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If you have frizzy or extremely thick hair that takes forever to dry, a professional keratin treatment can seem like a miracle come to life. By combining the protein keratin (which is found in our hair) and the chemical formaldehyde (which is absolutely not found in our hair), applying it and then sealing the deal with an extremely hot flat iron, a salon professional can create a treatment that fills in the gaps in your hair shaft and helps hair lay flat and smooth.
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Keratin treatments are so effective that, even if you opt not to blow dry hair after washing it — the thought alone would make a girl with frizzy hair cringe — your hair dries faster than usual and looks like glass.
So, what's not to love about a keratin treatment?
Unfortunately, the health risks of inhaling formaldehyde in its gas form may not outweigh the benefits of perfect hair, according to the National Center for Health Research. When we breathe in this chemical, it can cause severe allergic reactions of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If you start incorporating keratin treatments into your beauty routine and book appointments every six months or so, the repeated exposure can put you at a higher risk for getting cancer.
Studies have shown possible links between people working in environments where they were exposed to formaldehyde to leukemia and throat and nasal sinus cancer, though the American Cancer Society says studies have yet to find a consistent link.
Scary — but it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Some salons are offering formaldehyde-free keratin treatments that many say work just as well (and won't cause you any added stress and anxiety). When in doubt, always ask a salon whether its treatment contains formaldehyde so that you can make a more informed decision. And if you do opt for a traditional Brazilian Blowout or keratin treatment, make sure the room is well-ventilated and that you (and your stylist) are wearing face masks to lessen the risks.
