Update: I have written an update on 01/19/10 regarding this subject: The Truth About Keratin (BKT) Treatments. Please be sure to read that entry before commenting or asking a question.
I have been receiving many questions lately about the Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) or as some people call the Escova Progressiva. I have now analyzed samples of three popular brands that are used for straightening curly hair based upon "keratin", "formaldehyde-free", or "aldehyde" technologies.
The truth is that they are actually using formaldehyde and in concentrations that exceed the legal limit. Two of the brands use 1.0% formaldehyde and the third one uses about 4.0% formaldehyde. The legal limit is 0.2%.
All of these brands pose serious health risks as the fumes generated during blow drying and flat ironing can cause headaches, irritation of the breathing pathways, eyes, and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure can cause even worse problems.
For more information about formaldehyde, please visit www.cancer.gov.
Dr. Ali, interesting information posting here and I am enjoying all the data that is shared on your website. I attended the hair etc class today and was impressed with all of the data presented in the class along with the clear evidence that your poducts work. I am enjoying the "science" of hair.
Thanks for the update on the new upcoming product line and the fact on what occurs to the hair when sensitive scalp no lye relaxer is mixed early and sits on the hair. I have know individuals to use this relaxer on all their clients in which I certainly disagree. I am finding a new love for the science of the hair, I want to know how everything I use effects the clients hair. Thanks for the info again and I think you just opened up a new can of worms.
So, what do you think about Nioxin product line promising to grow back the hair if follicles are present? I know you stated in the class that you would like to see the data and the proof in advance or just a try of the free product before paying for it. I have found that it does work for me as a stylist but would love it more if you make a similar product line so I can support your product lines which are my first love.
Another question, what do you think about the Matrix opti smooth perm, you are well aware that this product is not new, we are using this product in our salon and I wanted to know if there are any dangers associated with this product line? What does this do to the hair over time and is it better to just use a lye based relaxer like fiberguard instead?
You asked to here from us stylist and well, here we are :) Thanks again for the data and the proof.
Thank you for attending my class. As I mentioned, I am always working on new products for the excessively curly hair and scalp. You will hear from me soon regarding the stimulation techniques and products for the scalp.
The Opti Smooth is based upon Ammonium Thioglycolate if I am not mistaken and for straightening hair with it effectively will require heat, in my opinion. I do not think it poses any special danger to the scalp. Of course, like any relaxer, it may damage the hair if not properly used. It may also be drying to excessively curly hair but it would be good for wavy Caucasian hair and wavy Hispanic hair.
Hi Dr. Syed, can you tell us which brands of BKT you tested? I'd love to know which ones are marketing themselves as "formaldehyde-free" when they in fact contain significant amounts of the chemical. Thanks.
The three brands tested were salon professional brands.
1. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy - it contains 1.00% formaldehyde active.
2. Nanokeratin System - Hair Therapy Cream - contains 1.00% formaldehyde active.
3. Brazilian Hair Straightening - One Day Treatment - contains 4.0% formaldehyde active.
I hope this answers your question. Dr Syed
HI DR.ALI SYED,
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU EVER HEARD OF PRAVANA
KERATIN STRAIGTNER. I HAVE JUST USED THEIR PRODUCT AND WITH IN 1 DAY NOTICED IN MY THROUAT,AND JUST FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD BURNT MY THROUAT AND NEEDED MEDICAIL CARE. ITS PRAVANA A PRODUCT YOU HAVE TESTED?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME,
KAREN FROM PA.
Hi Karen:
No, I havent tested Pravana Keratin Straightner, yet. I am familiar with this brand. I will test it out soon and let you know about the results. Just for your information, Keratin or Nano Keratin cannot straighten hair. It is a total misinformation campaign and scientifically incorrect.
Many of the products in this category contain formaldehyde at undesirable and/or dangerous levels.
Dr Syed
Hi Karen:
We have now tested the Pravana Keratin Fusion Straightener. We found that it does not list ingredients on its container regarding the straightening system.
However, upon analysis we found that it contains Cysteamine as the straightening agent, which is a sister chemical to ammonium thioglycolate. This chemical is legally allowed in hair straighteners and permanent curling products.
I would advise you to get in touch with your physician and to let the manufacturing company know of your findings.
Dr. Syed
Hi Dr. Ali Syed,
Have you heard about Global Keratin or Sunliss? I sent an email to sunliss and they responded that they do not use formaldehyde but glutaraldehyde (0.02%).
Thank you for your help.
Margarita
Hi Margarita:
Glutaraldehyde, also known as Glutaral, is a sister compound to Formaldehyde. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are from the aldehyde family of chemical compounds.
Glutaraldehyde is used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a level of 0.025%. Usage of Glutaraldehyde at high levels is not permitted by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration of USA). A Glutaraldehyde based hair straightener requires around 1.00 percent active in the product in order to be an effective hair straightener.
I have not tested the brand in question but I will do so shortly. I do not believe that the company gave you the right information. However, i am not certain until I test this product. I will get in touch with you after my testing is complete.
Dr Syed
Dear Dr. Syed,
I have been using Affirm and Kera Care products for years now and I am very glad your educators visit my country (Suriname) frequently.
I love the Moisture Plus version of your relaxers. I also can't do without the Humecto Creme Conditioner.
Question: Have you anything to do with the relaxer Gentle Treatment? I used this product years ago when Affirm was not introduced yet in my country.
Best regards,
Ingrid
Hi Dr. Syed,
I am also interrested in your response regarding the product Global Keratin.
Many thanks in advance.
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid:
Good to hear from you. I am planning to visit Suriname one of these days. My regards to your distributor Dr Palwaldsingh.
In regards to the Gentle Treatment No Lye relaxer, it was one of my formulas and patents in early 1980s. The formulation has changed significantly since then. It was the very first conditioning No Lye relaxer in the market at that time. Of course I have significantly improved the technology that goes into our relaxers such Affirm, FiberGuard, & Syntonics relaxers.
Stay in touch and I will send you the information on Global Keratin once I get the product sample.
Ms Ingrid: I will send you the information rearding Global Keratin after I analyse the sample. Meanwhile here is information I sent to Margarita few days back:
Glutaraldehyde, also known as Glutaral, is a sister compound to Formaldehyde. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are from the aldehyde family of chemical compounds. Glutaraldehyde is used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a level of 0.025%. Usage of Glutaraldehyde at high levels is not permitted by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration of USA). A Glutaraldehyde based hair straightener requires around 1.00 percent active in the product in order to be an effective hair straightener. I have not tested the brand in question but I will do so shortly.
