Hair Straightening Procedures Linked to Kidney Damage in Israel

Israeli health officials are investigating a growing number of acute kidney damage cases linked to popular hair straightening treatments. The latest incident involved a 14-year-old girl hospitalized with acute renal failure after undergoing such a procedure. Her parents claim they confirmed the product used was approved by the Ministry of Health, yet she developed symptoms hours later.

This case, along with dozens of similar kidney damage incidents reported in Israel in recent years, has prompted medical experts to warn the public about the potential risks. Dr. Ofir Lavon, head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Carmel Medical Center, emphasized that understanding the risks requires more than just knowing a product's ingredients. "When asked if a certain substance is toxic, one needs to understand that the risk also depends on the way it interacts with the body, whether it comes into contact with the skin, is inhaled, or ingested," Lavon explained.

Investigations into these cases have frequently identified glyoxylic acid as a contributing factor. This acid can lead to the formation of oxalate crystals, which deposit in the kidneys and impair their function. Dr. Yael Borovitz, a senior nephrologist at Schneider Children's Medical Center, noted that parents often provided crucial information, such as product packaging or ingredient lists, which helped establish the link between the treatments and kidney damage. In some instances, unapproved products were found to be in use.

Concerns have also been raised about formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance banned in cosmetics, found in some improperly labeled hair straightening products. The Ministry of Health had previously flagged several hair products during checks at a "Hair Straightening Center" chain, with some products lacking registration and others containing undeclared glyoxylic acid or formaldehyde.

Experts advise consumers to minimize scalp contact during the procedure, request to see product packaging and ingredient lists, and specifically inquire about the absence of glyoxylic acid and formaldehyde. They also caution against relying on smell as an indicator of safety and recommend checking scalp condition beforehand. In case of adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is advised, with patients encouraged to inform doctors about recent hair straightening treatments and provide any available product information.