Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Princess hair. Mermaid hair. Rapunzel hair. Most little girls--no matter how fierce and athletic--occasionally dream of having long, thick, glossy hair. Unfortunately, those locks rarely exist outside of fairy tales. However, new treatments and technologies are being introduced every day, and it can be hard to tell which are safe, and which are not. One of the most popular is the Brazilian keratin treatment; a two-part method for correcting damage, easing frizz and straightening stubborn waves. Available in many salons and in home kits, the Brazilian keratin treatment is an interesting alternative to endless blow-drying and inevitable bad hair days. Does this Spark an idea?
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Technique
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Methods vary, but the most commonly-used Brazilian keratin treatment involves the stylist washing a client's hair with a clarifying shampoo, applying the keratin treatment--which often contains formaldehyde--rinsing out the excess and then using a hot flat iron to straighten the hair and "seal" the treatment.
This can take an hour to an hour and a half or longer, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. Salons recommend that you do not wash, bind or tie your hair for two or three days after the treatment, to let it set. This means not even tucking it behind your ears or using your eyeglasses as a headband. Also, you cannot swim in salt or chlorinated water for at least a week after the treatment. Each treatment lasts about three months, and can be done on any kind of hair.
Keratin
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Keratin is a protein found in hair and skin, and in human nails and horses' hooves. The level of amino acids present dictate whether the keratin will be soft and smooth, as in skin, hard and inflexible like hooves, or anywhere in between. It is available in liquid form, and used as an additive in shampoos, conditioners and other treatments for hair and nails.
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Formaldehyde
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Formaldehyde is a preservative, most commonly used in developing photographs, as a preservative in vaccines and in the embalming process. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.
Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Formaldehyde
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Not all Brazilian keratin treatments contain formaldehyde. If formaldehyde exposure concerns you, be sure to ask your hairdresser exactly what type of solution she uses. Home kits may contain some formaldehyde, but very small amounts are also used in some shampoos. Read the labels before you purchase the product.
Pros and Cons
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On the plus side, a Brazilian keratin treatment can give even dried out, over-processed hair a smooth, silky sheen. Salon treatments last three to four months, so it is perfect for a big event or long vacation. On the down side, the treatment is expensive. Treatments rang in price from $350 to $500. Do-it-yourself home kits are far less expensive, but they only last until your next shampoo.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image courtesy of rolivvus at Photobucket.
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Comments
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I've always had frizzy hair all my life. Humid days are the worse for my hair. I heard about the Brazilain Texture Treatment. What a transformation. I live on the east coast, we experience many days of high dew points and humidity. My hair is so wonderfully shiny and straight. I just love it. I truly recomend the product!
