Essential Facts Regarding Hair Straightening Procedures with Keratin
Keratin treatments, a popular hair styling solution, promise smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair. However, these treatments come with potential risks that every user should be aware of.
Formaldehyde-Containing Keratin Treatments
Formaldehyde-containing keratin treatments offer benefits such as smoothing frizz, adding shine, and improving hair manageability. These treatments can last about six months, providing long-lasting results. However, they pose significant risks.
Exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is one of the major concerns. This chemical is released during heat application like flat-ironing, and can lead to respiratory problems and skin irritation. Repeated use of these treatments may lead to hair breakage, dryness, and potential hair loss.
Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatments
In response to the health concerns, formaldehyde-free keratin treatments have emerged. These treatments aim to preserve the hair’s natural vitality by reducing hair damage and eliminating health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure. While their smoothing effects may be gentler or less long-lasting than formaldehyde-containing versions, they are considered safer alternatives for both hair health and overall wellbeing.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing between formaldehyde-containing and formaldehyde-free treatments, it's essential to weigh the desired outcomes against potential health hazards and hair condition.
The treatment process typically starts with washing hair twice with a clarifying shampoo. A keratin treatment solution is applied to wet hair and combed through. The treatment is sealed into the hair using a flat iron.
While at-home keratin treatment kits are available, professional heat sources may be more effective. It's recommended to wait a few days before the first shampoo after a keratin treatment.
Considerations and Precautions
It's important to note that environmental triggers, UV chemicals, and heat can still break down keratin, leading to potential hair damage over time. People with longer hair or curly, frizzy hair may be more likely to use keratin treatments.
Individuals with sensitive skin or allergic contact dermatitis should proceed with caution. Sodium chloride-free hair products should be used to avoid harming hair.
In conclusion, formaldehyde-containing treatments offer stronger, longer-lasting smoothing but carry substantial health and hair damage risks. Formaldehyde-free treatments are safer and better for hair health and environmental concerns but might be less dramatic or durable in their results.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Keratin hair treatment: Risks and benefits. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/keratin-hair-treatment/about/pac-20394926
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Formaldehyde and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/formaldehyde.html
[3] Environmental Working Group. (2021). Keratin Straighteners. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703329-DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL/#.Yz0q0N4zbIU
[5] The Humane Society. (2021). Keratin Hair Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keratin-hair-treatments-animal-testing-information
Food choices can significantly impact an individual's environment and health, as some foods may increase the risk of various health conditions. For instance, consumption of processed foods high in sodium, like certain hair products, may contribute to hair dryness and potential hair loss over time, similar to the effects of repeated keratin treatments.
Adopting a health-and-wellness lifestyle, which emphasizes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper self-care practices, can help promote overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of health problems associated with poor dietary choices. This includes opting for formaldehyde-free hair treatments, which are considered safer for both hair health and environmental concerns, much like selecting organic, preservative-free food products.
