New Hair-Straightening Formula--Danger! Beware!

If this is true and so unsafe, why is it not being taken off the market, and how can that be accomplished if no one is regulating this service? How come the cosmetology board is not in on this?

because there is no board that oversees the cosmetic industry. definitely worth writing to your senator/congress representative and everyone else influential. it usually takes a couple of widely publicized accidents for anyone official to pay attention.

It seems the real danger to this new hair-straightener is more to the beauticians who are around the vapors day in and day out. How different is it really than black lung from the coal mines or meothelioma or asbetosis from breathing in asbestos? And all so some silly girl can hide from her own beauty!

yeah, pretty bad. even non lethal straighteners aren't good for your hair. i guess if you just have to have straight hair, the way to go is big rollers. anyone still using them?

I know you can get them at the George Michael Hair Salon in New York. They straighten hair the old fashioned and sensible way: by cutting it correctly, using the big big smooth plastic rollers and using an old fashioned bonnet hair dryer on low heat.

thanks denise - good to know they are still around. no reason to go to extremes.

I'm a hairstylist who does the brazilian keratin Treatment. The product I use only has two percent formaldehyde I wear a mask as well as the client. If anyone is taking a risk it is me as I am the one using the chemical daily. I have also used an air purifier. Also many beauty products have formol. It is in lipstick, nail polish, mascara, paint and many other household items. It not such a big deal. This is an over exaggeration to keep clients from doing this process

i understand what you're saying. But why would there be exaggeration about this treatment more than any others or any other products? isn't there a safer and easier way to get the same results?

I am also a hairstylist. I have been looking into this whole process the same as I have for any "new" product or process that has come into this industry in the last 30 years, before I start using it on my clients. As I have read the different opinions and studies about the dangers of the formaldehyde exposure, it appears it is not so much the application process that poses the most danger. Presumably, the hairstylist & the client are wearing masks to protect from the fumes and as one of the previous posters had advised, also using air purifiers. But, apparently, as the product "wears off", in the course of the following 3 - 5 months, it returns to its vapor state. As it does this, the client, as well as all who are close by (hsband, wife, children, etc.) are inhaling the fumes on a daily basis and as most carcinogenic products, it's the accumulative exposure that is the danger. As far as comparing it to "Black Lung" and the Miners... they are at least aware of the dangers and it doesn't appear that those dangers are tranfered to others, close to those miners, who have not chosen that field of work. Maybe the distributors of this product might choose to add the warning of accumulative exposure to the clients and then let them decide, at least with more real knowledge of the dangers. After all, at 2% formaldehyde volume, it is 10 times the amount considered to be safe (.02%). Also, I have now seen at least one alternative product version of this Keratin Treatment that claims NO Formaldehyde. In fact, a friend of mine just had her hair treated and she advised there was absolutely no smell. In fact, in order to smell anything, she has to hold her hair to her nose and she claims there is a very slight smell of "candle wax". We will see how her treatment holds over time. Right now, I am trying to accertain the active ingredient that is used instead of formaldehyde.

"Enjoy your straight hair, this was the last time", my husband tells me as I finish reading this article out loud. I got the Brazillian Treatment done yesterday. And today I noticed my one year old acting strange. I'm still investigating the reasons for the vomiting and complaint, but nothing else comes to mind besides my hair treatment. I searched for information on formaldehyde but found very little when used as a hair treatment. I believe the hair stylists around here (Brazil) have come up with their own "formula" and we can't really trust on the % they use. Yesterday they told me 5%, but who knows?

wow! scary. maybe it isn't dangerous but my feeling is, why even use anything that might be and has caused so much controversy. a couple of people made suggestions about how to straighten hair - see above. that's the way i would go.

I have had the Brazilian thing don 2 months ago and ever since I bin wheezing and its getting worse I was like what is wrong with me I also have a mass in my nose in the back I have bin blaming it on my weight or going to a bar with people that smoke but when I went to my old hairdresser and I told her what I did to my hair she said oh no don't do that again she asked me if I wore a mask I said I should have I was choking so bad he had to stop and give me a brake because I couldn't breath and my eyes were tearing so bad, no ventilation at all she said because it had the formaldehyde in it I was like holly cow he didn't tell me anything if I would have known I would have never gotten it done.

