Brazilian Keratin Treatment FAQ
Still thinking of going for the Brazilian Keratin Treatment? All in all, it’s a toxic treatment in my book, but here are some FAQ’s you might find helpful when considering your options.
Is it approved by the FDA? No. No way. You should really stop reading right now. That sentence sums up the entire article, but if you are still interested, keep reading.
A Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) can be used on every hair type whether natural or chemically enhanced. This includes virgin hair, color-treated hair, Japanese straightened hair, relaxed hair, permed hair, highlighted hair, gray hair. The results will last longer on ‘non-virgin’ (translation: porous/damaged) hair. Sure, so your hair can soak up more of the toxic chemicals. Who wouldn’t want that? Me!
It is not a relaxer, it’s a chemical treatment (with Formaldehyde with a capital “F”) that straightens your hair. Read more about the dangerous risks of a BKT treatment here.
If you are coloring your hair, you should color your hair first, then get the BKT. If you want to color your hair after a BKT, you must wait at least two weeks. Assuming you don’t have any issues from breathing in all of those toxic fumes and have a Doctor’s appointment instead.
To help protect your hair against any dryness during the treatment our friendly hairstylist, Dave, gave us a great tip! About 1 week before your keratin treatment use the Maijan Pure Organic Argan Oil infused with Grapeseed Oil as a deep oil treatment. This will help reduce breakage and keep your hair shiny and silky!
If you’re cutting your hair, wait until after the treatment. Sure, why not sit around having more hair straightened to cut it off right after? Great idea.
It can be done on anyone over six years of age. Assuming they know all the risks of getting a chemical treatment that is loaded with potential risks (including cancer) due to the toxic Formaldehyde fumes. I’m sure kids like that…NOT!
While getting the BKT you should wear a mask and keep your eyes closed during the entire blow drying session due to the large amounts of (potentially toxic) Formaldehyde fumes. Great huh? A MASK. Why are you even still reading this?
After the treatment you must wait 4 full days before doing anything to your hair. This includes washing, wetting, using any type of hair products, wearing a ponytail, headband, etc. Nothing can be done to the hair until after 4 days – this will allow the hair to ‘set’. I’m sure you’ll smell nice and Formaldehyde-y by then, people at work will love you. And best of luck taking a shower and not getting your hair wet without tying it up, pulling it back or twisting it.
If for some reason your hair does get wet you must blow dry it immediately. This of course will subject you to more toxic Formaldehyde fumes. Toxic bonus!
After your 4 day ‘sentence’ feel free to treat your hair as you normally would. Wash it, wet it, go swimming, go nuts with the ponytails, whatever floats your boat. At least you’ll be washing off the Formaldehyde.
Your BKT will last anywhere from 2 to 4 months depending on your hair type. Like I mentioned above, it works longer on ‘non-virgin’ hair. But I’ll bet the potential dangers will last way longer than that.
After your BKT make sure you wash with a Sodium Chloride free shampoo. Sure, they’ll smother and cover you in Formaldehyde but stay far away from the Sodium Chloride – that’ll keep you safe…NOT.
The best part? Aside from the fabulous danger your putting yourself in, of course, the entire treatment must be done again after the 2-4 month time frame. No touch ups. The whole entire process. YAY, more Formaldehyde.
Looking for a better and safer alternative? There are many formaldehyde free keratin treatments like Coppola Keratin Complex, Rejuvenol, and Global Keratin Treatments which are a safer alternative to the Brazilian Straightening! Yes there is an alternative to the nasty fumes!
Check out our picks for the best flat irons to use when doing and maintaining your keratin treatment.
I find this You Tube video frightening…and I’m sure the stylist doesn’t know that she should be wearing a mask as well.
Still thinking of getting a Brazilian Keratin Treatment? Me neither.
-CurlyBelle
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Filed under: "How To" Videos, Brazilian Keratin Treatments, Frizz Lowdown, Hair Trends, Product Tips & Advice, Smooth and Silky Finish
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Somebody used this brazilian blowout? it is a good treatment?
Font: http://www.soft-liss.via21.com.br
I have been reading on this subject and I found that there are Keratin treatments that are Formaldehyde-free.
There are formaldehyde free brazilian keratin treatments but all chemical hair treatments should be handled and performed by a knowledgeable professional. The FDA doesn’t regulate cosmetic treatments but has has given a allowable level of formaldehyde for products. Just make sure your stylist is using the best available. I’m in chicago and have gone to Chicago Hair Care for my treatment.
