Brazilian Hair Straightening – Is is safe?
Brazilian Hair Straightening - Is is safe?
Brazilian hair straightening is the most popular new way to tame frizzy, curly or unruly hair. But, while many salons say that the straightener is perfectly safe, the real truth is, that all Brazilian hair straightening products contain toxic formaldehyde. There is a lot of controversy around this procedure, but most salon owners will claim that it’s safe. This method goes under other names, such as Brazilian Keratin Treatments, or BKT. Most salons say that they use the smallest percentage of formaldehyde needed to get results, but where your health and safety are at stake, it’s best to be informed. There is formaldehyde in things all around us, and it occurs in many natural cases. However, the formaldehyde in manmade products is dangerous because it is more slowly released into the environment. The release is accelerated in the presence of humidity and heat. Formaldehyde can stay around for a long time, making it hard to wash out of the hair. The chemical can accumulate over time and be released every time you wash your hair. Long term use of a Brazilian straightener will mean more exposure to formaldehyde. Some people are sensitive to it, and allergies can develop over time. The chemical can cause an immune system reaction at any time. Effects from formaldehyde can include headache, itchiness, runny nose, sore throat and eye irritation. High exposure carries the risk of cancer, especially in those who smoke. Women who are pregnant, those with injured lungs, and those sensitive to formaldehyde shouldn’t use this straightening method. Ask if your salon uses the system- some won’t because of the dangers of formaldehyde. The salon staff are at risk too, but if they wear gloves and have proper ventilation it can help. There are ways to get shiny straight hair without using formaldehyde. Flat irons are great- they smooth the hair while adding body and shine. It is possible to get great hair without spending all day in a salon or exposing yourself to dangerous chemicals. | |