Dr Syed
I have a client with excessive dry hair with split ends, I have tried Fiberguard Sustenance on her hair and it appears to work right after the service putting moisture back in her hair, a week later the hair is dry again. I have also used the hydrating detangler shampoo, followed by the humecto conditioner for thirty minutes. Her hair is shedding heavily too. I have tried everything except for the intensive masque, which I am willing to try next. Can you give me some suggestions. I stand behind keracare and I have been using it for years, and, it has worked well and produced great results, this one client is my only challenge. Thanks for your help.
Anti-diversion
Sheldeez Hair Products on-line is retailing Affirm products to the general public. Here's the website:
http://www.sheldeez.com/webcart11/page-directions.htm
Hi Shonta:
I would recommend that you shampoo her hair with KC Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and then condition with KC Intensive Restorative Masque for 30 minutes. Rinse and apply a small amount of KC Strengthening Thermal Protector. Then foam-wrap or roller-set her hair. Try this regimen and get back to me with your results.
KC Strengthening Thermal Protector is a new product that contains special moisturizing ingredients and should be available through your distributor. If you have trouble getting your hands on the product, let me know and I can send you a sample.
I appreciate your support of Avlon.
Dr Syed
Thank you for the information. I will pass it on to Avlon Anti-Diversion Department and they will look into it right away.
Dr Syed
Hello Dr. Syed,
I'm Hispanic and have very thick wavy hair which takes me hours to straighten. I was researching BKT as a solution for quicker straightening when I saw a Sunliss advertisment claiming their product was Formaldehyde-free. Like Margarita, I was wondering if you could also let me know what your findings were for this product. Are there any other products you would recommend for my kind of hair?
Thanks,
Cindy
Most of these products contain either Formaldehyde, Gluteraldehyde or Glyoxal actives. Thicker and wavier Hispanic hair is generally resistant and needs a straightener for effective straightening. Depending on your local market, I can recommend the proper hair straightening products for you.
Dr Syed
Hi, I would like to know if there are any Keratin straighteners, that are safe to use. I do not want relaxers or formaldahyde, can you recommend a product? thank you.
What about the Coppola keratin straightening treatment?
Do you know if it's ingredients are dangerous?
I had it done in a salon in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Thanks,
Cindy
Hi Cindy:
This brand contains Formaldehyde at 1.00% level. Formaldehyde is a controversial chemical and it was used by cosmetic companies as a preservative at about 0.03% active level in the 1970s and early 1980s. Most of the cosmetic companies have volenterily stopped using this ingredient as a preservative in recent years.
Many of the reputable companies do not use formladehyde for straightening hair. Just a handful of new companies have sprung up in last few years and it all started from Brazil. Now these products have been banned in Brazil by the ENVISA which is equivalent of US FDA.
The fumes of formaldehyde during blow drying can cause harm to you as a hairstylist and your fellow hairstylist in the salon along with your customer who are present in the salon at the time of this service.
Dr Syed
Hi Ann:
Unfortunately all of these products contain formaldehyde or glyoxal, which is deriven from formaldehyde family as well.
I do not have any recommendations for a substitute at this moment. If any new research is found regarding a safe chemical, I will let you know.
Dr Syed
I want to use this a BKT for my asian pacific clients in NYC. I have decent ventilation in the salon. What brand should i try to use? There are so many out there.
Dr. Syed,
You mentioned in your response to Cindy (in regard to keratin straightening treatments) that "many of the reputable companies do not use formaldehyde for straightening hair." Which companies are you referring to here? As you said, many of them say their products are formaldehyde-free, but you have shown us otherwise. Are there really reputable companies out there that can utilize this technology without formaldehyde, a derivative or sister compound? I would be VERY interested in any information you have uncovered on the "safer" companies. Thanks a ton! Kim
Hi Kim:
You will notice that no multinational companies are selling formaldehyde based thermal straightening products.
I believe many of the reputable companies are trying to develop such a system without formaldehyde. Let us hope that this happens sooner rather than later. I'm sure individual governments will follow Brasil's lead and eventually ban Formaldehyde based systems. I just hope that it doesn't take an unnecessary death for it to finally grab attention of our government.
A similar instance occurred in the late 1980s when the Rio Relaxer (made in Brazil) was banned by FDA in the US.
ANVISA (equivalent of our American FDA) in Brazil does not allow formaldehyde to be used more than 0.20%. In order to straighten wavy/curly hair, the product must contain at least 1.00% Formaldehyde at this point in time. That is why most of these brands contain at least 1.00% formaldehyde.
I don't know the names of the companies who manufacture safe products in this category yet. If I find out, I will let you know.
Dr Syed
Hi Dr. Syed,
I have checked on ANVISA and some keratine treatments are registered. They are selling some of them in the U.S. (Inoar and QOD, for example). Is it safe to use these treatments? It is safe for me because the legislation in Brazil does not permit the use of Formaldehyde.
You can check on www.anvisa.gov.br
Thanks,
Margarita
Hi Margarita:
ANVISA allows only up to 0.20% concentration of formaldehyde in a product. To straighten hair, the product must have at least 1.00% formaldehyde.
I will try to analyze these two brands that you mentioned, as I will be in Brazil this month. I will let you know of the results after the analysis. I will be back in Chicago by the end of the month.
Dr Syed
I had the Paul brown keratin straightning done and had excellent results. I was doing more reaserch online after the fact and found warninds about these products. Paul browns product claims to be femol free but has aldahyde. I haven't had any side effects and would love to have this done again in a few months but not if its dangerous
Hello Dr. Ali I just came from a show in AC and Simply Smooth was boosting about a keratin treatment that was formaldehyde free. It is possible without effecting performance?
The keratin treatment was big over in Brazil when i went years ago, why is the technology now so big in the US
What does the keratin treatment actually do to the hair? phyisically and chemically
thanks
Hi Dr. Ali,
I has the initial treatment of the coppola keratin smoothing therapy in August of 2009. Since then i have just been getting my hair shampoo with the copolla products and flat ironed. My hair is really straight now and I am not happy that my hair can't hold curls. I was told that you could get your hair roller set with this, but none of the stylist i am going to in FL, will do that.
