What is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a hair-smoothing and straightening process, also known as a Brazilian keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout. It involves applying keratin-based products, blow-drying the hair, and sealing it with a flat iron.
How Does Keratin Work?
Keratin is a natural protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. A keratin treatment enhances hair by:
- Reducing frizz
- Increasing shine
- Strengthening hair strands
- Making wavy or curly hair straighter
Where to Get a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatments are available at salons and clinics, such as Nexus Clinic, which specialize in frizzy hair treatments.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
While keratin treatments offer smooth, shiny hair, they may also have undesirable side effects, such as:
- Possible exposure to harmful chemicals
- Scalp or skin irritation
- Hair damage over time
Possible Side Effects of Keratin Treatment
Keratin used in beauty treatments is often derived from animal skin, hair, or nails. While keratin is a natural protein, most keratin treatments contain additional chemicals, including formaldehyde, which may pose health risks.
Formaldehyde and Health Risks
According to the American Cancer Society, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, meaning it may cause or promote cancer. Additionally, formaldehyde can lead to various adverse health effects.
FDA-Reported Side Effects
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that formaldehyde and related chemicals in keratin treatments may cause:
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Coughing and wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Skin rash
Who is Affected?
Both clients receiving keratin treatments and stylists administering them have reported experiencing these side effects.
Are There Long-Term Effects?
Most side effects occur during or shortly after a keratin treatment with formaldehyde-based products. However, the long-term health effects of formaldehyde-containing keratin treatments remain unknown.
Concerns About Formaldehyde Levels in Keratin Treatments
One major issue with formaldehyde in keratin treatments is that the formaldehyde content in many products may be higher than advertised.
High Levels of Formaldehyde in Products
A 2014 study of keratin brands sold in South Africa found that six out of seven products contained formaldehyde levels ranging from 0.96% to 1.4%, which is five times the recommended safe level of 0.2%.
Similarly, a 2011 study discovered that the formaldehyde levels in four different keratin brands were much higher than what was stated on the labels.
Risks of Formaldehyde Exposure in Salons
Keratin treatments are typically performed in salons, where multiple people are exposed to the chemicals throughout the day.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, exposure to formaldehyde levels between 0.1 and 0.5 ppm (parts per million) can cause:
- Nasal and eye irritation
- Neurological effects
- Increased risk of asthma and allergies
When formaldehyde levels rise between 0.6 and 1.9 ppm, the following may occur:
- Eczema
- Changes in lung function
Formaldehyde Levels During Keratin Treatments
In a 2011 study, formaldehyde concentrations during a keratin treatment in salons ranged from:
- 0.08 to 3.47 ppm during the blow-drying phase
- 0.08 to 1.05 ppm during the flat-ironing phase
Both of these levels exceed what most people can tolerate.
Potential Long-Term Effects
If you are receiving only a single treatment, the effects may be minimal. However, for stylists who work in salons frequently, long-term exposure to these higher concentrations of formaldehyde may have greater health consequences.
Are Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatments Really Safe?
In recent years, formaldehyde-free keratin treatments have become popular, but they may still have misleading labels.
A 2012 study found that five brands labeled as formaldehyde-free actually contained formaldehyde.
Hidden Names for Formaldehyde
Manufacturers sometimes list formaldehyde under different names, including:
- Aldehyde
- Bonded aldehyde
- Formalin
- Formic aldehyde
- Methanediol
- Methanal
- Methyl aldehyde
- Methylene glycol
- Methylene oxide
- Morbicid acid
Additionally, some products contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, such as:
- Benzylhemiformal
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium-15
Can You Find a Truly Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatment?
Formaldehyde enhances the effectiveness of keratin treatments, making it difficult to find a 100% formaldehyde-free product that delivers the same results.
Before choosing a treatment, check the ingredient list and consult a stylist specializing in keratin treatments. Many offer consultations to help you select the safest option.
Safe Alternatives to Keratin Treatments
If you’re concerned about formaldehyde exposure, here are some safer alternatives:
✅ Heat Styling – Using a blow dryer or flat iron can temporarily smooth your hair.
✅ Moisturizing – Keeping your hair hydrated helps maintain health and shine.
✅ Reducing Shampoo Use – Overwashing can strip natural oils. Try using the “no poo” method (washing hair without traditional shampoo).
✅ Natural Moisturizers – Apply nourishing oils like:
- Olive oil
- Argan oil
- Coconut oil
- Cocoa butter
- Sunflower seed oil
Need Expert Advice?
Nexus Clinic can help you achieve shiny, healthy hair with safe and effective solutions.
Keratin hair and scalp treatment can be an effective method for achieving shinier, smoother hair, but they typically involve the use of formaldehyde, which can cause a variety of side effects.
While some manufacturers advertise formaldehyde-free products, many of these still contain formaldehyde in some form.
It is unknown whether occasional keratin treatments have long-term health effects, but you may want to avoid them if you are particularly sensitive or suffer from asthma or allergies.
Additionally, it is best to avoid keratin treatments if you are pregnant or nursing.
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