Thanks for the information. Now, I think that some people won’t try the BKT. Thanks again!
I did it… The fumes are awful. I didn’t research b4 going in. The stylists all raved about the treatment and how it’s “good” for my hair. Yeah, what about my lungs? They gave me a mask but to no avail. I washed after 4 days and it’s amazing. My normally very frizzy hair is gorgeous. Just fell like a waterfall with amazing shine. Too bad I hurt myself in the process. If you’re considering doing this, don’t. And don’t try the formaldehyde free either. Instead they have put ether in that one which is another toxic element. If it’s too good to be true it is. I am enjoying my hair right now since it’s done but my eyes still burn when I blow dry which means the junk is still in there. Poor stylists who breathe this every day. Someone like OSHA or FDA should put a stop to this. It’s criminal…
I’ve had the treatment and have never been happier. I’ve tried all types of relaxers growing up and did the Yuko several years ago and was unhappy. This treatment has made my hair very healthy and now that it has started to wear off, it is still less effort to blow dry it out.
I told Alan I was gonna talk about him…
He start this service in Brazil, and know about it very well.
I herd people complaining about the changing color from light to an ugly yellow . This is the hairdressers fault, (( or lack of experience).
The hairdresser has to look at the hair, and fill the texture, ( usually , hi lights will turn ugly, if the hairdresser apply too much heat.) ….
So, Girls and Boys, look for Alan at Astor place, I used to work in a Salon ( High end on upper west side at the reception desk, ( and seen many hairdresser’s work) , Alan is ” LET ME REASSURE YOU “” TTHHEE GREATEST !!!!!!! AND HE DESERVES to be talked about it !!!
Lucy
Alan at http://www.braziliankeratinnyc.com
I have a highlighted hair and I did the treatment and it never looked better, I am so happy and I will do it again and again, if u want more info here’s the websites
BUT I GUESS IT IS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, EXCEPT THE KERATIN FAST AND THE KERATIN INTENSIVE TREATMENT CAN BE DONE AT HOME, HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS PRODUCT?
I JUST FINISHED DOING THE PROCEDURE ON MY HAIR AND LOVE IT! I HAVE FRIZZY CURLY HAIR AND NOW WHEN I WASH IT OFF IT IS PRACTICALLY STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH. I FOUND EBAY SELLER SELL TRIAL SIZES. lonestarbeauty*** WAS THE SELER I USED FOR THE QOD GOLD ONE.
This treatment is Great, tomorrow is the third time I am gonna do that in my hair, it is not that bad, doesn’t smell bad, and nowadays you can wash off the product righ after the professional apply in your hair. Look for hairdresses updated about this kind of products, if you guys want, I have one in Florida (Brazilian), that use this one, you can wash off in the same day, and the results are perfect!
Is this a good treatment?
I am dying to do this treatment. I couldnt see the website / product you recommend. would you mind sending me this information? thank you
I am a hiarstylist in CA, and I’ve been certified in the treatment. The brand that I use only has 2% formaldihyde, for preservative purposes. Because of the formaldihyde, the salon has to be well ventilated, but other than that, there are no problems with the one that I use. I don’t know what product the writer is refering to, but there are a few of these types of treatments out there. If you want this service, make sure the stylist you go to, is certified to perform this product by a reputable company, and ALWAYS go to a salon, not someones garage or kitchen. That is my advice.
I have a correction to make. The treatment that I use has the cosmetic grade of formaldehyde in it which is .2%. I do not have to wear a mask, nor does my client, unless they are super sensitive. I’m not saying that there aren’t fumes that happen when you are using the heat, but if the stylist uses the product correctly, then it’s not much. We breath in these same types of fumes with any chemical process, but this is not a chemical, it is 98% keratin. At leat the one I use is. Do your research, and make your decision based on acurate knowledge, not what you are told by someone you don’t even know.
I know that the writer is talking but Marcia and Coppola But there are not the only ones keratin on the market . Look In florida one with 1.69 % and I have tried with my customers and there is not fumes or formaldehide. Check the products on the market most of them very good.
Not knowing what I now know, I had one done for my daughter before going off to camp. She is 13 and even though there was a fan and ventilation, her eyes stung and teared the whole time, her throat hurt and eventually her stomach began to hurt. We will not be repeating this experience–that’s for sure!!!
p.s. For the privilege of this poisonous treatment, we got to pay $430!
p.p.s. Has any one heard of a product called Miss Jesse’s ????
Were in california do you work I want the treatmeant done and I live in california please let me know
TRY SUNLISS!
