Everything you ever wanted to know about the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Keratin Treatment*
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Keratin Treatment*
An Interview with Specialist Grace Ilasco
*but were afraid to ask.
Q. What is in the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment that makes it work so well?
Grace Ilasco: A proprietary polymer system is used in all Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin treatments that bonds amino acids to the surface of the hair. This polymer is 100% salon safe. Some Brazilian Blowout or Brazilian Keratin treatments also use what’s known as a “super nutrient complex” in conjunction with the polymer system to achieve a cuticle smoothing and damage repairing result. The Brazilian Keratin Treatment brand uses a unique ingredient that is a lot like a liquid form of hair that gently blends with your natural hair to help restore what has been lost over time through chemical and/or environmental stresses. The small size of the Keratin ingredient molecules is what enables them to penetrate the hair cuticle and into the inner hair shaft. This helps to improve the quality of the hair from within. The special Keratin ingredient is able to fill in the gaps between the cuticle and the inner hair shaft and is sealed into the hair’s inner structure by a high heat flat iron process giving it its strong, shiny results.
Q. What’s the difference between the Brazilian Blowout and a Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: This is important to understand before you spend your time and money on these treatments. There are many companies marketing the Brazilian Hair Smoothing Treatment, all under different names. There are a few innovative and quality products, which are all similar and made from quality ingredients. These all fall under the names Brazilian Blowout, Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Brazilian Hair Smoothening Treatment, Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, etc. These are all very much similar and quality products although the applications are slightly different. All of these treatments are good but results vary somewhat.
There are also inexpensive knockoff products, which claim to be the same treatment but are usually sold at a substantial discount. Also, there are damaging chemical straighteners, which are being quickly renamed “Brazilian” and pushed as Brazilian Blowouts to take advantage of unsuspecting and uninformed customers.
I know that you, the informed and discerning consumer, will not be fooled. You will do your homework and demand superior results.
Q. How do I pick the best product for my hair and who should I trust to perform it?
Grace Ilasco: Once again, this is very important if you want superior results.
Just because your stylist has the product does not mean they are professionally trained to perform the service. Also, just because someone is certified to perform Brazilian Blowouts/Brazilian Keratin Treatments does not mean they are specialists. This is very important. . .all stylists do not have equal experience performing the treatments. It is important because the results of your treatment are limited by the quality of the treatment application. Many stylists get certified and have only performed a few Brazilian Blowouts/Keratin Treatments. You want a specialist who does them daily. The more detailed and thorough the service, the longer it will last and the smoother your hair will be.
Your best bet is to find a Specialist who is trained in multiple or all of the quality products and performs them on a regular basis. The higher the experience of the stylist, the better your results will be. Once again, the products cost salons and stylists a lot of money. There is no way to get a quality product for less than $200 without the salon actually losing money.
Q. How long should the service take and how much do the quality treatments cost?
Grace Ilasco: When performed by a certified and experienced specialist, the treatment should take 2 to 4 hours depending on hair length and texture and cost between $250 and $450. Anything less than this in time or cost and you are asking for sub-par results.
Q. Am I a good candidate for the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: I ask a lot of questions before we decide what is best for you with any service. Communication is key, and as long as I understand your unique situation and goals, everyone can enjoy the benefits of the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Keratin hair smoothing treatment. It has been successfully applied on every hair type (course, fine, curly, frizzy, permed, Japanese straightened, extensions, damaged, processed, colored, healthy, etc.)
Q. What kind of look will I get from the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: Your hair will be left ultra silky, shiny, effortlessly manageable, and frizz-free with an abundance of bounce and the body you’ve always desired. Of course, if you choose to wear your hair wavy or curly or blow dry your hair smooth and straight, it’s up to you. . . of course in a fraction of the normal time it would’ve taken you without this treatment.
Q. Is the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment going to make my hair straight?
Grace Ilasco: Your naturally wavy hair will be transformed and appear inherently straight and healthy. If your natural head of hair is very curly, any frizz will be greatly diminished and the look of your natural curl will be amplified. If your natural look is straight and frizzy, the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment will extinguish your frizz and elevate your shine to new levels.
Q. How long will my Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment last?
Grace Ilasco: Because your Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin treatment’s effects are cumulative, the more you experience it, the more robust and healthy your hair will be, as well as lasting longer. Typically, from your first treatment, results will last at least three months and as much as six months in some cases. There are also maintenance products available to extend the effects of your treatment.
Q. Can you apply the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment directly on top of other relaxers and strengtheners?
