Does Brazilian Blowout Contain Formaldehyde?
I realize that we previously posted an article here on this very blog stating that the Brazilian Blowout was “-hyde free” a little while back, but some new findings from the Oregon Health & Science University seem to state otherwise. Please review their article in depth before posting your comments. The “burning” question about this product for some time now has been “Does it contain formaldehyde?”. The company says it does not, their packaging says it does not, and lots of blogs and testimonials from stylists around the country say it does not. However, OHSU has performed a test on the latest “hyde free” product sent to it by the company and has found the following:
“Laboratory Findings:
The original container, which is labeled “formaldehyde free,” was delivered to Oregon OSHA by CROET for sample analysis on September 1, 2010. The Oregon OSHA laboratory analyzed the sample using four different test methods. Formaldehyde was reported to be detected by each method at 10.6%, 6.3%, 10.6% and 10.4% of the product.”
This analysis is quite alarming, to say the least! Many people have sent email and called the corporate office to get further clarification or comment from them regarding this issue, but as of yet I cannot find any responses that I can post here. I can honestly HOPE that the analysis was flawed in some way, because those levels of formaldehyde are not conducive to the claims that the company makes about its’ product.
There have been quite a few comments even here on this blog alone from both clients who received the treatment and stylists who performed the treatment addressing issues that they had from the new formula which included burning scalp, watering eyes, bad fumes, rashes, etc. We can only hope that the company addresses this analysis in a timely fashion, for everyone’s sake. Hopefully we can put an end to the question of if the product contains formaldehyde once and for all – and soon!
Your comments are appreciated!
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I had the Brazilian blowout done and the odor was so strong both the hair stylist and i were coughing and my eys were burning. She has 2 fans on to help blow the odor in another direction. I know there had to be chemicals in that solution however she kept saying it was all natural keratin/vitamin for the hair. My hair looks great however I dont think I will do it again.
Ok..I have used both the “Pink Keratin” and the “Bio-Ionics”. neither were satisfactory. I have been in the industry for 16 years and I went to a Brazilian Blowout Roadshow. I bought the entire “deal” I am a “difficult sell”…the results were quick and amazing. So… I had not heard about the “so-called” labratory findings about the One and Only Original Brazilian Blowout, (New Anti-Frizz Solution), until the national rep. held this presentation tonight: He explained the finding were incorrect and there was a retraction, and the product is formaldahyde free. My experience in this industry is that your best friend who once worked for you will…stab u in the back and go down the road and bad mouth you to everyone that walks in the door…after you bent over backwards for them…so I wouldnt be surprised if a competitive company, started this entire rumor!! Oh and by the way ..our local television news team…did a test and study on many acrylic nail clippings, after there were all these rumors about the little vietnamese nails salon; aka “chop-shops” (it’s not the arcrylic you need to worry about, it’s their illegal licenses and poor sanitation knowledge , you need worry about),…now, where was I ?…acrylic clippings…yep..including OPI, Tammy Taylor, creative nail…ecetera and they too had formaldahyde. A known cancer causing agent also found in aresols and banned by the state of California (but isnt almost everything banned in Cali?). In addition, stress also leads to cancer…sounds like were all gonna die from it anyways…so everyone needs to chill out and go get a weekly massage!!!….’cause this deters cancer!! a little excercise wouldnt hurt either…or a long vacation…that includes some humanitary volunteer work…or perhaps some meditation time with GOD!!!…I’m just simply having a good laugh right now….
NOT TRUE!!! You should start looking for another Stylist…I mean no reason to lie….If they decided to stop offering that service is their right…We still offer the service and never received a reformulation Call…Instead we made some ventilation changes…still Working Good =D
The salon is Tiffanys a salon and day spa. Telephone in PV is (322) 2092193. Ask for Betty!
http://www.tiffanysdayspa.com
address:
Albatros #420 at Marina Vallarta
It is a pretty area by the marina.
I’m on my way to PV…what salon did you go to??? Who did it?
Would love to hear before I leave on the 15th1
thanks!
Lynda
I just had a BB in Puerto Vallarta at a beautiful salon and it was about $168 figuring the exchange rate from mexican pesos to american dollars. I think Betty did a better job than the first BB I had here in the states and my hair looks great! All of my friends are jealous.
CAN YOU SAY “DOUCHE BAGS?’
