Hair-Straightening Products and Kidney Failure: Israeli Study

A recent study by Israeli doctors has revealed that some hair-straightening treatments can cause kidney failure, leading Israel's Health Ministry to ban a number of products. Israel is the first country to document such cases and take action against the use of these products.

Israel Bans Glyoxylic Acid

The Health Ministry in Jerusalem has banned all products containing glyoxylic acid, the ingredient responsible for causing kidney failure. This decision was based on a preview of the research conducted by Prof. Linda Shavit of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, which has since been published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Research Findings

According to the research, 26 cases of acute kidney injury were documented over the last three years, with the number rising to 38 people in Israel. The patients in the study, all young women, experienced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and scalp rash after using hair-straightening products. Most of the patients had no prior medical problems, and one was pregnant. Although none of the patients died, the damage was reversible, but three young women required dialysis for several weeks, and a few needed kidney biopsies.

Glyoxylic Acid and Oxalate

The hair-straightening products in question contain glyoxylic acid, a common ingredient in creams for permanent hair-straightening. This ingredient can absorb into the skin and reach the bloodstream, where it can metabolize to oxalate and cause kidney damage. Oxalate is a naturally occurring molecule that, in excessive quantities, can lead to kidney failure.

Raising Awareness

Prof. Shavit believes that the publication of the research will prompt doctors around the world to start asking patients with kidney failure about their use of hair-straightening treatments. She also believes that there may be many undiscovered cases of hair-straightening-induced kidney damage, and that the Israeli ban on glyoxylic acid will save lives. It is important to raise awareness among women, stylists, and hair stylists to use only permitted treatments and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

Prof. Shavit is glad that the research has prevented many life-threatening cases in women undergoing hair straightening and hopes that all salons will observe the ban on glyoxylic acid and use safe materials. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and adhering to manufacturer's instructions to prevent further cases of kidney failure caused by hair-straightening treatments.

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References

Some hair-straightening products can cause kidney failure – pioneering Israeli study

Acute Kidney Injury and Hair Straightening Products: A Case Series

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.