Hair products that dissipate quickly can raise health concerns. Researchers from a major American university concluded this after examining emissions from hair softeners containing siloxanes and other volatile organic compounds. The findings emerged from a study conducted under controlled conditions and focused on how products interact with indoor air quality when heat is involved.
According to the researchers, the use of hair care products can rapidly alter indoor air composition. Heat styling methods such as straightening and curling can further elevate airborne VOC levels, contributing to a noticeable shift in the air people breathe in spaces where these products are used.
In the study, a small, ventilated residential environment was used to simulate typical daily routines. Participants applied their regular hair products and used common styling tools. Emissions were tracked in real time before, during, and after heat exposure to capture the full dynamic of VOC release.
Results showed that air composition can change within moments of product use and heat application. The extent of emissions depended on the product type, hair length, the choice of styling tool, and the tool temperature. Longer hair and higher heat consistently led to greater VOC release, indicating a higher likelihood of inhalation of airborne chemicals in those scenarios.
The experiment estimated that an individual could inhale up to a certain amount of potentially harmful substances daily through routine hair styling. Ongoing investigations aim to identify specific health outcomes linked to these exposures and to quantify the risks more precisely for everyday users.
Regulatory actions are already underway in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration has signaled plans to restrict or ban formaldehyde and related substances found in some chemical hair straightening products. Experts warn that certain ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, exacerbate respiratory conditions, and may be linked to other adverse health effects with long-term use.
Earlier discussions have pointed to the broader issue of household chemicals and their potential developmental impacts on adolescents, underscoring the importance of understanding what goes into consumer products and how those ingredients behave in real-life environments.