I find it very suspicious to say the least that in the testing that Oregon OSHA originally did tha tthe Copolla Keratin Treatment– which has been the biggest and most successsful in the world UNTIL the Brazilian Blowout–was conveniently omitted from even being tested. which means that if OSHA or the Oregon State Board rules to ban the tested product without further testing at the state of Oregon’s expense Copolla would have a free and clear market for that entire state. And so many of the other areas are merely basing the decisions on the Oregon OSHA testing instead of performing their own tests. You also can not trust what is in the media…for example the pink solution that was shown on The Today Show was not even Brazilian Blowout…IT IS NOT PINK!! Also, the media reports controversy and banning in both Oregon ande Connecticutt and I have spoken myself with Stylists in salons in both states and they know nothing of the product being banned and are still using it. I have done at least 10 in the last month and have had no side effects, neither have my clients. NO WATERY ITCHING EYES, NO HEADACHES, NO RUNNY NOSES, NO BREATHING PROBLEMS, NO HAIR LOSS, AND NONE OF THE OTHER ACCUSED ISSUES!!
Health Canada is advising salons to stop providing Brazilian Blowout hair treatments due to “unacceptable” levels of formaldehyde amid reports of itchy eyes, breathing trouble and hair loss.
The warning, said the solution used for the hair smoothing service contains 12% formaldehyde, greatly exceeding the allowable limit of .2% allowed in cosmetics.
link to Health Canada Report: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php
Too many products have excessive levels of formaldehyde: http://www.imb.ie/EN/News/Concerns-Relating-to-use-of-Certain-Hair-Straightening-Products.aspx
Buy a safe effective brazilian keratin treatment that doesn’t use formaldehye, lasts for up to 5 months and revitalises and improves your hair
The company would have done its own tests after the OSHA claims. Obviously they too found Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, in their product.
No company in their capitalistic mind would pull their products off the shelf before confirming the claim. Also the company would have publicly defended themselves by now if the claims were false.
In my opinion no beauty product is worth getting chemo treatment in the future for.
Alec,
You are apparently very passionate about the product you use, which is great. HOwever, I know that products generally market to sell themselves. So, you say it’s silly “when someone comes out with some stupid idea and says wrong info, everyone start following their steps instead of thinking for a second.” You are following the marketing of the company trying to sell their product. OSHA is an independent organization to ensure health of the community.
I think we all need to be educated consumers. It is not a bad thing to think twice before applying a product to your body.
Just a thought.
Meg
I had the BB on 10/1/10 after one friend absolutely recommended it, then another warned me against it. Prior to my appt, I did do internet research as well as have extensive discussions with the salon and stylist. I got the distinct impression, from many people, that there are two BB treatments widely used. The one I had did not use ANY of the above listed products, and aside from a slight tickle in my nose when the steam got blown near my face, I had NONE of the other symptoms that people have mentioned. As Kelley, in a thread a ways below stated, her product bottles (and mine!) are brown & gold, state they are formaldehyde-free, and I believe all have Acai in them (which my stylist said is great for the aftercare of a BB).
In my research, as someone else in this thread mentioned, I also found that some people tend to be more sensitive / possibly even allergic to the product, as well as the steam during processing. It seems there is still a lot to be discovered about this procedure…. which by the way, I *loved*! Absolutely awesome results (not sure what this tearing/breakage is that other ppl are talking about)….. in fact, the person who originally warned me against getting it done, wants to get it done now too (she did a little more research too!)
But, ya know, everybody….. when your health is concerned, don’t be too quick to write off ANY warnings! There’s so much good & bad flying around about this procedure right now, I would say “love it or not, at the very least, be as well informed as possible”!
Good Luck everyone!
Kelley…I love the BB but cant afford it! I would love to be on vacation and get it done. Details…greatly appreciated!! Also any idea of what that is in american dollars?
Ok..Now all us ladies love for our hair to look it’s best…However, harsh chemicals of any kind are not good for hair health…Whether its formaldehyde, permanent hair color( which contains peroxcide and ammonia), bleach, relaxers, etc…
Most of these treatments, Brazilian blow out, Japaneese straightening, and other relaxers tend to thin out the hair over time so beware. I personally know 3 ladies who have done all of these treatments and their hair certainly shows all the abuse. Pretty much anyone’s hair can “appear” healthy with lots of products which reduce frizz and heat styling. However, when it comes down to it, your hair becomes somewhat dependent on these methods to look it’s finest. My advice: take care of your hair. Style it with care and condition often. Keep it hydrated(especially if you color with permanent hair dye) and use styling products in moderation. Please stop buying into all these pricey, trendy treatments that eventually will ruin your hair. Extreme frizz issues are often the result of over worked damaged hair in the first place….These treatments are just masking the damage anyway..
