Monday, December 20, 2010

What is a Brazilian Blowout?

Don’t worry ladies, I’m not talking about a visit to your nearest waxing salon. The Brazilian Blowout is a keratin hair straightening treatment that promises to give you frizz-free, shiny hair that is more manageable. It is said to keep hair gorgeous for up to 12 weeks and only takes about an hour to complete.

This little miracle procedure has been stirring up quite a buzz! Many women are following in the footsteps of celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston to get it done. There are also those that have a few questions regarding the safety of this treatment. 

The Brazilian Blowout Company has claimed to be formaldehyde-free, saying that the products applied are simply amino acids and proteins. But after Oregon stylists complained of eye irritation, nose bleeds and difficulty breathing, OSHA testing found there to be traces of formaldehyde in the product samples taken from 2 Oregon salons. According to safety standards, .2% of formaldehyde exposure is considered “safe”. The salons tests were between 4 and 10%! A Canadian government-based health agency found a whopping 12%.

So what does this mean? Only that the exposure is anywhere from 20-60% above the level that is considered safe and that formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. But then again, that has not stopped people from smoking cigarettes! If the Brazilian were to be applied according to formaldehyde safety standards, clients and stylists would have to use masks, goggles, possibly respirators. That certainly would change the whole serene experience of a spa!

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