Straightening: “hair, an aspect of human individuality”




Denys E. Peñaloza-Daguer, Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cecilia Navarro-Tuculet, Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Luis D. Mazzuoccolo, Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hair is an important element of human individuality. The pursuit of more manageable hair has driven the development of straightening procedures, which can be physical or chemical and temporary or permanent depending on their duration. Straightening affects only the visible part of the hair, without altering its natural growth, so it must be performed periodically to maintain the desired effect. The increasing popularity of hair straightening, even among young people, has raised medical concerns. The aesthetic and physical impact of hair products is often overlooked despite their wide availability in the market. This study focuses on the morphology, chemical composition, and molecular structure of hair, as well as the risks and adverse effects associated with straightening products and techniques, both locally and systemically.



Keywords: Hair cosmetics. Hair. Hair straightening. Scalp.