These are the Oregon OSHA test results. Ignore them at your peril. Any solution containing more than 0.1% formaldehyde is required by law to be labeled as such. Any salon owner having these unlabeled products in their salon is opening themselves up to a lawsuit.
Table 1: Summary of Results of Hair Smoothing Products
Oregon OSHA Analytical Laboratory
Smoothing Treatment Average Percent Formaldehyde
Brazilian Blowout Solution 8.0%
Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution “Formaldehyde Free” 8.8%
Brazilian Gloss Keratin Smoothing Gloss 7.3%
Keratin Express Brazilian Smoothing Treatment 1.2%
Keratin Complex, Smoothing Therapy 1.9%
Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Marcia Teixeira 1.6%
Chocolate, extreme de-frizzing treatment 2.0%
QOD GOLD SOLUTION 2.0%
Kera Green Keratin and Protein Hair treatment 1.5%
oh well, maybe Brazilian Blowout isnt for u then. or maybe if u r in a hair business, u should stop now if u r so worried about chemicals.
there is nothing to reformulate. this product has been in the market and it has been the best product in the market. and it has been making money for all the stylists around the world. because some stupid salon did some unrealistic tests done when they brought their product to OSHA, that doesnt mean that it is done right. they should have taken it from the company if they were so worried.
I am Alec Kara, i was one of the first people in the states that ever did the Brazilian Blowout and i do work at Argyle Salon and Spa, and it has been a long time since then. Our products DO NOT have formaldehyde. All these stylists that are not busy with clients that need this service, are the ones that are turning this into a such a big deal. the ones that have clients are not complaining because at the end of the day, we all work at salons where there are going to be chemicals. For all them colorists out there, if u think that your bleach is safer that the Brazilian Blowout, trust me, u r wrong.
I love the product and i did work very close when the product was being created, i love it and my clients do too.
its so funny when someone comes out with some stupid idea and says wrong info, everyone start following their steps instead of thinking for a second.
my husbands salon is standing behind BB claims of being hyde free….but we have taken some extra steps too by investing in a chemical source capture system for his salon. This system safely removes fumes from the air providing a more comfortable environment for both our clients and him. I would strongly suggest that everyone’s stylist invest in on of these systems!
Karey,
There are so many different BBO treatments out there. When mine was done, it DID have the chemical odor — believe me, I would have loved a chocolate or cocoa smell. It burned my eyes. They had to open a window. It was only for a few minutes.
Yes, my hair looked great. I still have some fuzzies but nowhere near what I would have. But all the articles I’ve read recently,a bult the recalls, etc., have made me nervous. I did mine in Sept,used the products they recommended, and haven’t had hair loss issues. I think some people are much more allergic to the ingredients than others.
What brand did your PV hairdresser use, if you happen to know?
Mine is just called Brazilian Blow Out in gold and brown bottles…
thank you for the wonderful advice….
I was supposed to have my second Brazilian done on Thursday and my salon called and left a voicemail that my appointment was cancelled because the company called back all the products to re-formulate it. Guess that answers the question of does it contain dangerous ingredients.
Formaldehyde in popular hair smoothing solution
Last Updated: Thursday, October 7, 2010 | 3:48 PM ET
CBC News
A hair smoothing solution known as Brazilian Blowout contains unacceptable levels of formaldehyde and should be avoided, says Health Canada.
Testing by the public health agency found that the product contains 12 per cent formaldehyde. When used in cosmetics as a preservative no more than 0.2 per cent is allowed.
Formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer and can cause cancer if inhaled over a long period of time.
Health Canada has received complaints about burning eyes, nose and throat along with breathing difficulties associated with the product.
There has also been one report of a person losing their hair.
Brazilian Blowout is used by hair stylists in salons across Canada.
The agency advises any consumers who have reactions to the treatment to seek medical attention. It warns stylists to stop using it immediately.
