themselves are not carcinogenic.
The glues, adhesives, and chemical treatments used before or during installation may introduce harmful chemicals.
Long-term tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia (hair loss) but not cancer.

Cultural & Systemic Context

Black hair care choices are often shaped by social pressures and professional expectations to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
This leads to increased use of chemical products and protective styles, sometimes without adequate breaks for hair and scalp health.
The beauty industry has historically underregulated products marketed to Black women, resulting in greater exposure to harmful chemicals.

How to Protect Yourself

Choose products free of harmful chemicals — look for “paraben-free,” “phthalate-free,” and “formaldehyde-free” labels.
Support Black-owned, clean beauty brands committed to health and transparency.
Take breaks between chemical treatments and weave installations to allow your scalp to breathe.
Advocate for stronger regulations on beauty products.