Scared Straight!

Some hair salons are starting to take precautions against possible formaldehyde in hair straightening products like the Brazilian Blowout.

Concerns that the popular hair-smoothing solution, known generically as "Brazilian" or "Keratin" treatments, could expose hair stylists to health risks. Investigations into the product in the United States and Canada led to product being pulled from shelves in Canada along with a warning issued to stylists and consumers who used it. In the US, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission are still conducting their investigations.

Stories of those who have suffered ill effects from the Brazilian Blowout started in 2007, including an article in Allure magazine, titled “Scared Straight”. The magazine collected samples of the treatments and them to an FDA-registered lab for testing where it was determined that they contained ten times more formaldehyde than the .2 percent that is determined to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to large amounts of the chemical can cause serious health problems, including cancer.

OSHA, the Federal agency responsible for workplace safety and health, issued an alert warning September 30, 2010, that samples of the Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution (both sold by the same company) contained between 4.85 and 10.6 percent formaldehyde. When Canada’s health agency tested Brazilian Blowout, it found 12 percent formaldehyde.

BEWARE and do your homework on all new products!! YOU are your first line of protection when it comes to using hair and skincare products.




The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out on healthy hair and skincare. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.