Ive heard that this company produces the best keratin out there… It was developed by former Wella and Swartzkoff, chemical engineers that moved to Brazil.
hi,
i was wondering what salon do you work at because i was thinking about getting a keratin hair treatment. I heard that there is one that doesn’t remove all your curls, but it removes the frizz.. Do you do this treatment??
thanks
Yes Jennifer,
You are right. there are strong regulations in place in brazil due to the popularity of this product. I personally have used sunliss before and I LOVE it. you can get it from sunliss.com or ebay.
Their has been alot of talk about this treatment. It is my understanding for the first 4 days your hair is perfectly straight and than after you wash it and it will still have the beautiful texture but may contain wave. Is this right? I have never had this treatment that’s why the information out their is a little confusing to me. Thanks, Randi
Yes, randi, your hair will gain the waves again… But te best thing is that you can blow dry it in 10% of the time it took you before… In my case I used to blow my hair for 45 minutes!!!!
it was a hassle… now I do it in 5-10 minutes and it looks like I spent an hour in the best salon in town…
The brand I prefer is sunliss I normally buy it from their site:
http://www.sunliss.com and then I take it to my stylist. – he normally charges me $110 for the application.
Not all treatments contain formaldehyde. I’ve had the treatment using a system that contains NO formaldehyde and my hair looks and feels fabulous.
I got this done at Ulta for $175.00 in the Philadelphia area and I LOVE it! I had no crazy smell..nothing gross. It was hard to not do anything with my hair for 72 hours…but once over that hump I seriously have no complaints. If you enjoy straigt hair with body and no frizzies then this is for you! I am not a hair dresser…or a hair professional. As a matter of fact I sell Avon so going to have this done at Ulta was a little out of my comfort zone..but I will be back! Don’t get caught up in the hype. I am not just reading about it..I had it done!
I wish i had read this article yesterday. Today i had this done. as soon as i got to the place which looked like a barber shop, i wanted to get ot.. the kept telling me their had no formaldehyde… i stayed ! the fume was so bad my eyes were burning, around my face and scalp is very sensitive and has a tingly effect. I my legs are week…
How can i remove this from my hair? please anyone know tell me.
Where in Florida is the best place to go ? I live in Central Florida and have highlighted hair?
I really don’t understand why some people respond so dramatically to Formaldehyde (even with the capital “F”). I just got one of these treatments done and it is amazing. I held a towel over my mouth and never noticed a thing. Not one bad smell. Also, I am in grad school working on a degree that has me in the lab all the time, where I am surrounded by . . . Formaldehyde!!! If anyone is going to get cancer its med students who spend hours with cadavers that reek of formaldehyde. Trust me, no one is getting cancer from these hair treatments. In fact, I believe my hair treatment has actually made me healthier. I no longer blow dry my hair every morning. Which means I get an extra hour of sleep everyday (huge health plus!!) and I love my hair now, so less worry and stress! I feel great about my hair and a positive attitude adds years to your life!!!
I just got the Keratin treatment done in Jersey, my hair has never looked this good. Totally worth the money and not even as much $$ as other places I’ve heard about. Call Hair Quest 201-854-7968, and ask to speak to Al. The product they use is formaldahyde free and my hair has never looked this tamed and even after I wash it, I just have to let it air dry and it stays in amazing condition.
Sooo… you’re all for the BKT, then?
I usually research something to death before I try it but in this case I didn’t. I trusted that my hairdressor was telling me the truth that the BKT did not contain chemicals. It did contain formaldahyde. I asked to see the bottle after she had applied the treatment and it burned my scalp, eyes and throat. No chemicals my ass! I am soo furious that she would betray my trust when she knows I am very health conscious and have super sensitive skin. I guess I can only live and learn. Hopefully my hair doesnt fall out, I dont develop cancer or any more skin issues! I was not even told to close my eyes or cover my mouth!
I left my treatment only for three days according to my hair stylist, will this be enough time for the treatment to settle.
Also they said I can tie up my hair with a material band but not a rubber band, will this also be a problem for the treatment to settle or what is the reason that no clips ect. may be used?
Please Respond to my questions.
Kind Regards
Charlene
ozonehealth@vodamail.co.za
South-Africa
Where can have the Sunliss keratin done?
My best friend from Australia and did it and her hair looks wonderful!
