Smart Woman: Toxic Salon Treatments
By: Lane Stone
Updated: May 18, 2011
She used to get Brazilian blowouts but says she was worried about her health
I was breathing in chemicals and toxins and concerned about what it was doing to my hair, to my scalp and just over all," she said.
Members of congress are asking the FDA to issue a voluntary recall of two hair straighteners sold under the name Brazilian blowout after a 2010 study found high levels of formaldehyde in them.
Salon workers claim they suffered breathing problems , sore throats and itchy eyes after using the products.
"You're also increasing your cancer risk, that's always a concern," said Dr. Alfred Aleguas with the UH Case Medical Center.
The marketers of Brazilian Blowout claim their products are safe and say the complaints against them are not based in fact.
Other popular hair straighteners are called Brazilian treatments and keratin treatments. Some like this one are labeled formaldehyde free. but many people are still worried.
Lawmakers want the FDA to test all straightening products, and put warning labels on the ones that contain formaldehyde.
Salon owner Alma G specializes in chemical free straighteners. She makes clients sign a waiver if they demand a keratin treatment.
"I definitely want to make sure I give birth one day, so I want to make sure I am healthy," she said.
J.L. loves how her hair looks and feels
"It smells very good, it feels really good and my hair smells natural and clean."
And she's not worried what it's doing to her body.
Alma G said her treatments last around 5 months, which is longer than typical chemical hair straighteners.







