Brazilian Blowouts Information

[Guest guest]

Hi all -

There have been recent conversations about Brazilian blowouts. Here's some

additional information, from the health perspective, from the health website I

work for which is EmpowHER.com. There are links to additional information at the

end of the article on the site.

Pat in Phoenix

http://www.empowher.com/skin-hair-amp-nails/content/brazilian-blowout-right-you

A Brazilian Blowout, also called Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BTK), is a

90-minute salon treatment that leaves your hair smooth and without frizz but

still gives it some body. This may be a desired treatment if you have frizzy,

damaged or processed hair. Wavy hair will be made straight, curly hair will be

more manageable and straight frizzy hair will loose its frizz and have more

shine.

The procedure involves shampooing your hair, applying the special Brazilian

keratin conditioner, blow drying your hair and then having it straightened with

a flat iron. Afterwards, your hair should have bounce and be more manageable. A

Brazilian Blowout lasts about 10 to 12 weeks and costs between $150 to $600. If

you normally color your hair, it is suggested you color it before the Brazilian

Blowout a shade darker than usual since the straightening solution will lighten

the color.

The main concern with using Brazilian Blowout solutions is that some are made

with formaldehyde as the straightening agent, which is carcinogenic. Some

companies claim to use keratin instead of formaldehyde in their solution.

However, according to Dr. Wu, a dermatologist from dailyglow.com,

keratin can only moisturize and condition hair, it cannot without other

chemicals keep hair smooth through months of washing. Other Brazilian type

products claim not to have formaldehyde but may use other chemicals such as such

as glutaraldehyde and thioglycolate which can weaken the hair making it more

susceptible to damage, drying or even breaking off.

All of the Brazilian Blowout solutions produce noxious fumes so they must be

used with adequate ventilation.Women in forums report how much the smells made

their and their hairdressers' eyes water. Some women reported loving the results

of their Brazilian Blowout. Others felt they had their best result the first

time they had it done and were less pleased with following treatments. Many

posted concerns about formaldehyde or the other chemicals used in

non-formaldehyde solutions.

If you are considering having a Brazilian Blowout, do your research. The Food

and Drug Administration does not restrict the use of formaldehyde in cosmetic

products nor does it regulate the presence other ingredients. Therefore, it is

unknown what exactly is in straightening solutions and in what amounts. A

Brazilian Blowout can be a real life saver if you have very unruly frizzy hair

but exposure to formaldehyde can be a life taker if you aren't careful.