Grace Ilasco: Actually, the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment achieves the most dramatic results on your chemically treated hair. It fortifies each individual hair strand with exactly what it needs most, essential amino acids.
Want to use a relaxer? Great! Just do the relaxer treatment first and then perform your Brazilian Blowout or Brazilian Keratin Treatment afterwards, finalized with a neutralizer.
Q. If I receive the Brazilian Blowout or the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, will my hair lose volume?
Grace Ilasco: Not at all, your hair will keep its natural volume. When using a curling iron or blow-drying, your hair will have increased bend and memory.
Q. What will happen to my hair after the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin treatment has completed its life cycle?
Grace Ilasco: Your hair will return to its original state after the typical 10-12 week cycle, though most of my clients have been experiencing their hair to last up to 6 months even. Your hair may also have a vitalized condition as a result of the strengthening and restorative nature of the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment.
Q. I have highlights and/or color. Can I still receive a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: Your color-treated and/or highlighted hair will be sealed at the cuticle for improved health, amplified color, diminished frizz and, of course, luminous shine.
Q. When I receive a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Can I get my hair colored the same day?
Grace Ilasco: No problem at all. You will need to color your hair prior to a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment and the color will experience some fading so if you are coloring your hair red or to a dark brunette color, you will want to go a shade darker.
Q. What If I get a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment and I want to touch up my color.
Grace Ilasco: The Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment adds a protective protein layer to the hair, which can prevent color from effectively depositing in your hair. At least two weeks should be left after your Brazilian Blowout or Brazilian Keratin Treatment before color should be touched up. If your roots need new color that is ok because this would be new growth and the new hair growth will not have the Brazilian Blowout or Brazilian Keratin Treatment on it.
Q. After I get a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment, can I go swimming in a pool or in the ocean?
Grace Ilasco: Occasional swimming should not be an issue, however your Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment may be slightly compromised by swimming on a regular basis. If you plan on swimming all the time, I would strongly urge you to use the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum before you go in the water. This will help to maintain a strong protective barrier that will protect your hair’s treatment. Another product that can work is Redken’s “Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield Leave-In Smoother.” This is a patented UV filter and it provides powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine. It is a water-resistant formula and it also helps to protect hair from UVA/UVB rays and the absorption of chlorine and minerals. If you can’t get a hold of any of these products, soak you’re hair in just plain water or leave in spray conditioner so that the hair is left filled with these ingredients making it harder for direct salt water or chlorine to penetrate.
Q. I’m thinking about getting a Brazilian Blowout or the Brazilian Keratin Treatment but I wash my hair everyday. Will I be able to wash my hair right after the treatment?
Grace Ilasco: It depends on the treatment, some require that you wait up to three days after your treatment before washing your hair while others you can wash your hair immediately after your treatment. The Brazilian Blow Out brand per say can be washed immediately after the technician performs the service or may be washed at home before you sleep. It is not encouraged to sleep on the hair after it’s been thoroughly flat ironed by the stylist since we want to keep the hair as straight as possible before rinsing the hair to keep its shape. This also goes the same for the Brazilian Keratin “Advanced” Treatment and probably a few other brands out there. Make sure you ask your stylist what brand they are using so you are informed. The client also should not tie their hair, tuck it behind their ear, put any clips on their hair, or sweat excessively especially if the treatment that was performed on them requires you to wait up to 3 or 4 days. You’re probably going to ask if the treatment that requires you to leave it in longer will last longer, however, I think they all last or at least promise to last up to 3 months. Again, I have seen results lasting longer than 3 months depending on how thorough the service was performed and how often the client washes their hair.
Q. How can I maintain my hair after the Brazilian Blow Out/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: Once you have received the Brazilian Blow Out or Brazilian Keratin Treatment, you must solely use a sulfate free and sodium chloride free shampoo and conditioner. This means no salt or chlorine, so it is not advisable to swim in the ocean or a swimming pool. It is best to use the same product brand of the treatment that was used on your hair rather than going cheap, using an over the counter product that may decrease the longevity of your hair treatment.
Q. I have platinum blonde or over-processed blonde hair; can I still get the Brazilian Blowout or the Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: If you are going to a well-trained, skilled and experienced stylist, they will assess the condition of your hair and determine how much heat to use with the flat iron while applying the treatment. The more processed your hair, the less heat should be used. If any of you that have tried this and experienced brittle hair, it is due to excessive heat of the flat iron and must be toned down. Please bring this to the attention of the technician that will be performing the service on your hair.
