Hairdressers Face 23% Higher Hysterectomy Risk From Chemical Exposure

Women who work as hairdressers had 23% higher odds of hysterectomy and 61% higher rates of endometriosis. The chemicals in hair dye, perms, and straighteners are damaging their reproductive systems.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study in Occup Environ Med analyzed data from 50,800 women in the Sister Study (aged 35 to 74). Among them, 1,803 had worked as hairdressers.

Hairdressers had 23% higher odds of having had a hysterectomy (OR 1.23). They had 61% higher rates of endometriosis (HR 1.61). Those who most frequently applied perms, chemical straighteners, and permanent hair color had the highest hysterectomy rates.

Black Hairdressers Hit Hardest

When researchers looked at race separately, Black hairdressers had even higher fibroid rates compared to Black women who never worked in salons (HR 1.56). Black women are already disproportionately affected by fibroids, and occupational chemical exposure adds another layer of risk.

What's in Salon Products

Hair dyes contain aromatic amines and resorcinol. Straighteners contain formaldehyde and phthalates. Perms use strong chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Hairdressers handle these products for hours every day, breathing the fumes and absorbing chemicals through their hands.

What You Can Do

If you're a hairdresser, wear gloves and ensure good ventilation. Space out chemical services. If you're a client, consider reducing chemical treatments. Choose salons that use low-toxicity products. Browse non-toxic home essentials for safer personal care options.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Ogunsina K, et al. (2026). Occup Environ Med.