Hair’s Worst Nightmare

Dear Beauty Conscious Reader,

From Japan to Brazil, and all around the world… the latest craze is to have silky, straight hair.

TV commercials, billboards, and magazines are full of flashy advertising for revolutionary products that promise to “improve the quality of your hair inside out.”

It all sounds wonderful, but at what expense? Has anyone ever stopped to figure out if it’s really worth it? Plus, what’s wrong with having curly hair anyway?

Well, let me tell you, you’re taking a huge risk if you’re using some of these treatments.

As a stylist and salon owner, I’m expected to keep up with the latest trends. I remember the first time I came into contact with one Brazilian treatment. I signed up for a special class to learn this new service, and it cost me a pretty penny. But on the first day, I had to run out of there. It smelled horrible! I find it funny now, but I’m so glad I was too sensitive to tolerate it.

Here’s the scary part… I later found out that the smell was formaldehyde. Yeah, you heard me! The same stuff they use on dead people. Well, needless to say, there went that part of my income.

Okay, gals, let’s keep it real. Formaldehyde is found in quite a few things like household products, cabinetry, etc. But to knowingly put that stuff on your scalp is totally absurd to me.

This keratin treatment from Brazil comes in the form of a liquid, so it’s very difficult to keep it from touching your skin. After applying it to your hair, you then repeatedly pass a 450-degree iron through it to thoroughly seal the treatment. The fumes that are released during that process undoubtedly poison everything and everyone in the vicinity.

And then you’re told you can’t wash your hair for several days. Can you imagine living with that obnoxious odor and spreading it around on your pillows, then onto your face?

Yuck!

After doing some research, I found out that you and your stylist should be forced to wear a gas mask and full-body protection… because what you’re inhaling and absorbing through your skin can be fatal.

The EPA says formaldehyde is a carcinogen… which means it causes cancer. And according to independent experts on the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, cosmetic products should have no more than 2% formaldehyde in them to be considered “safe.”

The problem is, a lot of these hair products contain 10 times that amount!

I also found out in my research that this original Brazilian keratin treatment is not even being distributed in Brazil. Hmmm…

Well I have curly hair, and I am most definitely interested in going straight sometimes. But after all I’ve been through trying to achieve that look, none of it sounds like a good idea to me.

My advice to you is to make sure you do your homework before making a decision.

1) Make sure your stylist is experienced in hair relaxing and chemical straightening techniques. If possible, get a recommendation from a trusted source.

2) Go in for a consultation prior to committing. Inquire about the brand they’re using and if they test frequently for formaldehyde levels.

3) During your consultation, ask to see your stylist’s qualifications. And don’t hesitate to request information on how to contact other customers to find out about their results.

4) Make sure you completely understand the process and the steps you need to follow in caring for your treated hair.

If you decide to go ahead and get it anyway, make sure you are well aware of the negative consequences that could result from the treatment. Not only the horrible smell and exposure to formaldehyde, but also what your hair may look like if things go wrong.

Otherwise it’s all window dressing…

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is Owner and Founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]