Q. I have hair extensions. Can I still get the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: Of course! Normally the hair extensions should be treated before putting them in the hair but if they are already in your hair, the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin specialist will know how to work around the bonded area. This is one of many reasons to pick your Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment Specialist very carefully, to avoid any extension separation due to the conditioning results of the treatment.
Q. I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, is it SAFE to get a Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Grace Ilasco: I never advise anyone pregnant or breastfeeding to get a Brazilian Blowout or the Brazilian Keratin Treatment or any other chemical hair treatment. Currently, there is a lack of clinical testing currently as to the effect of the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment on pregnant and breastfeeding women. I would advise picking up an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from the Solution Brand or service provider and get the approval of your doctor before getting the treatment done. From my experience, there have been no side effects of the Brazilian Blow Out or Brazilian Keratin Treatment on Pregnant women so if your hair can’t wait till after pregnancy to get this treatment, I advice wearing a mask during the service to prevent any inhalation of fumes that are generated through the flat ironing part of the service.
Q. How often can I receive the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment after my last one?
Grace Ilasco: Every ten days should be ok. The Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment is just an amazing conditioning treatment so no damage will take place to your hair. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you can only fill the hair cuticle to its capacity. This treatment can be done up to 3x consecutively to get the best results for really curly, frizzy, and unmanageable hair, especially if the client wants it to practically straighten their hair.
Q. I’ve heard about the Japanese Straightening systems or Chemical Relaxers, how is the Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment any different from these?
Grace Ilasco: The Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment does not actually change the structure of the hair, Japanese Straightening systems and chemical relaxers do. With new growth after a Japanese Straightening Treatment or the chemical relaxer, you are committed to either lifetime commitment to continuing the straightener or cutting your hair off if you aren’t happy. There can be other undesirable side effects of the Japanese Straightening Treatment and chemical relaxers as well, such as the hair turning flat, too straight and having little to no luster or shine. It can have a negative effect, especially after a few treatments, leaving hair ultimately unhealthy. The Brazilian Blowout/ Brazilian Keratin Treatment will leave your hair healthier.
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Controversy over the Brazilian Blow Out / Brazilian Keratin Solution:
ADDRESSING THE MYTHS
There is a widespread confusion in the professional beauty industry about Formaldehyde. This misunderstanding is caused by the confusion over a cosmetic ingredient called “Formalin.” Until recently, product manufacturers were erroneously required to list “Formaldehyde” on the ingredient list if Formalin was used. This was particularly strange because Formaldehyde is a dry gas, while the ingredient Formalin is a liquid and has a completely different chemical structure. This confusion has led to an incredible amount of undeserved negative press focused on Brazilian hair treatment techniques.
WHAT IS FORMALIN?
Formalin is a liquid substance created by a chemical reaction between Formaldehyde gas and water. This very rapid chemical reaction creates a totally different substance called Formalin. As mentioned above, in the past, manufacturers were required to call this ingredient “Formaldehyde,” even though it is completely incorrect. This error led to the widespread confusion about these types of products. Luckily, in December 2008 the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) requirements were changed, and no manufacturers must call Formalin by its true and proper name: “Methylene Glycol.”
Now it’s easy to see why some manufacturers say their Brazilian hair treatment products “Contain Formaldehyde,” while others claim their products to be “Formaldehyde Free.” All along, each of these products has actually contained Methylene Glycol (Formalin) and not Formaldehyde. No cosmetic product can contain Formaldehyde as an ingredient, since it is a gas that would rapidly escape from the bottle as soon as it was opened. In short, it is incorrect to say that any cosmetic contains Formaldehyde as an ingredient.
However, you will see that Formaldehyde does indirectly play an important role in the hair treatment process, even though it is not an ingredient.
WHAT IS FORMALDEHYDE?
Formaldehyde is a gas, which is found throughout nature. For example, tiny traces of Formaldehyde can be found in apples, pears, radishes, cabbage, tomatoes, green onions, carrots and even fish. Trace amounts can even be found normally circulating in human blood. It’s a normal byproduct of human and animal metabolism. As long as Formaldehyde is at low levels, it is very safe. However, if Formaldehyde gas concentrations build up to high levels and is inhaled for long periods a potentially hazardous health situation can be created. This is why it is extremely important to keep Formaldehyde gas exposure well below safe levels.
IS THE BRAZILIAN KERATIN SOLUTION BRAND SAFE?