I have no intentions of getting this full treatment again. This treatment was recommended to me as an alternative to getting relaxers. I am an african-american woman and I want to know how do i go about growing this out of my hair and even styling it besides just flat ironing it?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Dr Ali,
I am a Hairstylist searching for info on the Brazilian Blowout.I tried finding out ingredients from the 'formaldehyde free' Brazilian Blowout keratin treatment Company and they said they don't give out that info!They say they don't have formaldehyde etc.My coworkers want to do this on clients in the salon.I would love to make more money doing this service,but not at the expense of my health!Have you researched this Brand/company? Can you test it? I hope you can help! NO ONE seems to be able to dish out the truth on this and I do not want to be lied to at the cost of my health and pocket!Thank you so much for doing what you do and giving us the proper info!It is soooo confusing all the contradictory information I keep getting!! thank you thank you!!
Hi Dr Ali,
I have used Matrix Opti Smooth for about 3 months now and love how easy it is to manage my hair but I have some breakage in the front and back. I have not used Opti Smooth for about a month and a half now and have about 2inches of new growth.
Is it ok for me to switch to Syntonics relaxer this week?
The Opi Smooth is based upon ammonium thioglycolate as an active ingredient and this ingredient is not compatible with relaxers that contain sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. I would not recommend Syntonics Relaxer for this situation.
When you have about three inches of new growth, you may apply Syntonics Sensitive scalp relaxer to new growth and spread the relaxer to old growth at the end for 5 minutes. By the way, it takes about 6 months to grow 3 inches of new hair.
If you are in Chicago area, you can call our Test Salon and they can help you out a little better.
Dr Syed
Brazilian Keratin Treatments are based upon 1 to 4 % formaldehyde as an active material. This level of formaldehyde is very bad for the health and could be carcinogenic (cancer producing). We manufacture products in Brazil but I have refused to manufacture this type of product because of its associated health risks to consumers and hairstylists.
In Brazil, it is not legal to use formaldehyde at 1-4 % levels. Every company in Brazil is supposed to write all of the ingredients on the bottle. So when they say they cannot give you ingredient listing, there could be something fishy going on.
I do not have a substitute for formaldehyde at this point and time; but our research center is actively pursuing all possibilities.
Dr. Syed
The brand you used has about 1 % of formaldehyde which is very dangerous to your health. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic at this level. Also, the hair becomes hard and does not hold curls.
The good news is that it should wear out in 3 to 4 months and you should be able to get back to other alternatives such as The FiberGuard Relaxer System or Syntonics Relaxer System.
Let me know if I can be of further help.
Dr Syed
HI Dr Syed
Many thanks for your web site, I am a salon owner in Australia and we have been bombarded with adverts for various BKT. I have noted down all of the ingredients for the various products..In particular Global Keratin and the list does not mention any of the aldehydes you talk about..Is this legal? I wanted to research the ingredients because as a hairdresser I could not understand how they worked without a chemical agent, even though they claim to be temporary! I feel that it is my duty as a professional to ensure that I know of the dangers to both my clients and staff. Can I clarify something that these products are manufactured in Brazil but cannot be used in Brazil due to the laws regarding levels of the chemical ?!. Have you been able to test the Global Keratin product yet? If and when you do I would appreciate you sharing your results.
Please keep up the excellent work. Many thanks
I would really like to know more about the 'Global Keratin Treatment', is it safe to use or not, for both the client and stylist? What is a break down of the ingredients? Thank you
Hello, i am a spanish woman who wants to get the keratin treatmen, so excuseme if my writting is not the proper one, i hope you can understand me, i sent an email to sunliss asking for their product and they told me their product was safe but as you said you would find out about that company i would like to know if you finally did it, i would feel much more calm, please let me know if its possible, thank you
Marta:
I tried to find this brand in order to analyze potential formaldehyde contents but I could not find it. Please send me the address of this company with telephone number or their e-mail address so that I can order this product.
Dr Syed
Hi Dr. Syed,
This is the information about the company:
SUNLISS GLOBAL SUNLISS USA
1000 Parkview Drive
Suite # 225
Hallandale Beach FL
33009
SALES:
USA y New Countries:
sales@sunliss.com
Thanks for your help:)
Margarita
Dear Dr. Sayed,
kindly advise on the best and safest keratin hair treatment available in the market to buy and use. tnx
I have ordered the product and once it arrives, I will analyse it and let you know of the results. Thanks
Dr Syed
Hi Dr Syed,
I have just used "Keritan Cure" Brazilian Hair Straightening System in Strawberry which claims to be 70% straightening and 30% shine. They claim to have 100% formaldehyde free products. I still need to wait 2 more days before i can wash my hair. The fumes were very strong in the application process I found it hard to breath & keep my eyes open because of the burning & irritation feeling. Is this harmful to me in the long run??
This is the website=
http://www.keratinbrazilianhair.com/magento/
It doesn't list formaldehyde in the ingredients.
Can you please tell me if they are formaldehyde free and how harmful is it? Can i use it once every 6 months?
Thank you very much.
Kadriya
I believe that the sunliss products contain methyl siloxate which when heat treated produces formaldehyde
Hi
I believe that the active ingredient in global keratin is ether. Is that safe on your hair?
The ingredients in global keratin are:
ether propico propilenoglicol
water
glycerin
behentrimonium chloride
centrimonium chloride
cetearly alcohol
theobroma cacao
fruit extracts
seed butter
cyclopentasiloxane (and) dimethiconal (and) demethicone cross polymer
keratin
cyclomethicone
parfum
guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride
methylchloroisotiazalinone
The company sent me an image of the ingredients on the bottle. Lots of siloxanes!
Hello and thank you for your interest, i am sorry because i didnt answer you before with the information you asked me for, but here it is:
www.sunliss.com this is the website
sales@sunliss.com / info@sunliss.com these are the emails
786 314 3439 and this is the telephone
Thank you very much i am expecting your answer!
Dr. Syed,
I had the Coppola treatment done two weeks ago. I have been having breathing problems, a sore throat and burning eyes ever since. I have washed my hair about 30 times to try to get this product out, including with dishwashing detergent, Prell, chemical removing shampoo, and a very concentrated salt water solution (since salt is supposed to break the product down).
