The Straight Truth

By now, you've probably heard about keratin treatments that turn frizzy hair into spun silk. But since new reports have surfaced about the toxic chemicals that some of them contain, we turned to the Bella Toccare  stylists to find out how to get sexy straight hair - the safe way.

If you love a glossy, pin-straight look,but were born with natural curls, you know what a drag it is to juggle blow dryers and flat irons to get the style you're after.  Perhaps this explains the popularity of in-salon Brazilian keratin treatments,whichpromise to liberate women from hair serums and hot tools once and for all.  Results last for up to four months, making smooth hair something it's never been: low-maintenance.

This craze hasn't been without its controversy, though.  This past fall, a string of government reports and warnings put a serious crimp in the hottest thing to happen to hair in years:  The treatment that vowed to transform your tresses could be hazardous to your health.

Most - but not all- salon Keratin treatments produce varying amounts of formaldehyde.  The F-word: Not so fast.  Because the solution doesn't technically alter the texture of hair, it needs something to lock in those temporary results.  That something to lock in those temporary results.  That something is what concerns leading health advocates: formaldehyde, a chemical used in low levels in household cleaners, hand soaps, glue, and synthetic fabrics.  "In higher concentrations formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems, skin allergies and irritation, and sometimes even cancer," says Richard Parent, a board-certified toxicologist in Damariscotta, Maine.  Formaldehyde is released during the final state of the kertain process.  Once a kertain-based complex is applied, the stylist flat irons the hair, "freezing" the new texture into place.  When that happens, the heat from the iron sends fumes into the air.

The Danger Zone - Last fall, Portland, Orgeon - area stylists began complaining about nosebleeds, eye irritation, and breathing problems after doing repeated treatments, so the Oregon division of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) decided to investigate.  It tested samples from Brazilian blowout and several other brands along with the air quality in five Oregon salons.  The subsequent report charged that while none of the salon air-quality tests were over the liimit deemed permissible by OSHA, the solution, despite being marketed as "formaldehyde-free" contained up to 10 percent of the preservative. 

According to OSHA, to be considered safe, a product should contain no more than 0.1 percent formaldehyde.  If it has higher amounts, manufacturers must list it as an ingredient, and employhers should educate workers about how to use the product safely.  Though ther Brazilian Blowout brand bore the brunt of the criticism, OSHA found that the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment by Coppola and Brazilian Gloss produced too-high levels as well.  While the companies claim that their texture-locking ingredients is methylene glycol, cosmetic chemists say this chemical becomes formaldehyde gas when heated.  There is a lot of trickery going on here.

Stay tuned - Soon to come is Aveda's Smooth infusion texturizing system.  This will be an all natural safe formaldehyde-free smoothing treatment from Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon.  This will be a versatile hair retexturizing system that permanently softens, smooths or straightens the hair with thio-based, creme products and thermal processing.  Depending on your desired results our stylists will be able to vary application techniques to product customized texture effects that are unique to you.

Until then or if you have commitment-phobe you can use our style prep smoother, and glossing straightener to achieve the sleek sexy look you want.  Want more info - give us a call or stop in for a complimentary consultation with one of our Aveda trained stylists 440-526-3090.