I am going public on this and also going to doctor as my breathing is getting worse this is all a lie about its all natural bull crap now I cant breath and only hope I don't need to have the oxygen to help me with doing so they dint have any masks or ventalashion

I just had the brazilian hair straightening done in Delray Beach, Florida. The stylist used a fan and the fumes did not bother me at all, no eye tearing, no wheezing. My hair looks great, I will probably do it again in a few months.

im a hairstylist...... now listen up people yes there have been reports of sore throats weezing ext. ext. ok when u get your treatments ask to see there certification i am a trainer for the BKT and the first things that we teach in classes is put the damn mask on and have ventilation, if you dont have these two things when getting your treatment done ofcourse you will have a sore throat i get a sore throat just flat ironing hair with out the treatment its smoke! what trips me out is that people go and complain about the carcinogins ( how ever its spelled) but yet smoke a pack a day ) ya'll need to realize that formeldehyde is in so many things and if your hairdresser isnt explaining everything to you before you get your procedure done thats a bad stylist have them educate u on what the hell there doing to you reasearch the pros and cons and then decide, i would if i was spending $200- $500 on my hair this is just out of control i personally believe the big shots (straightners) are upset at the fact that this procedure sweeped the nation in the short amount of time that it did com'on people open your eyes the next company is just gonna formulate a better product like the brazilian and knock it down (the little guys) to promote there product and as for the woman who did it in brazil and died she did the procedure in her house no ventilation im sure no mask probably in her bath room and used the one that was 30% formeldehyde no wonder why she died any ways all im sayin is check your facts make sure your stylist has the proper certification !!!!!!!!!!!

what i don't understand is why anyone would use anything on their body or hair that was remotely dangerous, even used in small doses. the idea of having to put on a mask to have my hair done is just beyond me. and it's not as if it's permanent - hair grows back so quickly.

i just came upon the following, which might interest you:
Noxious fumes are released when the Brazilian treament is applied, posing potential risks to the customer, the person applying it, and even others in the vicinity and it's not just the risk from the actual application of the treatment, but from what happens in the months following it, when the chemical breaks down.

There haven't been any conclusive studies about BKT, but experts are concerned about the possible inhalation or absorption of the formaldehyde in it.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a group of doctors and scientists who assess and set recommended safety standards for cosmetic ingredients, determined point-two percent is a safe level of formaldehyde. However, samples tested by an Allure magazine investigation contained at least ten times more than that, and experts say amounts of formaldehyde in BKT vary.

I am a hair straightening specialist in Denver Colorado.
I have done a great deal of research on this treatment.
There has been a lot of distorted information about these Treatments.
First of all let me say that I use Marcia Teixeira and Coppola Keratin Complex.
I believe the Marcia Teixeira works better and lasts longer, but it is a bit higher in formaldehyde.
With that being said, I will focus my comments on the Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment.
The FDA has approved the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics at a level of .2%. This is for solutions that are placed ON the skin and designed to be absorbed into the skin.
The BKT that I use is 2% and is not placed on the scalp! It is applied 1/2 inch from the scalp. When the stylist follows the proper procedure, the solution will not get on the scalp.
The next step is to dry the hair. Once the hair is dry, it is carefully ironed one tiny section at a time. A vapor is created from the heat of the iron. To those that are sensitive, it can irritate.
OSHA has a standard in the work place about fumes.
Doing one of these treatments does meet OSHA standards.
I prefer to perform the process with much lower numbers than OSHA standards so I use a Fume extractor specifically designed to extract and filter formaldehyde.This triples my safety level.

When the hair is ironed, the majority of the formaldehyde in the hair dissipates into the air, or in my case, the fume extractor. There are minute traces left in the hair and that is not enough to fear that you will be surrounded in a cloud of formaldehyde.

This treatment is amazing and I truly hope that more hairstylists will get on board with the proper way to perform the service to protect themselves and the clients. I would hate to see a lot of misinformation and distortions create a fear environment.

It is all pretty logical when you stop and really think.
You cannot compare a product designed to coat the hair, to one designed to be absorbed into the skin.
Absorption is not a fear or concern. The only concern I see is repeated inhalation. Use a fume extractor. Find a stylist who uses one.

I hope I have helped to "clear the air" about this topic. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have, to the best of my ability.
Denise

I had the Brazillian straightening about 2 months ago and since just then have had a terrible cough that wont go away..its now going on 8 weeks. I never had a cold so I am looking for other reasons. I went to a doctor and then to a pulmonologist. They found nothing. Even my xrays were clear. Could it be the BKT?

Thanks Denise for your thorough explanation. You do make the process sound safe under specific conditions. But I still don't know why one wouldn't use a completely uncontroversial process instead.

Valerie,
I can only speak for myself when I give the answer for your question as to why one wouldn't use an uncontroversial process instead.
I will do the Brazilian Keratin Treatment when a clients hair is not strong enough or in good enough condition to have the Japanese straightening.
If a clients hair is bleached or damaged, the TR chemicals will make that worse. The only way to do the process is to use a mild solution and use a lot of proteins and protection creams.
The results in general are OK to not-good. The client still has to do work to the hair to give it a polished/finished look. The worse the condition of the hair before and after a TR, the more work and product is needed to make the hair look good. That takes into account only work done by experienced, well trained TR specialists. I don't like to think about the disasters I have seen and heard of when bad hair gets a bad TR.
The damaged, porous type of hair takes well to the BKT process. The results are amazing.
If a client has healthy strong hair, I will recommend doing a Japanese straightening.
Strong and healthy hair does not respond well to the BKT. The hair is not straight and it wears off quickly.
Some clients want to control the frizz and have the hair straight for a "while" but they do not want to abandon their curls permanently. The BKT is good for them as well.

