Who doesn’t like to keep hair soft and shiny? Nowadays people are adopting many types of hair treatments. The trend of new hair treatments has increased in the beauty industry. Traditionally, formalin (Brazilian Blowout) was used for straightening. It was considered a threat to health. Due to this, alternatives like glycolic acid came into existence. In salon hair straightening treatments, keratin is often used to get silky straight hair.
hair-straightening chemical (glycolic acid)
However, there is growing evidence that such products can damage the kidneys. A recent report from Israel has shed light on how serious the effects of this hair-straightening chemical (glycolic acid) can be on the kidneys. Between 2019 and 2022, 26 cases of acute kidney injury (recurrent in two cases) were reported from 14 centres.
All affected individuals were women in their 20s, and the kidney disease was so severe that three patients required dialysis. Additionally, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggested that keratin-based hair straightening products containing glyoxylic acid increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to the formation of oxalate crystals in the kidneys.
How does hair straightening damage the kidneys?
How does hair straightening harm the kidneys? According to a report published in India TV, when we spoke to Dr. Vaibhav Keskar, Consultant Nephrology, Fortis Hospital and Dr. Abhishek Shirkande, Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician, SL Raheja Hospital, Glyoxylic acid passes through the epidermis and is absorbed systemically into the blood, where it is rapidly converted to glyoxylate. Glyoxylate eventually metabolizes to oxalate, which is toxic to the kidneys. Using glyoxylic acid to straighten hair leads to the accumulation of calcium oxalate in the kidney tissues and the kidneys are unable to function properly.
When the condition becomes severe, dialysis may be required. Sometimes, the injury may lead to permanent kidney failure. Local irritation/itching or ulcers after treatment may be an early sign that should not be ignored. Early detection and timely treatment can help reduce the risk.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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