It happens again: 14-year-old hospitalized after hair straightening

A 14-year-old girl from the Western Galilee was hospitalized at the Galilee Medical Center with impaired kidney function after undergoing a hair straightening treatment. Dr. Hoffman, director of pediatric intensive care, stated that the unequivocal recommendation is to forgo the procedure entirely due to the serious health risk.

A 14-year-old girl from the Western Galilee was hospitalized at the Galilee Medical Center suffering from impaired kidney function after undergoing a hair straightening treatment. Dr. Hoffman, director of pediatric intensive care, said that the unequivocal medical recommendation is to forgo the procedure entirely due to the unnecessary risk. The Ministry of Health has issued warnings on the matter, and an expert committee found a causal link between straightening products containing glyoxylic acid and kidney damage. As a result, licenses for products containing the substance were revoked, and from February 2026, the marketing, sale, and use of such products are banned in Israel. The ministry warns that in case of decreased urine output, nausea, fatigue, or other symptoms after straightening, immediate medical attention should be sought and the product details should be noted.