Oncologist warns that frequent use of chemical hair straighteners may increase the risk of uterine cancer

Frequent use of chemical hair straighteners can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Learn about the dangers and preventive measures from an oncologist.

A 2025 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has highlighted an important issue: it found that women who often use chemical straighteners have a higher risk of uterine cancer compared to those who do not use them, with a risk increase of 80%. Frequent users, who apply these products more than four times a year, have even higher rates of cancer.

The researchers found that women who used hair straighteners at least every five to eight weeks were about 30 per cent more likely to develop uterine cancer. (UNSPLASH)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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Statistically, this means that frequent users face a lifetime risk of 4.05%, according to a study published in the journal World Psychiatry. By comparison, those who never use chemical straighteners face a risk of only 1.64%, according to the National Institutes of Health. Why is this important? The numbers may seem small, but even a slight increase in risk can have a material impact on health. This is especially true in a situation where other health risks, like obesity, diabetes, and delayed childbearing, are increasing in India.

"After spending years in and out of clinics and talking to patients about their health choices, I've noticed that some topics really resonate with many women. We often talk about diets, exercise, and regular check-ups, but we don't discuss hair products enough. Recent studies show a link between using chemical hair straighteners often and a higher risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer. This is especially important in countries like India, where these treatments are very popular and deserve serious attention," Dr Kasturi Baruah, Oncologist and Cancer Physician, tells Health Shots.

Harmful effects of chemical hair treatments

The danger often comes from the chemicals used. "Many hair straighteners contain formaldehyde and other toxic substances, such as parabens, phthalates, and heavy metals", says Dr Baruah. These chemicals can disrupt our hormones. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a known cancer-causing agent. The US FDA has also warned about the risks associated with hair treatments.

When you enjoy a day at the salon, you may breathe in a mix of chemicals. "Many people around the world, especially in countries like India, are exposed to these chemicals due to the growing popularity of hair treatments like keratin and chemical straightening", says the cancer physician. As more people visit salons, it’s important to be aware of this issue.

"I've observed a worrying trend in discussions with peers and patients: the number of endometrial cancer cases in India is increasing. Although the rates are still lower than in many Western countries, they are rising quickly," says the oncologist. This rise is related to higher obesity rates and more cases of diabetes. As lifestyle changes continue and risk factors become more common, we must take every slight increase in a woman's risk seriously.

How to reduce cancer risk

1. Minimise frequency of chemical-laden products: Instead of using chemical straighteners regularly, reserve them for special occasions. You can achieve straight hair with many ways that don’t use chemicals.
2. Choose wisely: If you choose to use these products, select those free of formaldehyde. "Make it a habit to check labels and ask your stylist about the ingredients they use", says the doctor. It’s also important to visit a well-ventilated salon as reduced chemical exposure is better for your health.
3. Weight management: Being overweight and having diabetes are significant factors that can lead to uterine cancer, says the expert. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet should be a top priority.
4. Be proactive: Get regular check-ups and monitor your body. If you notice unusual bleeding or other concerning symptoms, contact a physician immediately.
5. Keep track: If you see a clinician, be honest about your use of chemical straighteners and other beauty products. This information can help you better understand your overall risk.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)