Teen Hospitalized with Kidney Failure After Hair Straightening Treatment

A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized with acute kidney failure following a hair straightening treatment at a home salon. Dr. Mital Keidar, head of pediatric nephrology at Wolfson Medical Center, described the severe symptoms the teen presented with, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Dr. Keidar explained that the harmful chemical, glyoxylic acid, is absorbed directly from the scalp into the bloodstream, then filters into and damages the kidneys. She noted that newer "healthy" keratin-style straightening treatments also involve this absorption process, leading to kidney damage.

This incident is part of a broader, concerning national trend. Medical data indicates a persistent health risk affecting women and girls in Israel. Dr. Keidar stated that since 2022, approximately 50 to 60 cases of kidney failure in girls and women have been recorded in Israel after undergoing hair straightening.

In response to the rising number of cases, the Ministry of Health updated regulations in 2023 concerning the approval of hair straightening products. Practical guidelines have been issued, advising consumers to verify on the Ministry of Health website that products are approved under updated regulations and to check ingredient lists for glyoxylic acid or other unauthorized substances. Individuals experiencing unusual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain after treatment are urged to seek immediate emergency medical attention.