Unfortunately there are many chemicals in the salon environment. I do the best I can to keep the air clean. As a matter of fact I notice that I am more sensitive to the smell of hair color and bleach now. I think it's related to the fact that I've cleaned up my air so well when I do a BKT because of the use of the fume extractor.
There are many salons around the country that are using a variety of Keratin Treatments. There are many that are higher in fomaldehyde than the ones I use. There are also products that claim to be formaldehyde free. Many of them use ether. Many companies just plain lie.
A client should be as informed as possible. But, as I have said before, I think the main concern is for the stylists who perform the service, not the client.

I am very aware about this product,but some hairdresser in my salon don't care,I don't use it,but I breath it every day,I can't quit my job.Iam very upset

I have been using the Coppola Keratin Treatment on my clients who do not want the "regrowth" of the chemical straighteners as well as those who have damaged or chemically treated hair. The results have been wonderful. There has been no reports of any type of negative side-effects. In addition, I have asthma and suffer from sinus problems with any simple odor and I have performed the process (with Coppola's product) and have not even had one problem. As far as the product not working as well, I have not seen any difference between the non-Formaldehyde and formaldehyde formula (except the horrible smell, of course). In addition, I have several hairdressers (co-workers & friends) who have switched from the Brazilian to the Coppola and have been very happy. Not to mention the complaints from other clients in their salon and the hairdressers who were not performing the Brazilian process have stopped since they have used the Coppola product. There are several "aldehyde's" and Formaldehyde is the easiest made as well as the cheapest. Other than that, the formulas are pretty much the same as are the results (in my experience). The Coppola product costs about 1/3 more (hairdresser cost) and is manufactured in France. The extra cost is the result of the alternate (safe) aldehyde used as well as the currency difference with the Euro when imported. I highly recommend this product as my clients have attested to the less frizzy conditions of their hair as well as an easier blow-dry routine. Also, this product is applied right to the scalp so as to relax the kinkiest of hair. It is not a complete straightener and is not promoted as such.

When I got my hair straightened the stylist washed it first and then put the first treatment in. It took 4 hours to complete. I waited two days before washing it and after washing it today it's not as straight as it was. What should I do?

My hairdresser keeps insiting that new Keratin Complex by Coppola it's completely safe. How can I be sure? Not too many reviews and aricles ( only the one by Coppola himself) Please let me know.

Hi Cathy, I really don't know what to say, except complain and try something else. Good luck

Hi Monica, For more information, read what I quoted above and go on the internet and google brazilian hair straightening. I'm sure you'll come up with a lot of articles. I'd believe the government sponsored studies, certainly not the product or salon-sponsored studies or reports. finally, as i said before, i'd try to find a less controversial product. you have a lot of choices. good luck

I am a stylist also and just got this procedure done on my own hair. i would never do a treatmend to on someone else if i didnt think i would ever do it myself. first of all, i think everyone should be doing their own little researching before they try to manipulate everyone's opinion of a particular product. i found it to be amazing and not harsh smelling or feeling at all. it actuall smelled almost good...like tanning lotion. it hasnt altered the condition of my hair by making it bad, it did not burn nor did the my fellow employee have to wear a mask upon doing this treatment. i have super curly frizzy hair and for some people, this is their last resort for less fuss when styling and potentially better condition of hair. all in all, if you straighten your hair every day by a blow dryer or flat iron, you wont have to anymore by this awesome treatment ..down the road you will have less breakage and healthier hair. and i see this as being ideal for someone trying to grw their hair out from a short cut like myself. maybe valerie gladstone needs to be doing a little more research because not all the formulas are the same. if such a fuss is being made of something as topical as this , then what about injecting things under your skin for less wrinkles, or half the other fads out there that make it seem flat out impossible to reach any cosmetic goal...think about that

yes, thorough research is always a good idea before trying any new treatment.

Wow!! I have had the treatment done 3 times now. I love how my hair looks and feels. I was not aware of the hazards of this "Brazilian Straigtening" I have recommended my girl..who comes to my home... to so many people and even to two teenage girls. I feel horrible for recommending this to anyone. I have curly hair and for the first time it feels and looks amazing. Any suggestions on how to get the same look??

contact penred301@aol.com - she will know.

