When it comes to hair care, glossy strands and salon-perfect results often come with a hidden cost. While many hair treatments promise smoother texture, straighter styles, or longer-lasting color, some of them contain harsh chemicals and potential carcinogens that can put your health at risk over time. From formaldehyde in straightening treatments to questionable preservatives in dyes and relaxers, it’s important to understand what’s really going onto your scalp—and how repeated exposure could affect not just your hair, but your overall well-being.
Dr. Abby, a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard assistant professor, recently shared the one hair treatment she would “never” get. According to her, a Brazilian blowout is the one to steer clear of. Read on to learn why and get all her insights.
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Derm Explains Why You Should Avoid A Brazilian Blowout
Why should you avoid a Brazilian blowout? “That’s because keratin treatments or other hair-straightening treatments release high levels of formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and an allergen,” Dr. Abby explains in a recent TikTok. “The FDA is currently proposing a ban on hair-straightening treatments that contain formaldehyde.” This proposed move follows a growing body of research connecting these treatments to serious health risks. Dr. Abby points to a recent study that showed a twofold increase in uterine cancer among women who regularly use hair-straightening products—whether at home or in salons.
“These findings were even more pronounced in black women who use the products,” she says. “Studies have shown similar associations between these treatments and hormone-responsive cancers like breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as decreased fertility.” What’s even more concerning is that some products labeled “formaldehyde-free” aren’t necessarily safer. Dr. Abby warns that many still contain methylene glycol, which turns into formaldehyde gas when exposed to air.
“Even keratin or hair-straightening products that are labeled formaldehyde-free often contain methylene glycol,” she notes. “When exposed to the air, it actually turns into formaldehyde gas.” While formaldehyde is under the spotlight, Dr. Abby notes that other chemicals in these products—like parabens and phthalates—may also be contributing to these health risks.
The bottom line
“It’s not clear whether it’s just formaldehyde that’s the culprit,” she says. “But the FDA is taking a step in the right direction.”
For now, if you’re looking to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without potential long-term consequences, it may be best to steer clear of these chemical-laden treatments—and focus on safer, more natural alternatives.