No luck! I can still smell the formaldehyde fumes and it's making me sick! I have to sleep with a shower cap on and sit in front of a fan or go outside to breathe normally. I am going to cut a lot of hair off on Wednesday, but I don't even know if that will do the trick.
I am scared for my health! Do you know how I can remove this product from my hair, short of shaving my head? Please help me! Coppola was no help. First they told me to use Prell, then Dawn dishwashing detergent. I even spoke to the company President, but he could offer no help other than "wash with Dawn and leave it on for 15 minutes." He sent me a box of their products (shampoos and conditioners) which I am afraid to use.
This is a nightmare! Any help which you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Debbie
Hi Debbie:
I am sad to hear that you are having serious problems. You must see your physician right away. This product contains formaldehyde at about 1.10% level. Make sure you tell your physician that. Unfortunately the product ingredients are not listed on their containers but I have done the analysis. I have been warning many of you on my blog regarding this unsafe trend in the USA that is imported from Brazil.
I will recommend that you use KeraCare First Lather Shampoo followed by KeraCare Intensive Masque. Then blow dry your hair with KeraCare Thermal Protector Lotion followed by flat ironing.
If you are let me know what area you are from, I can send you to one of our technicians who will take care of your hair. I can also send you free samples of these products so that you do not have spend any more money to take care of this problem and you can do it yourself.
Dr Syed
Hi Kadriya:
When the fumes are pungent and they burn your eyes and throat, it is given that the product contains formaldehyde. Fomaldehyde is a known carcinogen and very bad for the health. Many of the products available on the internet are based on formaldehyde.
Please make sure you notify the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency or FDA) regarding your health problems.
There is a lot of misrepresentation by these companies regarding their products and the ingredients. Many of these companies are fly-by-night companies and are not genuine businesses. Be careful and be safe. Make sure to avoid these products.
Dr. Syed,
Thank you for your response. I have seen my physician (a week ago). She listened to my lungs and said they sounded okay. She told me that I will likely feel better in about a week. I feel better sometimes but not others. It's worse after I wash my hair. I've been using very little heat. I'm going to cut a lot of my hair off tomorrow in the hopes that it will help.
What is the purpose of the products you are recommending for me? To repair my hair? To neutralize the formaldehyde? My main concern is to get the formaldehyde out of my hair! I can still smell it. My eyes still burn and my throat is still scratchy and sore. It's definitely better than it was, but I got the "treatment" done 2.5 weeks ago now.
I know formaldehyde is dangerous. My question is, when will the fumes stop? Do I have to cut most of my hair off to stop the effects of this poison?
To answer your question, I live in San Diego, CA. I am concerned about more chemicals in my hair. I want to detox from the formaldehyde and get it out of my hair somehow. No one has been able to tell me how long the fumes will last. I'm hoping you can tell me that, as well as how to get the formaldehyde out of my hair.
Thanks, Debbie
Hi Dr Syed. I supposedly had a formaldehyde-free treatment done, however the irritation it caused - tearing eyes and sore scalp would indicate some nasty chemical. I noted down (chemical) ingredients from the bottle (I didnt note down the brand stupidly - but it if from Brazil and sold in a salon in Singapore where I had the treatment) and there doesnt seem tobe any formaldehyde.
Can you tell me if the formaldehyde is washed off when hair is first washed, or does it persist in the hair?
Hi Dr. Syed,
I had a keratin treatment 1 week and half ago. The brand they used was Global Keratine. They provided me with a wet towel to cover up my face during treatment. It did not feel good, at some point it felt it burnt my throat and eyes. The discomfort was temporary, although I could feel some burning in my eyes after, during the 48 hours after treatment. I currently do not have any discomfort. I am concerned about the possible efects on my health. Are the risks present only during the treatment, that is during hair drying process ? Do the risk extend to the whole time the chemical is in the hair?
I am not sure if you had a chance to test Global Keratine?
Thank you VERY much for your answers. Had I read your blog before I would not get it done.
Thanks.
Usually it washes away if the level of formaldehyde is around 1.00%. It appears that they treated you with a product that contains formaldehyde around 4 to 4.5%. This product is dangerous for your health. You are exposing yourself to carcinogenic - cancer producing chemical. This high level of formaldehyde can linger on for a while and it would transfer to your pillows and clothing.
Wash your hair thoroughly and often until this odor disappears.
Here is one possibility that can work for you. Make a very concentrated solution of table salt in warm water and rinse your hair with it. Leave this solution on for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, rinse your hair with water and condition your hair for 15 minutes.
I think it should take the odor of the formaldehyde out from your hair. Let me know if it works for you.
Dr Syed
Dr. Syed,
Thanks for your reply. I have already tried the salt solution several times. The formaldehyde odor/fumes remained. I did this a week after the treatment and then again a week later. I thought I was doing better yesterday, but woke up again today with a lot of breathing problems.
I got 6 inches cut off my hair today (from mid-back to shoulder length). I hope that will help. If not, I will have to chop off more hair. If you have any other suggestions for getting the formaldehyde out, please let me know. You told Becca to wash her hair thoroughly and often until the odor disappears. I have washed about 30 times and the odor is still there.
I'm sorry to keep asking so many questions, but I don't have anyone else to help. Coppola was no help! I'm wondering if some batches of the product could have more than 1% formaldehyde. These effects in me seem so high that I'm either extremely sensitive or the percentage is higher.
I just hope the cut was enough to help me to feel better. Do you know how long formaldehyde stays in the hair? In the body? You are warning people NOT to do these keratin straighteners and I hope that people heed your warning. But what about those of us who did do the straighteners and can't turn the clock back? I am very worried about my health!
Thanks, Debbie
Thanks Dr Syed. So even though I was told it was formaldehyde free, you think I had a very high amount applied? Can the tears be caused by another chemical in the product?
If it was formaldehyde, how long could I expect the formaldehyde to linger? Does it bind to the hair shaft and therefor cannot be washed off, or is it soluble and does it just take quite a few washes? I have probably washed it 2o times already. Does odour indicate formaldehyde, or is it also from the other components of the product.
After 2 or so washes, is the level still likely to be high? Will applying heat - such as hot irons hasten the process.
Thanks very much for your valuable comments.
Hello
I have posted the list of ingredients in global keratin and I am considering having the treatment done. I would be very grateful if you could let me know your opinion of global keratin and if/when you plan to test this product.