Yes, their products are manufactured in an FDA approved laboratory according to all appropriate FDA guidelines. M & M International has performed specialized scientific testing to ensure that their products can be used safely. Here’s the good news: When used according to manufacturer’s instructions and all recommendations and precautions are followed, users can rest assured that they are working at levels considered safe by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations. Testing performed by an independent research laboratory has verified that when their products are properly used, Cosmetologists are exposed to very tiny levels of formaldehyde that do not exceed the accepted OSHA standards for safety.
The OSHA has established that the allowable safe level or permissible exposure limit (PEL) for an eight hour work day is 0.75 ppm. This is the level that OSHA has determined to be safe for daily exposure throughout the course of a Cosmetologist’s career. In other words, as long as Cosmetologists are working well below this level of exposure levels, they are unlikely to be adversely affected by working with these products on a daily basis.
Independent laboratory studies show that when used with appropriate ventilation, Cosmetologists are not exposed to unsafe levels of Formaldehyde or nay other ingredient. Typically, Cosmetologists’ exposure are less than 0.50 ppm, which is well below the OSHA permissible exposure limit.
Brazilian Keratin Official Statements on www.braziliankeratin.com
MARCIA TEIXEIRA® BRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENT
Response to Recent Reports Concerning Formaldehyde in Various Brands of Keratin Based Hair Straightening Products
There have been several recent news reports concerning keratin-based hair straightening products and their safety relative to consumers and stylists. As our clients are aware, we have always had a policy of full disclosure with regard to our ingredients. We disclose all ingredients on our packages, and provide an OSHA compliant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) with every bottle purchased. Additionally, our required education/certification program focuses on the safe and proper use of our treatment products.
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance detected in everything from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics and building materials. Because formaldehyde is a dry gas at room temperature, it is chemically impossible for it to be an ingredient of a liquid cosmetic product, however, it is an unavoidable by-product of numerous ingredients.
Methylene glycol, which does not appear on the FDA’s official list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients, is the ingredient in our treatments that will produce a trace level of formaldehyde vapor when high heat is applied. For that reason, we can state that formaldehyde is not an ingredient in our treatments, but we cannot, and have never claimed that they are formaldehyde free.
Providing safe products to our professional clients, as well as consumers is of the utmost importance to M & M International. We have ample laboratory data and Safety Assessments from highly credible laboratories, and industry experts such as Doug Schoon of Schoon Scientific of Dana Point, CA, and Dr. Edward Jackson of Jackson Research Associates of Sumner, WA, to support that the level of formaldehyde detected in our treatments, as well as in the airborne vapors produced by them, are well below OSHA’s guidelines for safety.
As always, we remain available to respond to all inquires and concerns. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. contact@braziliankeratin.com
IS THE BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT SOLUTION BRAND SAFE?
YES. See below for the following statements.
Brazilian Blowout Official Statements on www.brazilianblowout.com
Official Statement from Brazilian Blowout
September 28, 2010
At Brazilian Blowout, the safety of our products, stylists and consumers is our number one priority. We stand behind the integrity of our product, and affirm that our professional solution is indeed formaldehyde-free.
As a result of the Oregon division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recent claim, Brazilian Blowout is conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations to ensure that accurate data is released to the public.
With regards to OSHA’s claim, the actual source of the formulation tested has not been identified, and was not submitted by the Brazilian Blowout Company itself. Because OSHA did not request a sample from the company directly, there is no reason to believe that the formulation tested and found positive for traces of formaldehyde was indeed Brazilian Blowout product. This represents a clear violation of proper testing protocol, and this gross negligence on the part of OSHA invalidates all findings that have been released as a result of OSHA’s testing.
“Formaldehyde-Free” Test Results Released
October 5, 2010
Brazilian Blowout’s exclusive manufacturer of its Professional Smoothing Solution has performed a series of in-depth tests, using state- of-the-art technology to further examine the components of this formula.
Tests were conducted at room temperature, and at 450 degree (F) to simulate the conditions found in the salon when the product is used with a flat iron. Both test results show that there are trace elements of formaldehyde at a level of less than .0002%, which is 10,000 times less than the daily dosage level in Prop 65 (the Clean Air and Water Act). A level of .0002% (2/10,000ths) is considered safe and allows for use of the term “formaldehyde-free.”
Please understand that formaldehyde is a naturally occurring element that exists all around us. From the water we drink, to the purest essential oil and everything in between, there are no escaping extremely small amounts of the various forms that exist in nature.
