The Effects of the Chemical Relaxer Lye on Hair Cortisol Concentrations

    January 2026 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology
    Carrie L. Burnett, Kelci Crandall, Damon M. Osbourn, Tony W. Buchanan
    TLDR Lye relaxers don't significantly change hair cortisol levels.
    The study investigated the effects of lye relaxers on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) with a sample of 14 participants. The results indicated that lye relaxers do not significantly reduce measurable HCC, although Bayesian analysis suggests a 55% probability that untreated hair has higher cortisol levels. The study highlights the importance of including diverse populations, particularly Black and Latinx communities, in hair cortisol research to address cultural and methodological biases. Limitations include the inability to examine real-world post-treatment practices that may affect hair chemistry.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    0 / 0 results
    — no results

    Similar Research

    5 / 103 results