All of your help is much appreciated
thanks
Hi again. One more question. Could a chemical test lab tell if formaldehyde is present from a hair sample?
Dear Dr. Sayed,
kindly advise on the best and safest keratin hair treatment available in the market to buy and use. tnx
Dr Syed,
what about inoar ? how many %form?
Thanks,
Angela
Dr. Syed,
You haven't posted to this thread in about a week now. I hope you will be back to answer our questions. Many of us have nowhere else to turn. Hours and hours of internet research have not provided me with many answers.
It has been over 3 weeks now since my Coppola treatment. I have washed my hair probably 40 times now, and have used the concentrated salt solution at least 5 times. I have also cut off about half of my hair. I can STILL smell the formaldehyde and I'm still having a sore throat, burning eyes and breathing issues. Fortunately, all of these issues are less severe than they were before, so I must be getting at least some of the formaldehyde out of my hair.
I would love to have answers to my earlier questions, as well as answers to Becca's questions. I will keep doing the salt solution about every other day, plus multiple washings, until I can no longer smell the horrible pungent formaldehyde odor. I hope I will not have lasting health issues...
I implore ANYONE and EVERYONE NOT to do these keratin treatments!!!! I wanted smooth and straight hair probably more than almost anyone, but it is SO not worth risking my health! I have so much to live for, and so do all of you!!! We have to get these "treatments" taken off the market! I am lucky to be alive - some people have died from these services. I hope to soon be free of the formaldehyde that is poisoning me.
Dr. Syed, if you have any other insights or suggestions, I would love to hear them. Please keep spreading the word about these dangerous treatments. Thank you, Debbie
Dr Syed
From what I have read there is no safe keritin hair straightener due to the formaldehyde or Is there one that I miss?
I don't want to use a chemical relaxer and I don't know what to do at this time but to wear a wig.
Please let me know if ther is a safe keritin hair straightener or any other product on the market.
Thank you
it is my understanding that the Brazilian Blowout and the Brazilian Keratin Treatment are two different processes, one without any aldehydes (the former) and one with (the latter). Could you expand on the Brazilian Blowout? What is its active "smoothing" ingredient. I spoke with a company representative . . .
Jeannette Avalos
Brazilian Blowout Account Rep.
(877) 779-7706 Xtn. 2143
Fax: (818) 623-2309
jeannette@brazilianblowout.com
. . . she was adamant that the Blowout did NOT have any "hydes" but acetic acid may have caused the eye irritation my stylist experience during the application of my Blowout.
Dr. Syed, any additional comments?
Thanks.
jennifer
Hi Jennifer:
Ask this representative about the active compound present in this product. She is obligated to give you this information, as it is the law to list ingredients on the package. Or you could provide me with the ingredient listing of the product in question and I will give you my opinion.
Dr Syed
Dawn:
I do not know your hair type. Do you have Type 3 or Type 4 hair? I agree with you that formaldehyde is not worth risking your health. If you have type 4 hair you may want to Tex-Lax/Texturize and then treat your hair with products that will keep a manageable hair style.
All Keratin hair straighteners are based on some type of aldehyde, that is, formaldehyde or gluteraldehyde, or glyoxal. So my advice will be to stay away from them.
As far as a wig is concerned, it is not healthy for the hair as well.
Dr Syed
Debbie:
I am sorry, I do not have any remedies for you other than what I have already recommended to you. I am sure the formaldehyde is going to wear out from your hair and especially if you cut off the hair that has been treated with formaldehyde.
Not many women listened to me when I said to them that this treatment is dangerous. I could have introduced a product line with formaldehyde to the marketplace but I felt that it would have been unethical and morally wrong to do so. I said farewell to this easy or quick money for the sake of long term positive business consequences for my business and my customers. Please spread the word.
Dr Syed
Sreej:
I do not know any safe keratin treatment on the market so far. They all contain some type of aldehyde that is dangereous for you and for your hairstylist.
If I find any safe one, I will let you know.
Dr Syed
Yes, there are tests available that can show the presence of a special bond between hair and formaldehyde.
Dr Syed
Becca:
Sorry for the delayed response.
Formaldehyde chemically bonds with the hair at high temperatures such as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a setting on most flat irons. This bonding can last up to 3 to 4 months. Of course, if the hair type is 3B,3C or type 4, the manufacturers of keratin treatments use 3 to 4 of formaldehyde to straighten the hair, which is extremely high. The normal level is 1.0 to 1.20 of formaldehyde in keratin treatments.
The odor in your hair indicates that formaldehyde and hair (which is keratin itself) formed new bonds that have pungent smell.The other chemicals in these products do not have a pungent odor as the formaldehyde does.
The formaldehyde odor may linger for 4 to 6 weeks and by that time the formaldehyde-hair keratin bonds will weaken enough to not produce the pungent odor.
Normally any free formaldehyde will wash off after 4 to 5 shampoos. If you are still smelling formaldehyde in your hair, it is because of very strong formaldehyde treatment.
Normally, any unreacted formaldehyde will react with hair when you use blow dryer and flat iron heat. I personally think it isn't unreacted formaldehyde in your hair that you smell; it is most likely reacted formaldehyde. It is going to take a while before this smell goes away - possibly as long as 4 to 6 weeks.
I hope I answered your questions.
Dr Syed
Debbie:
I have responded to quite few of the questions Becca asked. Read my responses there. I think by cutting off your hair should help as long as the remaining hair length was not treated with keratin treatment.
Let us hope for the best for your long term health. I think repeated treatments of keratin/formaldehyde treatments containing formaldehyde will be certainly more dangerous to your health than just one treatment.
Unfortunately, you may have learned a lesson the hard way.
Dr Syed
Hello Dr. Syed,
Thank you very much for answering questions. I know you have been bombarded lately!
My question is: Is cysteamine any healthier for the hair than a hydroxide relaxer? I am thinking of trying Pravana Keratin Fusion, and would like to know if is it likely to damage my hair.
I have type 4 hair. I do NOT want it to be straight. I simply want it loosened and easier to comb through and style. I have tried texturising, texlaxing, and relaxing it, but I find that all lye or "no lye" relaxers or texturisers leave the hair with a stiff brittleness and fragility that I just do not like.
So I'm looking for alternatives.
Good luck to you and Avlon to finding an alternative to formaldehyde to bond keratin to hair.