While we humans are constantly exposed, it is the level of exposure that determines whether or not we are safe. California Proposition 65, otherwise known as the Clean Air and Water Act, sets the allowable dosage at 40 parts per million. These recent tests yield formaldehyde levels 10,000 times “less” than that which is considered safe.
As we continue our investigation into the Oregon division of OSHA’s claim, we are confident that all misinformation and inaccurate data will soon be dispelled.
We will continue to update you as information becomes available.
Brazilian Blowout Official Statements on www.brazilianblowout.com
OSHA’s Testing Methods Proven Faulty
October 8 2010
The Oregon division of OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recent claims that samples of the Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution contained between 4.85% and 10.6% Formaldehyde has been proven to be incorrect.
Doug Schoon, a leading scientist and expert who works with state, federal and international regulators to develop beauty industry related standards and regulations with regards to ingredient safety, consumer testing and cosmetics registrations/regulations, says that the test methods used by Oregon OSHA do not properly measure Formaldehyde in water based cosmetic products. The tests conducted by OSHA actually measured a completely different substance called “Methylene Glycol,” and incorrectly referred to this substance as “Formaldehyde.” Methylene Glycol is the key functioning ingredient used in most professional hair smoothing treatments currently on the market.
Schoon reports the following:
It is important to understand that Formaldehyde is not a cosmetic ingredient and never has been; it is a gas that cannot be added to cosmetics, and only exists in tiny trace amounts. Misunderstanding the nature of Formaldehyde has led to the incorrect belief that 37% Methylene Glycol is the same as 37% Formaldehyde, when in fact, 37% Methylene Glycol contains only trace amounts of Formaldehyde; less than 0.05% to be precise.
Flaws in the testing methods used by Oregon’s division of OSHA actually cause the creation of additional Formaldehyde that is not normally found in the product, which led to Oregon OSHA erroneously reporting levels of Formaldehyde that cannot possibly exist in the product, especially given that Formaldehyde is a gas. Once again, what OSHA is actually reporting, is the amount of Methylene Glycol in the product, not Formaldehyde.
The only method that accurately measures Formaldehyde in water based cosmetic products is called “13C-NMR,” and OSHA did not conduct this particular type of testing. Had OSHA performed this test, they would have discovered that only tiny traces of Formaldehyde are detectable in these products, usually well below 0.0045%
Chemical composition:
FORMALDEHYDE ‐ anhydrous gas
CAS 50‐00‐0
EINECS 200‐001‐8
Chemical Family – Aldehyde
INCI Name – Formaldehyde
METHYLENE GLYCOL ‐ liquid
CAS 463‐57‐0
EINECS 207‐339‐5
Chemical Family ‐ Glycol
INCI Name – Methylene Glycol
Please email info@beautybygrace.com for a copy of the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for either the Brazilian Blow Out and or the Brazilian Keratin Treatment product brand.
BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT HAS BEEN PROVEN SAFE BY OREGON OSHA
Oregon OSHA, the very source of the original claim regarding Brazilian Blowout and Formaldehyde exposure levels, has conducted proper testing to reveal that Brazilian Blowout Formaldehyde exposure levels to cosmetologists and clients are SAFELY below OSHA’s Air Level Requirements.
What is OSHA?
OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that was created by congress alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
What is the strictest Air Level Requirement that OSHA requires companies to adhere to regarding Formaldehyde exposure levels?
The safest and most stringent level of exposure set by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is called the OSHA Action Limit. The OSHA Action Limit for Free Formaldehyde Exposure is 0.5ppm (0.5 parts per million).
What did the most recent OSHA tests reveal?
On October 29, 2010, Oregon OSHA released results of a comprehensive air monitoring study conducted across seven salons. The average Free Formaldehyde gas exposure level for the seven salons tested by Oregon OSHA was 0.079 parts per million; well beneath the OSHA Action Level of 0.5 parts per million. (To view the actual OSHA report released, visit: www.orosha.org and type Brazilian Blowout into the search bar.)
Does the Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatment meet the OSHA mandated requirements?
Yes. Not only does the Brazilian Blowout meet the OSHA mandated requirements, it falls well below the strictest of OSHA’s requirements.
What does this mean?
This means that the Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatment is SAFE to perform, and safe to receive. Stylists and clients can rest assured that the micro fractions of Formaldehyde emitted when the Brazilian Blowout Professional Treatment is properly performed are negligible and in no way harmful to one’s health.