Well i have done the keratine for 2 times now ,Maricia Teixirea products my normal hair was straight and thin but cause i highlight my hair (so blonde) it became frizzy ,and with the keratin i have a good result but though not straight ,abt the formadelhyde i dont know who mych the % is in the Maricia Porducts ,,...i would like to know if the global keratine with the free formaldehyde are they true that it is free or not and if not is it allowed to say it is free while it is not!!!!!and why we do this stuff when maybe they r dangerous cause maybe we r silly (i admit it) but we dont wan tto spend our time in blowing dry our hair then falt iron it :(

sorry. i don't know anymore than what i said above.

Rasha,
When a product says "formaldehyde free" that does not mean it is free of everthing. To work there has to be something that drives the product into/onto the hair.
In general the formaldehyde free products use Ether.
It is my personal opinion that using Ether is not much different than using formaldehyde. And, the results are not quite as good.
There are keratin treatments that do not contain either, but all they do is condition the hair. They do not straighten or tame the curl or frizz.

Denise Kingsley
Hair Straightening Specialist
Denver Colorado

Hi all,I heard a lot aboutBKR ,I'm from Egypt there's a brazilian hairdresser used to visit Egypt 2 days a month she used to make it and i was willing to make it , i wish i can straighten my hair without any bad side effects...

Hello, i just had the progressiva treatment done only yesterday, my hair was very dry and damage by hair colouring and strping. My hair now after the treament looks amazingly shiny glossy and healthy. The salon where i had it done left the door open, made me wear a mask and offer water. They also advised me that my eyes may get irritated as a burning senssation. I did not experience a bad smell from the fumes but my eyes did get a bit irritated. I love the way my hair looks. I am a hair sylist myself and i would like to offer this service to my clients, specially those with damage hair but am a bit concerned about the potencial risks of carryinng out the treatment may cause to my clients, my work colleges and myself since i have read too many controversals.

the best thing would be to do as much research as possible and then come to your own conclusion. But be sure when you do your research that you check out unbiased reports not reports published by the manufacturers or sales representatives of the product.

In her January 2008 Letter From the Editor, the Editor in Chief of Allure Magazine Linda Wells put in writing for all the world to see that her goal in publishing the October 2007 article was to have salons stop offering the Brazilian Keratin Treatment service. Her statement reads " I expected salons to drop the service in fear, if not in shame."

Could it be any more clear that there was intentional MALICE in the publication of the dramatic misinformation and unsubstantiated claims that appeared in the October 2007 article? The backlash of negativity that this article created continues to perpetuate in the form of people who believe Allure Magazine to be a trustworthy and FACTUAL sorce, quoting it as a valid source of info, when in fact, the article is full of fals statements including alleged quotes from professional who were never even contacted....

THE MORAL of the story is
DON'T beleive everythin you read regardles of the reputation and image source. When the impact of information DIRECTLY impacts you, it is your persona. and professional responsibility to get the facts before you make a decision or perpetuate misinformation. Marcia Teixeira's Brazilian Keratin treatment contains formaldehyde. THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN OPENLY COMMUNICATED AND PLAINLY PUBLISHED ON OUR INGREDIENT LABELS and, it is made in the USA. We have nver tried to hide anything from the public or misrepresented ourselves or our product. DON'T BE FOOLED BY COPY CAT KERATIN PRODUCTS THAT claim to be FORMALDEHYDE FREE. You are not doing your homework if you fail to DEMAND AN MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet. and a LIST of ingredients from the other companies. THere are numerous aliases by which formaldehyde is identified. Some, but not all of the other names you find.

In conclusion I am a hairstylists and I do the brazilian Treatment I would not put myself or any of my clients in danger. So get the fact correct and then make a decision.

There is a safe alternative for hair straightening. I am a salon/spa owner and I am very concerned with the fumes to my customers and staff. I finally found a USA made product that is so gentle you can apply it without gloves. NO FORMALDEHIDE, NO THIO. Does 4 services, straightens, frizz kills,hair tames which removes 50% curl, and soft curl, which turns frizzy ringlets into beautiful waves. I was so impressed I became distributor, and now I am on a mission to let people know there is a safe alternative. It is so gentle is CAN overlap other straighteners, and can be used on color treated hair. Contact me for more info and any questions, MS1cdr@aol.com

Hi everyone I have a concern I did the BKT last saturday the hair looks good but the hairstylist burn a little bit my scalp with the blower he went to close and now I have a little scar on it I am worry now... with all this comments and concern about the formaldehyde any suggestions on how to take care of the scar without being involve with the chemical??? when to wash it or how to cleaning thanks for your help...

I had a little bit of scalp burn with the hair dryer during BKT what should I do to heal the scar??? and also if there is any danger concerning about the FORMALDEHIDE chemicals??? thanks

I had the Coppola treatment two months ago. Had previously done the Japanese, but my weak hair was breaking unbelievably! The Coppola made everything "all right," and I am delighted with it. So far, there is no scarey demarcation line between the processed hair and the regowth, and my hair looks much much healthier and isn't breaking nearly as much! I am looking forward to my next treatment (I HAD to fall in love with a man who lives in Florida!).

