Keratin hair treatments offer silky smooth hair, but the treatment can also come with some hefty side effects. When you understand what long lasting effects keratin hair treatments come with then you can make a better decision regarding your hair and your health.
What Are Keratin Hair Treatments
Keratin hair treatments use the protein keratin that is naturally in your hair. The keratin is mixed with other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and is then sealed into the hair. A stylist will apply the hair straightening product to your hair and then use a flat iron with heat to seal the keratin in to the hair. This process actually alters the structure of the hair. These treatments are recommended for individuals who have a hard time controlling their frizzy hair because it makes managing your hair much easier. In addition to making hair smooth and straight, a treatment can also significantly shorten the amount of time you spend drying your hair. A treatment can last for up to two and a half months.
What Are the Dangers of Keratin Hair Treatments
Keratin hair treatment formulas also contained highly toxic chemicals. For the most part these formulas have been revamped for safety. However, the keratin in most formulas is still mixed with formaldehyde (which is a strong preservative, used most often in autopsies). This formaldehyde is then heated in order to seal into the hair. Unfortunately, as the formaldehyde heats up the liquid converts into gas vapors. When exposed to these fumes severe irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and lungs can occur. Exposure can result in lightheadedness or dizziness.
Long lasting effects of Keratin hair treatments
There are some long lasting effects of using keratin treatments. In some cases hair can become severely damaged or even fall out. Users have reported that their hair becomes more prone to breakage and starts to look damaged within a few washes after the keratin treatment. There are also adverse long term health reactions that are associated with the use of keratin hair treatments. These include allergic reactions, nosebleeds, coughing, dizziness, and even irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Some controversial research indicates that exposure to formaldehyde gas could even lead to cancer.
Although the keratin hair treatment allows for super smooth and straight hair, there are some not so pleasant side-effects. If you are still interested in these treatments then it is recommended that you use a highly professional and qualified salon with years of experience. It is also important that the salon be well-ventilated as this will reduce the risk of ingesting and inhaling large amount of potentially dangerous vapors and fumes. If you have allergies, asthma, or are pregnant then you should avoid this treatment.
