The Brazilian perm or blowout and keratin treatments are the latest rage. Everyone is doing it and it is being touted as being much safer and less harsh than the traditional lye containing hair relaxers which have been traditionallyused by women with kinky, curly hair. Hair styling freedom is the big bonus. But, what is the latest information on the keratin treatments? Are they safe for long term use?
Let's find out the latest informatin on keratin treatments.
Keratin
Keratin is a protein found naturally in the hair It fills in the gap in the hair cuticle that are cracked, dry or damaged. It is then mixed with varying degrees of formaldehyde, which helps hold the keratin molecules together and straightens the hair. It is then applied to the hair and sealed in with the heat of a hot iron. The entire process takes 90 minutes, depending on hair length.
What is the Brazilian keratin treatment?
The results of the treatments may last up to about two-three months. The treatment itself is very simple, taking about 90 minutes for cream application, smoothing and heating. The prices range also according to hair length. The average though is $300.00.
The hair can be colored, highlighted, and gray effectively covered. It is suggested by experts though that the treatment follow color to lock that in as well.
One obvious downside is that the folmaldehyde smell can be strong and irritating causing sore throat and itchy eyes. This is what causes concern in usage for both client and the professional stylist.
Maintenance
The maintenance is not too difficult. The user has to remember to avoid sulfate containing shampoos ( Sulfates are not good for hair anyway. They are what lathers up the shampoos. They are also harsh and can strip the hair of proteins causing dryness, breakage and damage). The hair must not be washed for about 72 hours after applications.
Health concerns
The primary health concern is related to the use of formaldehyde in the formulation of this treatment. Formaldehyde, as mentioned earlier, can cause runny nose, sore throat, iching, watery and irritated eyes. In people prone to allergies, this can be disastrous as it can trigger an asthma attack. Particularly so for operators who work all day in this environment.
Formaldehyde is also carcinogenic. Many argue though that the amounts of formaldehyde are very low and reduces such risk. But the user of this treatment should be aware that there is no regulation as to acceptable levels in the treatments. Some treatments that have been imported particularly pose problems as again, there is no standard for regulation. Also, some of the salons have, in the past, mixed their own and added more chemicals thus boosting the level of formaldehyde. Remember, it is the formaldehyde that makes the hair straight.
Don't believe those who say that there are formadehyde-free formulas since the ingredients used are all derivatives of formaldehyde.
There you have it. An informed consumer is a wise consumer. Caveat emptor.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/
Keratin
Keratin is a protein found naturally in the hair It fills in the gap in the hair cuticle that are cracked, dry or damaged. It is then mixed with varying degrees of formaldehyde, which helps hold the keratin molecules together and straightens the hair. It is then applied to the hair and sealed in with the heat of a hot iron. The entire process takes 90 minutes, depending on hair length.
What is the Brazilian keratin treatment?
The results of the treatments may last up to about two-three months. The treatment itself is very simple, taking about 90 minutes for cream application, smoothing and heating. The prices range also according to hair length. The average though is $300.00.
The hair can be colored, highlighted, and gray effectively covered. It is suggested by experts though that the treatment follow color to lock that in as well.
One obvious downside is that the folmaldehyde smell can be strong and irritating causing sore throat and itchy eyes. This is what causes concern in usage for both client and the professional stylist.
Maintenance
The maintenance is not too difficult. The user has to remember to avoid sulfate containing shampoos ( Sulfates are not good for hair anyway. They are what lathers up the shampoos. They are also harsh and can strip the hair of proteins causing dryness, breakage and damage). The hair must not be washed for about 72 hours after applications.
Health concerns
The primary health concern is related to the use of formaldehyde in the formulation of this treatment. Formaldehyde, as mentioned earlier, can cause runny nose, sore throat, iching, watery and irritated eyes. In people prone to allergies, this can be disastrous as it can trigger an asthma attack. Particularly so for operators who work all day in this environment.
Formaldehyde is also carcinogenic. Many argue though that the amounts of formaldehyde are very low and reduces such risk. But the user of this treatment should be aware that there is no regulation as to acceptable levels in the treatments. Some treatments that have been imported particularly pose problems as again, there is no standard for regulation. Also, some of the salons have, in the past, mixed their own and added more chemicals thus boosting the level of formaldehyde. Remember, it is the formaldehyde that makes the hair straight.
Don't believe those who say that there are formadehyde-free formulas since the ingredients used are all derivatives of formaldehyde.
There you have it. An informed consumer is a wise consumer. Caveat emptor.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/
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