I had the Marcia BKT done last year. when i went back to the stylist last month, they didn't tell me they were no longer using marcia but had switched to the coppola! one month later, my hair is reverting back to curly already. the coppola DOES NOT WORK NEARLY AS WELL as the Marcia. guess the formaldehyde really is necessary. I see the marica now has a formadehyde free version as well. bet that works just as poorly as the coppola.

a stylist using the formaldyde free bkt. still have fumes . so i'm still worry about the product.how can we prove that it is a formaldhyd free and not a gimik???

Frankly, I don't care. It gives me great results, my hair is left very shiny and manageable something my natural frizzy hair ISN'T, styling is so easy and in the long run every thing you use kills you slowly anyway cosmetics, chemicals in food, cream, even sunscreen has some ingredients your skin isn't used to, it all contributes. So I will carry on doing the treatment and have great hair... til I die.

I am planning to use the Brazilian Keratin, what I need to know if it suitable for thin and weak hair, cause my hair getting straight easily by a hair dryer, but my real problem is the humidity, as it gets frizzy easily too, is BK can be good for my hair or it can damage it? I Need stylist opinion

I've been a hairstylist for 30 years and recently bought a starter kit of this product. We are now returning it unopened, having researched the dangers of the formalehyde. We use organic color as well as an organic wet line (shampoo and styling products)in the salon. I'm appalled at the negligence of the cosmetics industry lately. It's nearly (I said NEARLY) impossible to avoid toxic ingredients in hair and skin care products. But it IS possible. You just need to do a little research and you will find safe and effective products. I read all these posts and it's easy to have a "so what?" attitude when you are young and healthy. Talk to me when you're in your 60s or 70s and your body is polluted with a lifetime of toxins, fighting who knows what disease. It's time to demand more for ourselves, our clients and the environment.

I just did the brazilian hair treatment and my hair feels amazing! I live in humid Florida and this is the first time I have truly straight, swingy hair. However, after learning about the potential hazards of formaldehyde I am very concerned. Aside from never doing it again, what can I do, at this point, to reduce any of the carcinogenic risks?

Hi, Does anyone know of any salons that do the Coppola treatment in the UK or Ireland?
Thanks

To Mariam in Egypt....
What color line do you use that is organic? It is my understanding that no permanent color can be organic. It can have organic additives but...If there are chemicals in it, it is not organic.

OK so Formaldehyde is not the safest substance in the world. But neither is cigarette smoke, city smog, TOMATOES, trans fat, and all the other crap we expose ourselves to on a daily basis. With that said - I got the BKT Coppola treatment 6 days ago and I LOVEEEEEE LOVE LOVE IT. It burned my eyes a little when they applied it near my bangs, etc but other than that - no fumes, sore throat or irritated nose... none of that.
First 3 days of having your hair glued to your head with that crap it it really was terrible because I HATE pin-straight flat to the head hair. However, the wait was well worth it. I washed my hair, combed it and let it air dry to check it out... and to my absolute joy I found NO FRIZZ... no little curls trying to form... no flat top with puffy ends... no Diana Ross hair! My hair dried into a fabulous slightly wavy natural look as if my hair was always straight/naturally wavy. I then decided to blow it out for a straight look... IT TOOK 10 MINTUES to blow out into a perfecly shiny healthy salon-style blow out.
I love this treatment.

and best of all....

I'M STILL ALIVE PEOPLE!!!!

No Hives, no wheezing, no DEATH - just fabulous silky hair.

where can i buy these coppola shampoo and conditioner?

I am a stylist of 30 years and work in an upscale salon. We recently started using Coppola straightener and were given the hype by the sales rep of it being "natural". I called the company and they said there was little or no formaldehyde (which I now doubt). 5 days ago I agreed to be the shop example (or guinea pig) to show the before and after as my shoulder length hair was quite curly and frizzy before. My experience was this: The product did burn/sting my nose and eyes from the beginning of the application. (Our shop should have specific fume ventilation but doesn't.) I see much room for stylist error because the two stylists I saw use the product did not follow instructions; e.g. one had client wash hair at home instead of doing 2 cleansing shampoos as instructed to save time, one took too big of partings and didn't flat iron enough. When finished, the product left on my hair exuded an irritating odor and felt matted to my head. It was almost unbearable leaving my hair like this for 3 days. When I did wash my hair it was,and is, straight,silky, and easy to style. It remains to be seen how it holds up in the next few months. At this point even though I like the results, I would not do it again until there is more research on the potential dangers (and the memory of the application fades). I think I'd use a traditional or Japanese straightener or live with having to flat iron my hair every day.

