The Dangers of unapproved/cheap Brazilian Keratin Treatments
The Brazilian Keratin Treatment is an innovative new technique of hair straightening that has hit the hairdressing industry with a bang. It is innovative in that it uses keratin instead of the other harsh chemicals formally used to straighten hair. Keratin is a protein high in sulphur and cystine that is found naturally in the body in hair and nails. Keratin is then combined with formaldehyde to form the straightening solution. The solution is fused on to the outer layer of the hair by using a hot iron to create a smooth, straight effect. The straightening effects of the Brazilian Keratin Treatment last for up to 3 months and the hair is left feeling soft, manageable and virtually frizz-free.
Sounds great doesn’t it and there is no dispute as to whether the process actually works; the results are clearly visible. However, it is the formaldehyde used in the solution that has caused some concern as the substance has been known to pose serious health dangers.
One of the main concerns is that some of the Brazilian Keratin Treatments used in hair salons and sold on the high street to members of the public have not been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor have they been regulated by any other body. This is seriously dangerous as it means that no safe standard of what goes in to the solutions has been established by which to test the products.
The most serious concern with the Brazilian Keratin Treatment is the risk of cancer as formaldehyde has carcinogenic properties. According to recent research, only .02% of formaldehyde in cosmetic products is considered safe; this is clearly an extremely low percentage. Worryingly, reports have shown that some Brazilian Keratin Treatments have been found to have up to 10% formaldehyde. The process of straightening the hair involves heating the formaldehyde with the straightening iron so it vaporises. The issue with this is that the customer and the person applying it (and those nearby) are exposed to high levels of formaldehyde gas, putting them at risk for cancer.
There are also other health issues associated with formaldehyde including eye irritation. It can also irritate the lungs if inhaled. The substance slowly leaves the hair over a period of three months so the person is actually exposed to the formaldehyde for the entire period. Every time the person uses a hot iron on their hair, they run the risk of exposing themselves to the same risks (cancer, eye and lung irritation) as when they first had the process done.
With any treatment it is essential to be aware of any potential problems or health risks that could arise in order to make an informed decision. You need to be aware of both the pros and cons of the treatment before going ahead with it. In the majority of cases, there are no problems but there is a minority of cases where injuries or health issues may occur, but only when cheap or unapproved treatments are used which may contain excessive amounts of formaldehyde.
Inanch London have been applying the Brazilian Keratin treatment since July 2008 and only use treatments which have formaldehyde-free formulas and 100% safe for both clients and staff. To ensure maximum safety measures, we still insist that both the client and stylist applying the treatment wear facial masks throughout the treatment process.
For a full list of hair straightening services on offer at Inanch London click here.
Tags: brazilian keratin treatment, cosmetic products, hair salons, hair straightening, harsh chemicals, hot iron, nails, nbsp, protein, sulphur
