Popular hair-straightening procedure in Israel may lead to kidney damage

In Israel, cases of acute kidney damage following hair-straightening procedures continue to be reported. Doctors warn that the risk is linked to glyoxylic acid, which can form oxalate crystals in the kidneys. Specialists offer recommendations on how to minimize the danger.

In Israel, cases of acute kidney damage following hair-straightening procedures continue to be reported. Recently, a 14-year-old girl was hospitalized with acute kidney failure after such a procedure. Dr. Ofir Lavon, head of the clinical pharmacology and toxicology department at Carmel Medical Center, explains that investigations into similar cases have repeatedly found glyoxylic acid. It promotes the formation of oxalate crystals, which settle in the kidneys and impair their function. Dr. Yael Borovitz, senior nephrologist at Schneider Medical Center, notes that parents helped doctors establish the link between the procedure and kidney damage by bringing boxes of products from salons. In August, the Ministry of Health warned about several hair products found at the 'Hair Straightening Center' chain that were not registered. Some products contained formaldehyde. Specialists recommend: minimizing contact with the scalp, asking to see the packaging, checking the ingredients for glyoxylic acid and formaldehyde, not relying on smell, checking the scalp before the procedure, and seeking medical help if symptoms appear.