Forgot to say that my scalp has been quite itchy even after 3 shampoos post-straightening with the Coppola. Not sure what the exact cause is, but assume it's related to the process and irritation/allergy to the residual product infused into the hair as I've never had a problem with my scalp itching before. I am not crazy about the Coppola shampoo and conditioner(smell, how my hair feels)that you are required to use to keep your hair straight, so I am stuck using products I don't like to keep it straight or using my own products and risking reverting to curl. To Maria: The salon that does the straightening should carry the shampoo and conditioner to support the process they did.

i work in an upper class salon where these chemicals are used,we have all had the burning eyes,sore noses, & i myself have had itchy skin & problems breathing. my boss ignores our complaints, does not have proper ventilations,uses the air conditioning fan as ventilation, & continues doing these services. we all luv where we work & work well together, none of us want to leave or go elsewhere so do you have any suggestions what we should do or who we could call,i feel with all those symptoms we are in great danger,i'm even afaid to go to the dr. to get myself in fear of the fact they may tell me i have nasal cancer.

We USED to have a government organization which looked out for workers' welfare. It was called OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Admin, I think.) Over the past 30 year or so, Republicans have neutered that body.

Also, is having curly hair a dangerous condition? Haven't heard THAT one before and if not, why are you damaging your health to get rid of it? Fashion should not be dangerous to one's health.

Were that not the case, I'd suggest that hairdressers and other salon workers who are subjected to working in unhealthy, unsafe environments report their employers. As it is, you can quit or keep working there. Nice, isn't it?

Is the Coppola Keratin straightening system good for black hair? My hair is very thin.

Monica, I got the Keritan treatment done and I love it. I am black and my hair was damaged from years of extension braiding. Now I don't have to use hot combs or flatirons and I wouldn't ever get another perm. My hair is soft an for the first time in a while, no split ends or breaking. Best part I can wash it an leave it curly. No geeri curl grease.NO hives'skin irritation, coughing, wheezing or burning,watery eyes. An I have sensitive skin and wear contact lenses. Research and find a knowledgable stylist. Its worth it.
And all the naysayers...if we want straight hassle free hair- that's our business and our right. It works and we want it. Stylists and shops that do it incorrectly should be reported to OSHA. P.S. Leave MY hair alone.and if you just gotta have something to say... Talk crap about what's in your/our drinking water.

Just keep in mind-----
A sodium hydroxide relaxer has lye
A no-lye sodium hydroxide relaxer has no lye
This is true when the products are in the box!
But, once you mix the activator to the cream
it becomes a LYE RELAXER
So needless to say
the advertisement is a LIE

Stylist do your homework, don't breath this product in all day.

Clients you have hated your curly hair for years, RIGHT?
You have cut your own hair and you have walk around with damaged ends for years.
You have been afraid to allow a stylist to cut your hair because they might cut your hair to short and you would look like a helmet head.
You have bought every product under the sun to tame your hair.
You have been so careful for years,
WHY, wouldn't you research and believe that this is a product to stay away from!!!

WHEN YOU HAVE THE BRAZILIAN STRAIGHTENING,( I DON'T CARE WHICH ONE IT IS.)
YOU COME HOME WITH THE PRODUCT IN YOUR HAIR
AND IT IS UP TO YOU TO WASH IT OUT OF YOUR HAIR AFTER 3 DAYS.

I SURE HOPE YOU LAY ON YOUR BACK ALL NIGHT AND YOU DON'T MOVE!!
I HOPE YOU THROW YOUR PILLOW AWAY IN FEAR THAT YOUR CHILD WILL INHALE THE PRODUCT FUMES THAT HAVE BEEN SOAKED INTO IT!!!
I HOPE YOU DON'T BURP YOUR BABY FOR 3 DAYS OR HOLD YOUR TODDLER!!
I HOPE YOU WILL CLEAN YOUR COUCH, YOUR CAR, A HAT, A SHOWER CAPE, YOUR FLAT IRON.....

THINK ABOUT ALL OF THIS,
YEARS AGO PEOPLE WERE NOT WARNED AGAINST THE DANGERS OF SMOKING
NOW WE ARE MORE AWARE, WE ARE SMARTER AND WE CARE ABOUT OUR HEALTH AND OUR FAMILIES HEALTH.
YOU ARE BEING WARNED, ANY CHEMICAL LEFT IN THE HAIR FOR 3 DAYS IS SOMETHING TO FEAR!!!
I CARE!!

GINA FROM HAIR'S TALENT
IN CONNECTICUT

I am considering getting the Brazilian keratin hair treatment. i never had it done before and i am iffy about it now after reading these articles ^^. I am mixed with black mexican and indian. i have pretty good hair considering i am mostly black. my hair can easily be gelled or slick and is wavy and sometimes curly when i wet it. i have alot of hair but my strands are thin. my hair looks pretty well when straightened but will NEVER hold or STAY..LOL...i never got my hair proffessionally straightened but i am hoping that this BKT will not do any harm or damage to my hair. i also do not want to get a perm or relaxer because ppl have been saying that it would probablly just break right off since my hair is soo soft!