The formaldehyde IS the active ingredient that makes the product work. NOT the keratin that so many companies claim. Certification is just another way for the companies to make more $$. We are hairdressers! We KNOW how to apply product in the hair, dry and flat iron. We can also follow directions! Why would they charge outrageous fees to sell their product? To line their pockets some more. Same thing with eyelash extensions. Watch the videos on how to do it when you get your products and we can handle the rest. Certifications not needed. I’ve been doing hair for 20 years in SW Florida and educate and research all the time. Do not take the manufacturers word. Research yourself. “ONLY” 2% Formaldehyde is ALOT of formaldehyde!
Valerie
Don’t be mad at her, she was only listening to her sales rep. That is what they tell everyone. What she did wrong was that she didn’t do any further research and she believed her rep. I have heard the BKT companies at the hair show say ‘no chemicals and formaldehyde free’ and I looked on the ingredients and it says ‘formalin’ which is a form of formaldehyde. When heated it turns into formaldehyde gas. Valerie – SW Florida.
treatment on very processed hair ,even though they claiair ,,which was a light silver gray…We had recently done a color correction on this client to remove the dyes from her and match thIm a stylist and refering to the comment made by Lucy on March 30th 2009.. I have been a hairdresser for over twenty years,, I also agree that this Keratin straightening is and can be an amazing blessing for many people out there. I have been certified to do this treatment by attending 6 hour certifcation course , which they introduced and instructed us how to use the product and this revolutionary new process…. I have had much success with this process and alot of very happy clients, but I have also experienced some major issues with the product as well.. In this class ,the company instructed us to use an flatiron not less then 450 degrees or the product may not take to the hair ( if cautious use 425 degrees but no less) and are supposed to flatiron each section of the hair ten times at the shaft and maybe 3-5 times towards the ends …..They also claimed that the more chemically treated the hair is the better the treatment works.. And used a model with bleached blond double processed hair …Well Ive used this product on very chemically treated hair, which is supposed to be the best canidate for this treatment .. I have to say I had a hard time using such high heat on bleached hair so I turned the temp on the iron down ,almost 100 degrees when working on this type of hair, and still experienced synging on the ends..
As of late ,I had a client experience an extreme yellowing of the he natural pattern of the different shades of gray…She was growing out color to go back to her natural heavily silver with dark pepper gray mostly in the back … Again , turning the temp down from 450 to 350 degrees knowing the history of the chemicals in the hair… and as I passed the iron down the hairshaft one time , then two times ,the hair had turned a bright yellow tone, even on the natural hair close to the scalp..I didnt continue to pass it the ten times required worrying about what it might do to the hair after any more of the exposure to the heat .. I dont know why this happend .. Ive seen this treatment done on many highlited and over processed hair without the color changing so radically….So I personally will not do or recommend to do this m it works best on this hair .. I think its a very new technology ,not a bad one for most clients ,but still in the experimental state..We dont really know what kind of reaction certain chemicals used prior to this service can have an unexpected reaction with this particular product… So even the experienced stylist ,in reference to Alan
The company supplying the product “Coppolla” is very vague on details or even the ingredients that are used to make this product, a supposingly formaldahyde free product.. The product is shipped to us sometimes in different consistancies , sometimes thick, sometimes liquidy and runny ..
I really love the result of this procedure in most circumstances, but just be weary of extremely processed hair,,,
The Brazilian Keratin Treatment I used was “organic.” Does that mean no Formaldehyde? They claimed it didn’t have it, but you never know….
I am thinking about getting this treatment done, but I was wondering if it permanently straightens your hair? I love my curls, and simply want to have straighter/sleeker hair for a while. However, I want my curls to come back in full effect eventually. Will this treatment permanently change my hair?? Please tell me how the after effects are if one does not want to reapply the treatment after the 4 months. Thank you!
Not all Keratin treatments contain high amounts of Formaldehyde, Obviously the writer is not aware that several nail products, coffee, even McDonalds food contains this… which I am sure after reading that the writer will now swear of coffee. and everything else that has this horrible toxin. I have done the Coppolla Keratin treatment, I went 3 days not 4 without washing my hair… i was able to get away with a bit of dry shampoo on the third day… and no smell from the Formaldehyde. Do not try doing this yourself no a 6 year old can not do it as there are several important steps and its best to go to a proffessional, and if your hair happens to get a bit wet from rain or whatever its best to flat iron the hair not blow dry… Keratin treatment is the best thing I have done for my hair, its not nearly as damaging as relaxer or even highlights if done properly, my hair is now healthy and frizz free after years of hasseling with frizzy curly hair this is a life saver, my hair is still wavy (I did the conditioning treatment not the relaxing) and not frizzy. If I choose to blow it out my hair can be blown out in minutes
)
*hair can be blown out in 15 minutes
I saw in Sunliss website that they are comming out with their new generation of keratin treatments…
I have used this product before and it really works but the most important thing, is that it is SAFE.
