Edito

Keratin Treatments have been wildly popular and at the same time wildly controversial in the past months.

This is due to the revelations by OSHA Oregon of appallingly high formaldehyde levels it found in products by the Brazilian Blowout brand. OSHA claimed to have found levels as high as 10%. The blogosphere took this figure and ran with it, so that you might find sites citing much higher levels.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Blowout brand has claimed that the test results were faulty, and also disputed that it was even their product being tested (because the stock for this treatment is so pricey, counterfeit brands are often found online).

Other brands have come on the market reporting that they are truly formaldehyde free.

Of course, this is not so simple.

Much like MSG in food, formaldehyde can show up under many moniker's (*see below). And, in fact, it is not only formaldehyde, but all aldehydes which pose a risk. Formalin, for example, when exposed to the high heat of a keratin treatment, releases varying amounts of formaldehyde.

Similarly to MSG, certain amounts of aldehyde are legally permitted and found in many cosmetic and beauty products — not just keratin treatments. They are also found in other types of products such as scented candles. It is a question of quantity, and release.

We carry two Keratin treatments: Cadiveu and Coppola Keratin Complex.

To our knowledge, both are free of formaldehyde beyond the residual level (below 0.2%). You can also read about Britney’s experience with offering the Coppola treatment.

Again, like with MSG, we have encountered references that some people are more naturally sensitive to aldehydes. If you suspect this may be you, we do not recommend this treatment.

• We do not recommend this service for pregnant women or for children.
• Stylists agree that proper training and technique are essential.
• Unlike a color treatment, only a thin film should be applied.
• Proper ventilation should be used.

The consensus of our team is to keep offering these services. We remain vigilant for proper use, unexpected ingredient disclosures, and new alternatives.

*Alternate names for formaldehyde: formalin | methyl aldehyde | methanal | methylene oxide | morbicid acid | oxy methylene | quaternium 15 | imidazolidinyl urea diazolidinyl