I tell you, any company that comes up with a product that will make the black woman's hair looser and easier to manage, lets her choose the degree of curl she wants to retain, and keeps her hair healthy / makes it healthier, will make a killing!
Hi, Dr. Syed. It's Jennifer again inquiring about the Brazilian Blowout (BB).
The representative from BB sent me the PDF Material Safety Data Sheet on the product. I have to admit it was a little vague.
Could you take a look at it?
Thanks.
Jennifer
Health Alarm Over New Hair Straightener
BKT, Treatment From Brazil, Contains Known Cancer-Causer
CBS NEWS
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/26/earlyshow/health/main3414868.shtml
Affirm/Avlon is a reputable company. Their products are safe. It is never, ever worth it to risk your health over any so called "keratin" or any other other unregulated harsh chemical treatments, no matter how attractive the marketing appears. Never get fooled for the sake of your health. Health and beauty go together. You can never risk your health for beauty. If you do so, you risk both. If you risk your health, there will be ugly consequences, including ruining your beauty and life. This is common sense. You must research your products; they must be tested and approved by official federal regulation. Do not experiment with your health. Only trust products from reputable, well-established companies with clear approval from an official government regulation. My mother is a licensed cosmetologist, the hair dressers I go to are licensed, and many of my family members use Avlon professional products. They all advise against using straightening chemical process advertised as "keratin", as they are hazardous to health. I have very fine, curly hair and only use mild sodium hydroxide relaxers. I use KeraCare conditioners. My mother has very thick, curly hair and only uses mild sodium hydroxide relaxers to loosen the curl pattern for easy styling. My aunt uses the KeraCare professional line and her hair is extremely healthy. Dr. Ali Syed knows what he is talking about. His products work. They are tested in labs for safety and effectiveness. Listen to his advice.
Nina:
Cysteamine reacts with the hair in very similar way that Ammonium Thioglycolate does. After the treatment, the hair has to be neutralized with a neutralizer that contains hydrogen peroxide. This technology has been around since the 1980s and was used for perming Caucasian hair. It isn't less damaging to the hair when compared to those curly perms for Afro hair (Type 4).
If you wish, I can recommend an alternate chemical system, that is minimally damaging, which you can receive at a salon near you.
Thank you for your honest and straight forward comments about the Brazilian Keratin Treatments' topic and your kind words regarding Avlon.
Dr Syed
Dr. Syed,
Thank you very much for your response.
Yes, I would be happy to receive your recommendation. If you would rather not post it here, please send it to my email address.
BTW: I think it would be very useful if you would do a new entry simply listing the different brands of keratin treatments, and the % of formaldehyde, or aldehyde or ether or another other potentially harmful chemicals that your analysis reveals. In addition to the brands you have already mentioned, there is also Keratina, Inoar, Dream Hair, QOD, Global... the list goes on.
Hi
I posted a comment Nov 13th and have not had a reply. I appreciate that you are a busy man!.It was regarding Global Keratin. Andrea posted a listing of the ingrediants. Have you had a chance to review this product? If so I’m sure many of us would love to see your results. I was in UK in Oct and attended Salon International and everyone was raving about this system. Once I have received your findings I will be contacting the appropriate authorities here including our hairdressing body so that the word can be passed around. I personally have had a number of clients that have had a BKT done..mostly Global Keratin (not in my salon I may add)...the results are impressive and though I have warned them about the dangers to health, without your findings I feel unable to confidently contact our authorities.
Many thanks
Dear Sir,
Congratulations for your work, it´s fantastic.
I have a few questions so far I been several years trying to solved hair tricks related with straightening systems. Please feel free if i´m wrong.
Cysteamine is a chemical compound is an aminothiol and related with cysteine.
Two molecules of cysteine are linked by a disulfure bond forming Cystine and this is where all the action of mollecular change will occure when reduction process takes place.
The main difference that Brands are spitting between relaxers and BKT or brazilian escoba, is that relaxers breaks disulfure bonds and BKT refills those bonds making new crosslinks. It could make sense,but really don´t now if is real?
Really escoba/BKT refills those bonds, and the formaldehyde/cousins, could be used in lower proportions not to break the bonds but to preserve the cyteine and keratin kept inside hair for 4/6/ or even more weeks? What do you think about my theory? Is this possible? I´ve seen they use urea or similar to open the layer cuticle, some of them cysteamine, but know they are spreading they refill with cystine.
Samantha:
I have so far analyzed 4 brands and all of them contain formaldehyde even when some of the brands claim that they do not have formaldehyde. If you send the address of the company that makes Global Keratin, I will try to purchase it and report back to you of the results.
One easy way to know if the product contains formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde or glyoxal is the pungent fumes during blow drying and flat ironing of the hair.
Awaiting the address of the company from you.
Dr Syed
Hi Samantha:
I have the source of this this product now. I will buy it soon and will appraise you of the results after analysis.
Dr Syed
Dr. Syed,
I would first thank you for you reporting the results from the test on the four products of the Keratin. We are currently
using:
KERATIN COMPLEX SMOOTHING THERAPY INGREDIENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WATER
TRIONIC KERATIN PROTEIN
CYCLOMETHICONE
DIMETHICONE
GUAR GUM
ALKYL CAPRYLYL METHICONE
PHENYL SILSESQUIOXANES
XATHAN GUM
P-BENZOQUINONE
HYDROXYETHYCELLULOSE
GLYCERY MONOCOCOATE
GLYCOL DISTECARATE
THIAAOLIDINECARBOXYLIACID
FERROUS OXIDES
OCTANAL
PLEASE ADVISE IF FREE OF FORMALDEHYDE.THANKS
Hi Vanessa:
Two molecules of cysteine amino acid are linked at - SH site to form a disulfide bond which is also known as Cystine. This is a crosslink between two polypeptides and it is a major bond that needs to be changed for any permanent change to occur in hair. You can see my article on my blog regarding “Permanent Waving” and "Hair Straightening/Lanthionization". Most of the permanent changes to hair are done through changing disulfide bonds to some form and shape.
The structure of Cysteine is NH₂CHCOOHCH₂SH
The structure of Cystine H₂NCHCOOHCH₂S – SCH₂HOOCHCNH₂ (two cysteines linked at SH)
The structure of Cysteamine is NH₂CH₂CH₂SH
Both cysteine and cysteamine are reducing agents which means that they can react with the disulfide (cystine) bonds of the hair at a pH of around 9.0, making curly hair become pliable for the reformation to a straight configuration. Upon oxidizing with hydrogen peroxide (Neutralizing) solution, the broken disulfide bonds convert back to cystine. Hence, the hair remains in the desired straight shape, permanently.
