Israeli Woman Hospitalized After Using Hair Straightening Product, Health Ministry Issues Warning

An Israeli woman was hospitalized in serious condition with acute kidney failure after using a hair straightening product at a home salon in Hadera. She was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center but has since significantly improved and was recently discharged. The Health Ministry received the report about a week and a half ago and subsequently filed a police complaint to investigate the circumstances.

The ministry identified the product involved as LEGEND, marketed by Hazi Eden according to the packaging submitted for inspection. Health inspectors conducted a factory audit and collected samples for laboratory testing. Preliminary findings suggest the product used may differ in appearance and composition from the officially manufactured version, raising concerns about possible counterfeiting or unauthorized alteration.

The ministry warned that adding substances like glyoxylic acid or formaldehyde, diluting, or otherwise modifying the product after manufacture poses serious health risks and may constitute a criminal offense. Such changes invalidate the product's safety certification and expose users to unknown hazardous chemicals.

Until the investigation and lab tests are complete, the Health Ministry has ordered an immediate halt to the use, sale, marketing, or distribution of the LEGEND product. The ministry also cautions the public to avoid purchasing hair straightening products from unauthorized sources and to verify products through the ministry’s official cosmetics registry. It recommends only receiving hair straightening treatments at licensed salons using legally marketed products.

Individuals who have undergone hair straightening and experience symptoms such as reduced or no urine output, swelling, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, abdominal or back pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or any health deterioration should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about the hair treatment and product details if known.