![A beautician applies a relaxer on a client’s hair at a salon in Atlanta. Social and economic pressures have long compelled Black girls and women to straighten their hair. But mounting evidence suggests chemical hair straighteners could be a health hazard.](https://www.gpb.org/sites/default/files/styles/flexheight/public/2023-08/screen_shot_2023-08-01_at_2.13.38_pm.png?itok=qdatxSrX)
Caption
A beautician applies a relaxer on a client’s hair at a salon in Atlanta. Social and economic pressures have long compelled Black girls and women to straighten their hair. But mounting evidence suggests chemical hair straighteners could be a health hazard.
Credit: Kara Nelson/KFF Health News