For all of you outhere that are thinking on diong it, I honestly recommend this brand… be smart and safe. go with a good brand… after all its your head.
Yes I have heard this. I will definitely do some research on this.
I Have not had the treatment. My hairstylist is trying to convince me I have the perfect hair for this treatment. Color,highlighted,wavy/curly ,a little frizzy, especially in the summer. I’m told I will not loose all my curl,and will loose all the frizz. My main concern. What happen as you hair grow out. Do you need to have the treatment as often as you color? I’d appreciate any input.
just in case you all were interested….there is formaldehyde in almost all products. and if anyone smokes, well guess what…your sucking it in anyway….I bet no one knew that though….how about when you color your hair? ever read whats on the back of the label? Enjoy your life, be happy and all is well.
this article is incredible biased and over-dramatic.
yes, elizabeth – formaldehyde is actually everywhere. in walls, cigarettes, floors, window treatments, etc.
the author of this article is paranoid and pessimistic.
incredibly*
Does somebody heard a brazilian keratin tratment named softliss?
I have frizzy FINE hair. My stylist is recommending BKT to help frizz and cut done on blow drying and flat ironing.
I am concerned about hair loss and breakage.
Help!!!! Anyone had BKT done that has the fine/frizzy thing going on? How did it turn out….would you do it again?
I had the Brazilian Blow Dry and some of it got on my forehead, that was 8 months ago. So far I have a permenant red blotch which is constantly peeling and flaking, it itches as well. My hair dresser asked me what my dermatologist said. What an idiot, she wears gloves then tells me that the product is natural. I should go to the dermatologist and then give her the bill. The BKT can ruin your skin!!!! Try a different brand. There are alternatives that don’t permenantly damage your skin.
I had a treattment from a company called Londonblow, my hair has starrted to fall out and I suffered chronic nausea for 2 days after.
The mask that the client in the video is wearing does absolutely nothing to block formaldehyde. The formaldehyde gas molecules are small enough to pass right through it. This is the mask I wear when I work with formaldehyde as a scientist.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21MeRakEZjL._SL160_.jpg
To all the people saying that can’t be bad, because it makes their hair look great… you’re missing the point. It’s a seriously harsh chemical. It works so well because it chemically alters the proteins in your hair. That’s also why it significantly increases your chances of getting cancer. 20 years from now, those of you with brain tumours are going to be seriously regretting all your years of beautiful hair.
Also, be careful with the keratin treatments which bill themselves as “Formaldehyde-free” They don’t work very well, because they don’t have the active chemical in them, so some hairdressers add extra formaldehyde to the mix themselves, so their customers don’t complain.
lol at all the people not bathing because of this treatment. It’s called a BATH, people !
Hello! I am African-American with 4a-4c type hair I believe, well basically my hair has small tight curls. I have relaxed hair and less than an inch of natural new growth. I want to discontinue using a relaxer or perm altogether and grow my hair out naturally. However, I do not want to do the big chop. I don’t want to cut off The relaxed ends until my hair grows at to the height it is now which is below shoulders. I’m am highly interested in a keratin treatment that is Hyde- family free that will help both hair textures to coexist and grow out heathy. Please offer me your best suggestions as far as treatments, aftercare, etc. Let me know what you think would be the best thing for me I would prefer asking you versus another stylist because I know you are good at what you do as far as research. Please offer your thoughts.
Oh and just so that I come across clear, I would like to grow my hair out naturally and little by little cut the relax ends off. I know you’re probably saying in your head that the keratin treatment is a contradiction to growing my hair out naturally because it not completely natural but I understand that the treatment is not permanent compared to a relaxer, perm, texturizer or Japanese straightener. Am I wrong? I figure if I use the treatment (well one you recommend) to straighten or loosen natural curls I can reduce breakage or stop damage completely as my hair grows out because like I said earlier I understand that I would have two different textures in my hair but I would like to find a solution that would help them to coexist so I can reduce damage and or breakage to my hair and so I would not have to do the big chop but rather i could cut the hair gradually as it grows little by little. I’m hoping that with this method I’d have a full natural head of shoulder length hair in about 3 years or so. Hopefully this post helps you to understand what I am looking for rather than confuse you. Thank you so much!!!