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/10/07/con-brazilian-solution.html
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Brazilian Blowout!!!! I discovered it 2 years ago in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The stylist I went to at a very swank salon told me it was the solution to my naturally frizzy dramas in the tropics and humidity!!!! It cost me $150.00 Canadian….and she told me I would pay much more in the States.Shen was right and it was so cheap there, you could have a vacation in PV for a few days to soak up the extra cost the American stylists are charging you. Liberia was my Guardian Angel and took me somewhere special. My hair has never looked and felt so healthy. I now get it everytime I go to PV, Mexico….twice a year. While once my frizzy hair was a drama, it is now just sleek and glorious. Before when I was having a bad hair day, I was having a bad month!!!!! I no longer fight with my hair on vacation….it is beautiful. It is all about my hair with me! Anyway….i warned Liberia the first time she went to do it. I had had a Japenese straightening treatment once, that I ended up being allergic to, as well as it completely destroyed my hair!!!! Liberia said the BBO was nothing like that….ands it wasn’t. The complete opposite. It smells beautiful when it is applied….like cocoa or chocolate. Not like the chemical smell of the Japenese horrible straightening thing. I love the BBO….my hair has never looked bettter, and I can’t wait to get it again. Oregon should have tested the chemicals in the Japanese system that destroy your hair. Brazilian Blowout rocks, and I can’t wait to see Liberia in November in Puerto Vallarta even though my hair still looks great since March when she last did it!!!! BBO rocks!!!
Thanks
Karey
I hope it comes to show that it’s indeed hyde-free had clients complaining after seeing GMA very bad for business
From what I’ve read on science-type sites, like The Beauty Brain and others, the secret ingredient in all BKT treatments is formaldehyde, or another version of it.
Keratin simply does not straighten hair by itself. It needs a bonding agent, or, as Brazilian Blowout likes to call it, ‘a proprietary polymer system’.
If you are going to be using a BKT on your clients, get it tested. The cost is worth knowing that you are not hurting people – yourself or others. Do not trust the company blindly.
Naturally the company complains that it was “rigged”. OHSU is our Medical School part of University of Oregon…they certainly aren’t biased in any way. I would be more suspicious of any report that “if anyone wants to test our formula, they should come to us directly”…I’m not sure the sample received from the company would be the same that is shipped. It’s like Consumer Reports – they purchase products directly from stores, not shipped from the manufacturer. I want the product being put on the scalp to be the product tested.
According to the OHSU website, they are now awaiting results from a second sample that was sent to them.:
“Update on Laboratory Analysis:
As reported in our September 16 Emerging Issues and Alert post, CROET has been awaiting the analytical results for a second sample submitted by CROET through Oregon OSHA’s Consultation Program. This second sample is of a product named Acai Professional Smoothing Solution (formaldehyde free) originally shipped by Brazilian Blowout to a Portland, Oregon area salon on 8/12/2010. Since September 16, 2010, CROET has been contacted by a number of stylists expressing concern about health effects they report having experienced while using both of the hair formulations.”
Reading numerous hairdressing websites, this is an on going problem. Stylists & clients across the country complain of many symptoms. Get educated before making a decision.
This post doesn’t have the entire post OHSU – the sample they tested on September 10th, 2010 was from a bottle supposedly shipped to an Oregon salon in 2009.
In the interest of fair reporting, I’d like to add that as of today we’ve found that the company has posted an un-official response to this claim, as posted here:
“Read this article (link above) and share it with your readers and the investigative reporter. There’s absolutely no way our solution [or any solution] could ever have formaldehyde in it because it’s a gas and would absolutely change composition if it came in contact with a liquid. And it certainly doesn’t have Methylene Glycol or formalin in it…We stand firm that our solution is “formaldehyde” / “methylene glycol” free. OSHA has our ingredient list filed in confidence and they are completely aware of how safe our solution is. This is obviously a ploy from one of our competitors and our attorneys are all over it…We definitely have plans to release not only our ingredients, but official results from a reputable testing facility showing no hydes whatsoever…our solution has been tested by Health Canada, OSHA divisions of Illinois, Texas, and California, etc…all of which tested negative for hydes…If anyone wants to test our formula, they should come to us directly.”
More as this all unfolds, but it’s great to see a response on this from someone at the company. Could it be a ploy from a competitor? Perhaps. Time will tell, but with all things like this – they apparently have their attorneys involved and the truth will come out. Let’s all hope that the solution is indeed hyde-free as stated and we can all continue safely enjoying our BBs!