I also wantedx to know do you have to constantly get this BKT once your 1st get it like a perm/relaxer or somethin??!!
AAND does your hair break of with this?/

Does anyone know where a GOOD BKT in the south jersey area??!!
if so email me @ theresajones0792@yahoo.com
~

I had the Brazilian Straightening done two weeks ago. Upon washing my hair for the first time I found that it did not work. When I went back to the salon they informed me that my hair had somehow gotten wet (even though I didn't wet it AT ALL) and it would have to be done over. I had it done over today. I never researched it and just assumed that it was safe as it was available in salons EVERYWHERE. Now I am reading these articles and am scared for my children, my husband and myself. The stylist did not ask me to wear a mask, nor did she wear one. She did wear gloves though. I am so scared that I am considering shaving all of my hair off to avoid releasing the fumes into my household and affecting my 22mo. old and 2mo. old. Does anyone know how to get rid of the chemical without the release of the fumes????

Update: It has been about 2 months since my Coppola "straightening". My hair has been smoother than normal but is now reverting to curl already and it was NOT worth it. The terrible scalp itching that I had initially has never totally gone away. I assume that the product either caused allergy/sensitivity dermatitis, or the product is continuing to leach off and irritate my scalp. It is a problem I never had before the straightening and is driving me crazy. Has anyone else had this problem? If I ever straighten again it will be with a traditonal chemical straightener,NOT keratin/Brazilian. I am sorry I ever let it be used on me. I previously had great results with Matrix OptiSmooth and would go back to that. P.S. to Elise:Since they tell you to only use their special shampoo as regular shampoo removes the straightener faster, perhaps you could you a deep cleansing shampoo for awhile to hasten the removal. Other than that I don't know.

I did the BKT @ 5 months ago immediately after relaxing my hair with a sodium hydroxide relaxer. Ever since that time my very thick long hair has been thining out. I am very unhappy about this.

I did get scalp burn and itching after my treatment and each time i comb or brush my hair came out in long strands.

I have learnt an expensive lesson, stick to the basic stuff, anything thats gonna take a long process most times is not worth it. The bkt is not for everyone, or for all hair types. Luckly hair is just dead protein and it will grow back, so im gonna get a short cut and start over again, but i would recommend no chemicals because none is safe!!!!

Tonya, you are the only other person that I see that has the same problem i now have.

I started doing BKT last Aug. to my very curly hair (I am hispanic), I was completely in love with the results, it saved me money on salon blow-outs. Since Aug. I have done it 3 more times, pretty much every 3 months. I don't dye my hair at all, its virgin hair and lately I have been noticing that my hair is completely thinning out, so it has to be from BKT. I am 27 y/o no kids, I've been taking birth control for the past 5 years, and never have I seen my hair so thin around my hairline and when I part my hair in the middle...Its very depressing!! I dont know what to do now, I think I'm going to start using Rogaine.

Hey Johana, i know how you feel, my tratment cost $400 and 3hours, it looked really good when it was done, but about a month after the treatment strands and strands of hair was on the bathroom floor. Im 28, n kids and Ive been on birth control for years and never had a hair problem.I used the shampoo and conditioner that came with the treatment, no difference. Other people have experienced hair thining but they have not researched the reason for their hair loss like you and I thus they did not come upon this web site or they may have researched but choose not to leave a coment. I though about rogaine too and other hair regrowth stuff, but when i looked at the ingredients on the back of the box its about the same thats in a multivitamin, so i decided to do a multivitamin instead as that may have less complications in the end.. Good luck with your choices

I just had it done, and there was no eye or nose burning, no itchy scalp nor glued to my head for the 3 days. Find a stylist who knows how to flat iron it the correct way and your hair will look fine for the 3 days.

I had BKT done about 3 weeks ago and my hair is smoother and silkier... I still have to work it with the blow dryer (still takes 1 hour) and I like to curl the ends with an iron... don't like the pin straight look. I am NOT thrilled with the special shampoo/conditioner b/c the treatment is expensive enough. Is my scalp itchy? Yes. But it was with chemical straighteners too. Had experienced a lot of breakage even before the treatment. I'm trying to be very objective about this... it would be such a shame that a product that has made so many women feel good walking out of their salons could be so harmful.
Can anyone tell me if the BKTs that do NOT use formaldehyde (sp?) are any good? That's what I am considering next...

I have been wondering about the fumes created from ironing and blow drying hair on an every day basis. I use various sprays, gels, waxes and having pretty dry hair do not wash it every day so many times when I am ironing or blow drying my hair to style it I am creating fumes by heating those products...and I guess any residual shampoo and conditioner as well. Is anyone else worried about this?