The relaxers contain sodoium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide and convert disulfide bonds to lanthionine bonds, thus hair becomes permanently straight – this is a different chemical phenomenon than the cysteamine or cysteine or ammonium thioglycolate systems.
The formaldehyde makes crosslinks with the side chains of amino acids in the hair, rather than reacting with sulfur–sulfur bonds of cystine in hair. These cross links are stable for a good 3 to 4 months before the hair reverts back to its natural configuration. There is no refilling of the hair per se.
It is more of a marketing hype that the hair is filled with hydrolyzed keratin and then becomes straight. In my opinion, there is lot of misinformation regarding the Escovas in the market place.
The formaldehyde cousins such as gluteraldehyde or glyoxal react with hair the same way and are subject to same health issues as the formaldehyde.
The cysteamine system reacts the same way with hair as the Japanese straightening system does. The chemistry is same in this case. There is no refilling of the hair with cystine in this case or in case of formaldehyde, or relaxers.
I hope I have adequately answered your questions.
Dr. Ali Syed
Hey Dr. Syed,
I was thinking of taking the class this month to get certified in the Brazilian Blowout. They were adamant about it not containing Formaldehyde and that there are two different types of products out there...theirs being completely free of formaldehyde. They say it is used to smooth the hair, not to straighten it.
The Brazilian Blowout people told me that they are different from the other companies out there. That BB is the name of the company not just the service. Is this company one that you have tested? Http://www.brazilianblowout.com
I just purchased, last night, the Pravana Keratin Fusion Texture Control product. The clerk assured me that it also didn't contain anything that would be harmful for the hair/client/or myself. I was reading an insert that the beauty supply included with the product and it says that if left too long on the hair it can cause breakage. How is that possible if it is supposed to be a smoothing treatment without any harsh chemicals? I am so confused!
I also am certified in the Japanese Thermal Straightening process. I have noticed that sometimes when I am flat-ironing the hair it makes me feel a bit sick to my stomach and it irritates my nose, but thought it was due to the disgusting smell! It smells a lot like sulfer/rotten eggs. The product that I use for JTS processes is sold by SLI INC. here in Chicago. They get their product from a company called "IBS" http://www.ibsbeauty.com/iStraight/index.html)
Is this product unsafe to use also? They say it is the best out there...but doesn't everyone of those companies?!
If you have any info I would GREATLY appreciate it!
Thanks
Matt
mattstephan78@aol.com
Hi Dr. Syed,
Thank you for this website. I enjoy and appreciate it.
I read somewhere that the hazard in formaldehyde is mainly to the airways, like breathing the fumes. I have a couple of questions. Is it true that most of the danger is breathing the fumes? I did the treatment outdoors.
After doing the treatment I left the material on the hair for three days. Does this pose any danger?
Thanks a lot.
Maya
Dear Dr. Syed,
Have you tested the Simply Smooth Brazillan Keratin Treatment? I had this done about 6 months ago. I didn't smell ANYTHING, or have any burning of scalp,eyes..nothing. But it worked, didn't get as straight as I was hoping, or last a long as I wanted, but was going ot do it again, until I found it might have something that converts to formaldehyde at high temp. Plus you leave it in for 4 days before washing out. I specifically asked for and was assured that the stuff had no formaldehyde, and the stylist didn't even wear gloves.
I also bought and use the "extender" as well as the shampoo/conditioner. Wondering if those have any harmfull ingredients?
Thank you so much for your work.
KR
Hello Dr. Syed,
Have you tested Natura Keratin , is a brand from a company in south florida called USA KERATIN. They claim using natural components and botanicals fragrances and colorants. Someone told me they split form Global keratin years ago as they claim Global Keratin and other brands where using strong colorants and artificial ingredients in their formula? they said are trying to promote a green keratin brand and we have tried a sample which only chemical and active ingredients is a cosmetic grade formaldehyde, and we did it on a small area at our salon and we could not feel any irritation at all?. Seems to work. The results were great (same as others) but not much fumes and cero irritation? all all keratins like this one? thanks.
Alison
Absolute Salon Coconut creek fl
Alison:
Please send me the ingredient listing on the package and I will give you my opinion. I am familiar with Natura Brazil if this is the same company starting to do business in Florida.
Dr Syed
Please send me the ingredient listing on the package and I will give you my opinion.
Dr Syed
Dr. Syed I am a little confused with the fact that I have a friend who is a hair product designer who also owns a BKT product line with 1.2% formaldehyde. Now he has a letter from the FDA office in Puerto Rico for his BKT product that says that his product complies with the FDA regulation. He told me that he submitted his product to the FDA because he wanted to be sure before he started selling it. Now the other thing that he tries to explain to me was about the difference of active (liquid) and gas (fumes). Now my question is, is there a difference to 1.2% active formaldehyde to 1.2% formaldehyde as a fume? Please comment on this, I own a Salon in this island and I want to know before a make a business decision. Thank you for your time and your sooner response.
Hi Sergio:
In my professional career, I have never seen the FDA issuing letters to individual companies regarding the safety of their hair products containing high levels of formaldehyde. The burden of proof falls upon the companies, meaning they have to demonstrate the safety of their products with accurate scientific data to the FDA. If this person gives you a copy of the data and or a copy of the letter that FDA issued him, I would advise you to call the FDA and check the validity of this letter. Please keep me posted.
As to the formaldehyde solution (1.2% active), it is kept on the hair for a good 20 to 30 minutes before blow drying. This solution then starts to react with the hair during blow drying and reacts with the side chains of the hair fibers. Some of the formaldehyde converts to fumes during blow drying and flat iron and this way gets into our lungs through our nose and throat. This reaction is very serious and potentially cancerous. Also the formaldehyde solution that gets on to customer scalp could be dangerous.
I hope I have answered your questions. Be safe and help keep the environment safe.
Dr. Ali N. Syed
Hello Dr. Syed and thank you for being so kind and informative to us concerned consumers.
