Israeli Health Ministry Warns of Kidney Failure Risk from Hair Straightening Product

An Israeli woman was hospitalized in intensive care with severe kidney failure after using a hair straightening treatment at a home salon in Hadera. The Health Ministry has filed a police complaint and issued a public warning against the hair straightening product LEGEND, marketed by Hazi Eden, suspecting the product used was counterfeit. Initial inspections revealed discrepancies between the product used and the original factory-made version, prompting an immediate halt to its sale and distribution until further laboratory tests are completed.

Professor Adi Leiba, head of the Nephrology and Hypertension Institute at Assuta Ashdod Hospital, told N12 that kidney damage cases linked to hair straightening treatments are more common in Israel than in many other countries. He explained that many of these products contain harmful chemicals such as glycolate and glyoxylate, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream during treatment, especially when heat is applied. Symptoms reported include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, and in severe cases, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis.

The Health Ministry advises the public to avoid hair straightening products containing glycolate, glyoxylate, or oxalate and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as reduced urine output, swelling, nausea, extreme fatigue, abdominal or back pain, or shortness of breath occur after hair treatment. Medical staff investigating such cases conduct thorough inquiries into the products and salons involved. The ministry also warns that adding substances like glyoxylic acid or formaldehyde to these products post-manufacture is illegal and poses serious health risks.

The ministry emphasizes purchasing hair straightening products only from authorized sources and following licensed usage instructions to prevent health hazards. Anyone experiencing adverse symptoms after hair straightening should inform medical personnel about the treatment and product details to ensure proper diagnosis and care.