There has been some talk about the brazilian relaxer being cancer-causing due to the formaldehyde contained in the product.
It has become a common and effective practice on the internet for the competition of products to put out such scare tactics.
As far as formaldehyde goes Formaldehyde is usually found in the air, and levels are usually higher indoors than outdoors. It is used as a preservative in some foods and in many products used around the house, such as antiseptics, medicines, cosmetics and personal care products. (It is also used as a preservative in vaccines and given to children. Small amounts of formaldehyde is contained in food. Household sources, such as fibreglass, carpets, foam in cushions, permanent press fabrics, paper products, household cleaners, shampoos, bubble bath, medicines and disinfectants.
It has been determined that low levels of formaldehyde cause eye and nose irritation and that it has not yet been classified as a carcinogen and testing has not yet determined
wether it causes cancer.
(Health report-1999)www.health-report.co.uk

On the other hand the japanese relaxers contain ammonium thioglycolate which is a carcinogen. Cameo chemicals has this to say about the chemical:
Health Hazard
AMMONIUM THIOGLYCOLATE may be sensitive to heat. This compound is incompatible with acids. [NTP, 1992] (NOAA REACTIVITY, 2007)
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is a strong allergen. When heated to decomposition or in contact with acid or acid fumes, it emits highly toxic fumes of sulfides. (NTP, 1992)
SYMPTOMS: Exposure to this compound may cause sensitivity dermatitis of scalp or hands, with edema, erythema, subcutaneous lesions, burning of skin, papular rash and itching. It may also cause hypoglycemia. Other symptoms include central nervous system depression, convulsions and dyspnea.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.
(Cameo-chemicals)http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/19813

i was in Colombia wheni did this treatment it cost me 400 $ dollars which i dont remeber but it only cost me 20 $ american dollars (: i've had my hair FABULOSLY straight now for 2 months now , &; im still living with this beauitiful hair ; i have had no side affects so its all good (: yuo sould seroiulsy try it :D

I was ready to do the BTK in a couple of weeks'cause my hair is so frizzy - but for the safety of my kids- I'm not going to do it! I 'll just keep using my flat iron and hair lotions.Amen!

I was wondering if anyone has used this system on children? My daughter is 12 and has had a relaxer which resulted in hair breakage and damage so we started her on extentions which resulted in more breakage. I understand that african american hair is very different from caucasian so the keratin complex system probably wont "straigten" her hair but will somehow relax the tightness of her curl texture. Does anyone have any pictures of the results of African American hair before and after the system?

I have been getting the treatment done for almost 2 years every 8 weeks. I love it! My eyes do burn a little while my hair is being done. And it makes me cough. But, then I am fine afterwards. I have no complaints. But, it does worry me to read these comments. Also, the stylist I go to isn't too established, I pay her under-the-table, she is from Brazil.

Elisa if you are still out there..what did you end up doing? I am in the same boat you are in. I did the BKT one week ago and am so regretful that I did this. I feel like I put my kids and myself in such jeopardy. The frustrating part for me is that I thought I did my due diligence..how did I miss all this bad press beforehand. The owner at my salon assured me this was safe, they use the .2% formula. However, I am still thinking of using a clarifying shampoo and getting a shorter hair do to get rid of the chemicals faster. Does anyone have any advice on this? PLEASE HELP!!

On Nov,3,2008 having my second Coppola Treatment done. It has been 3 months and the results are amazing. For anyone who is worried about the product DONT DO IT we are all going to die of something, at least I will have gorgeous hair. I have been chemically straightnening my hair for over 20 years and my hair was very dry, frizzy, splint ends, damaged and now with the Coppola treatment silky pin straight hair and no split ends. I would spend a boat load on products and now I dont need to. My hair is long so every 4 weeks I would go in to get my split ends cut and now I have not had a haircut in 3 months just my bangs. My stylist can not believe the condition of my hair she said its like silk. It is worth it becaus blow drying which took an hour now 10 minutes which my husband cant believe.

For all of you that are trying to justify using this toxic product think of this. A paper mask does nothing to protect you or the client. Formaldehyde is a gas. Get it? It goes right thru the mask. Also when the client goes home and begins to shower the formaldehyde is released when the ph gets above 6. So with water being a ph of 7 your clients are enjoying a nice steamy toxic shower. Are times so tough that we must sacrifice our health and our client's health for a few bucks?

I too am a hairstylist and I do a permanent hair straightening system that gives the same results as a Brazilian type straightening system minus the formaldehyde. It is by Rusk. It's called the Thermal Shiny Str8. If you're a stylist and interested in learning more about it or someone interested in getting their hair permanently straightened, but were afraid of the results with a product that contains formaldehyde, you should check out their website www.rusk1.com . It can tell you more about the product and salons that have it. I just know it works amazing in our salon and without the worry that comes with formaldehyde.