I have come across another brand claiming to be safe and aldahyde free, but it contains glyoxlic acid as its second ingredient after water. I'm concerned about the level of aldahyde in this product since I have used it and would like to know if you could test it and post the % of aldahyde for us. I am also a little confused because the product contains sodium and we are told to avoid sodium after applying it.
The product is called Zene Progress: http://escovaprogress.com/science.aspx
Thank you in advance sir.
The ingredients are:
Aqua
Glyoxlic Acid
Cylomethicone
Cocodimonium Hydroxpropyl
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Ceteraryl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
Diisopropyl Adipate
Coffee Arabica Extract
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Isodecyl Neopentaoate
Cydodextrin
Polyquaternium 55
Glycerin
Hydroxyethyl Ceteamidopropyldimonium Chloride
Behenyl Alcohol
Isocetyl Alcohol
Quaternium 70
Propylene Glycol
Dimethyl
Methyl Siloxane
C11-C15 Ethoxlatedsecondary Alcohol
Disodium Louriminodipropionate
Tocopheryl Phosphates
Dimethylpadamidopropyl
Loudimonium Tosylate
Oxybenzone
Lauroyl Lysine
Glycine N-Acetil Cystein
Arginine HC1
Polyquaternium 44
Sodium PCA
Cetrimonium Chloride
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Quaternium 91
Cetrimonium Methosulfate
Isopropyl Myrislate
Oleth-10
Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
Cetyl Acetate
Phenoxethanol
Methylparaben
Oropylparaben
Ethylparaben
Butylparaben
Parfum
Dr Syed,
Have you ever heard of the Caribbean Dream Relaxer? It's supposed to be similar to the keratin treatment but doesn't contain keratin instead it contains lanolin. Here is the description I found. Could you let me know if this is a safe product? They have 4 Extreme Retexturizing Sytems. I'm looking to straighten.
Description:
Lanolin-protein. A moisturizer and wax rather than a fat. Originates from sebaceous gland in sheep skin and removed from the wool.
Treatment time: 1-3 hours depending on treatment and selection of service
C.D.R offers. lasts 3-6 months or more before touch up depending on hair texture.
Price: $150 for Short hair, $250 for shoulder length and $400 up for long hair.
Retexturizing formula creating waves, straightening hair, and killing the frizz leaving hair glossy, shiny and soft. Minimizing further damage to already damaged hair.
Can be used on color-treated and chemically treated hair. Can overlap with proper formulation relaxed hair and conditions scalp with lanolin.
Mild Odor
According to the website you must take a class before purchase and administering the product.
The web-site is www.caribbeandreamrelaxer.com
Thank you in advance for all your help.
They did not list the ingredients on their site. I will need an ingredient listing in order to comment.
Dr. Syed
Hello Dr.
A coworker is now using this brand Royal Treatment BKT. Made for and distributed by Keratin Connection, Straightenmyhair.com, 1888-872-3989 It claims to be formaldahyde free. Everytime she uses it my eyes burn and I get a headache from the fumes. Do you know this brand and any similar health concerns mentiond in previous posts about BKT?
Thanks for your time towards this subject
David
Correction: Royal Keratin is the name of the BKT
Thanks Again!
David:
If it burns your eyes it is not a safe product, in my opinion.
Dr Syed
Dr. Syed,I was informed by Sergio Cardona, on my last visit(yesterday) to his office about your site. He suggested I get in-touch with you, since I am undergoing treatment (therapy)for the past 30 months approximately. Is there a way I can reach you through your office phone, private e-mail, etc., to inform you of my symptoms to chemical exposure through hair.This will make it easier for me to provide all detailed information regarding my condition. I was strongly advised by S. Cardona to get your consultation. I am following his instructions and do sincerely hope to get receive a response from you. Sincerely, arosario_47@yahoo.com
Dr. Ali Syed, I did not receive a response and knowing you are so busy I can understand. I have read some of the comments you receive and your response,they are very interesting and have helped me gain a little knowledge on certain things I knew nothing about. Still hoping to receive a response from you,meanwhile I will follow-up on your blog. Thank you for your time and hoping to read your response soon. A. Rosario
Dr. Syed,
Thank-you for the information on Keratin Straiteners. I have been approached by many sales reps on how these products are "revolutionary". I have found in the 20 years I have been in the salon industry that if it sounds too good to be true it usually is - I hate to think that way. In our salon, we try to use organic or environmentally responsible products when possible. It has been frustrating researching Keratin Straiteners, but you have made it easier to understand. I can now talk with some knowlegde to our clients and sales reps. Just wondering, did you test the BioIonic Anti-Frizz product or the DreamHair Keratin Therapy?
Thanks,
Monica
Hi Dr. Syed,
I just found this site and want to thank you for posting all of the useful questions and your answers. I did not find an answer to Melanie's question about the Zene product in which she listed all the ingredients. I just ordered the Zene at home treatment online last night. Please provide an answer with regard to the safety of these ingredients in Zene listed by Melanie. I may still be able to cancel my order if need be. Also, Dr. Syed, are the use of these BKTs any less hazardous if the user refrains from blow drying and flat ironing on high heat(which both release fumes), but rather rollersets while wet, dry under a hooded dryer; followed by a flat iron on setting less than 400? Thank you in advance for your reply. Cheryl
Hi Dr. Syed,
Thank you for your very informative blog. I have been following this trend of Brazilian relaxers for quite some time now and am so very skeptical of them all. I feel that most companies are fly by night companies and are looking to make as much money as possible before they get shut down.
However, being a hairstylist and salon owner I too would like to find a SAFE way to relax hair. I've heard of a straightener from Paul Brown that is also a keratin based straightener however, when I went on the site to check out the MSDS sheet, the ingredients appear to be benign however, one of the ingredients is listed is preservative. My first hunch is that this may be an aldehyde or formaldehyde which we both understand while it is a preservative is also a know carcinogen. I have the luxury of meeting the owner of the company on Tuesday, is there something I should ask him to ascertain whether this product is in fact safe and formaldehyde/aldehyde free as they claim?
Thank you for your attention to this matter and it's very refreshing to see there are people out there who care about their craft and want to "do no harm."
these are two sites I have found regarding the Paul Brown treatment:
http://www.goldwellofpa.com/paul_brown/main_jul08_2.pdf
http://www.paulbrownhawaii.com
Hello, what can you say about Inoar products? They are sold in united states and can be removed the same day. Could you analyze? if so, please inform me, and thank you very much for sharing.
Carolina.