DJ Mystikle Blue Birmingham, UK Fibroids · Miscarriage · Stillbirth
"My husband and I had been trying for a baby for a while, and it wasn't an easy journey. I suffered 4 consecutive miscarriages, followed by a stillbirth and then another miscarriage. Added to this I had an ovarian cyst and fibroids that were growing each time I went in for a scan. The doctors couldn't find what was causing all this, so I decided to do my own research — and stumbled upon the correlation between hair relaxers and the problems they cause.
In October 2016 I did the big chop and went natural. After going natural, the fibroids just stopped growing — and in 2018 I gave birth to our son."
Emma London, UK Fibroids · Chemical burns · Hair loss
"I first had my hair relaxed when I was around 12. We had no real idea as tweens that we were administering seriously harmful chemicals to each other — and on many occasions we'd end up with serious, painful, weeping burns at our hairlines or on our scalps. Burns that would not heal for weeks or months, leaving permanent scarring or hair loss.
To this day, 25 years later, I have severe fibroids so bad that my entire bladder is displaced. I have to use the bathroom every 20 minutes. The fibroids are disabling. Had my mum or I been aware of what is now known through research, I would not have been allowed to use them."
Anonymous West Midlands, UK Fibroids · Hysterectomy
"I had to have a hysterectomy in my early 40s due to fibroids and I know a few other women who suffered the same fate. I have no doubt there is a link with the use of hair relaxers. I wish I had known earlier."
Anonymous East London, UK Cancer · Chemical burns
"I only relaxed my hair for about 5 years, from 15 to 19. It caused burning feelings, lots of scabs, as well as thinning of my hair. Years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer — which praise to God I came through in 2022. I would not want anyone to go through cancer like I did. We deserve choice and a healthier alternative."
