Is Your Dream Hair Putting You at Risk? The Cancer Connection with Keratin Treatments.
Many of us dream of perfectly smooth, straight hair, but the pursuit of this ideal shouldn’t come at the expense of our health. We often find ourselves longing for what we don’t have – those with curls crave straight strands, while those blessed with straight hair yearn for ringlets or beachy waves. This desire has fueled the development of various treatments and products promising long-lasting hair texture changes. However, keratin treatments, often marketed as Brazilian blowouts, aren’t always safe, and it’s crucial to weigh the risks before making an appointment.
What are Keratin Treatments:
Keratin treatments, also known as Brazilian blowouts, aim to straighten and smoothen your hair. The process involves applying a keratin solution, allowing it to absorb, then blow-drying or flat-ironing the hair. Keratin itself is a protein, similar to collagen and elastin, that plays a vital role in the formation of skin, nails, and hair. Beauty enthusiasts might be familiar with keratin-infused products promising to strengthen hair, nails, and skin. While this may sound appealing, keratin treatments come with potential side effects that everyone should be aware of.
The Potential Downsides:
People seeking keratin treatments often expect straighter, smoother, silkier, and seemingly stronger hair. Upon arrival at the salon, stylists can often customize the treatment based on your desired outcome. The keratin solution is applied and left on for a specific duration, varying depending on the product. After this period, the stylist will either straighten your hair with a flat iron or use a blow dryer to achieve the desired style. The treatment usually isn’t washed out, and the salon might provide specific home-care instructions.
Link to Cancer :
However,research has revealed a concerning truth: several keratin treatments used in salons contain formaldehyde, a highly toxic gas commonly found in household products, preservatives, and fertilizers. Studies have shown that regular exposure to formaldehyde-containing straightening products (at least four times a year) can double the risk of developing uterine cancer. Additionally, some keratin treatments might contain other harmful ingredients like bisphenol A, parabens, and heavy metals – all of which are best avoided.
In addition to formaldehyde, some of the keratin smoothing treatments used at salons may contain other harmful ingredients like bisphenol A, parabens, and heavy metals. These are all ingredients that you don’t want to expose your body to.
And the cancer risk doesn’t stop at uterine cancers — the use of chemical straighteners has also been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Alternatives to Keratin Treatments
Instead of resorting to potentially hazardous keratin treatments to alter your hair texture, consider using products formulated with clean ingredients to enhance your natural curls or waves. Remember, your natural hair color and texture are often what flatter you the most!
It’s crucial to steer clear of hair products containing harmful toxins like formaldehyde and opt for those enriched with natural ingredients like plant-based oils, honey, shea butter, and aloe vera. Empowering yourself with knowledge about the ingredients lurking in your skincare, haircare, and beauty products is paramount.
Remember, true beauty lies in embracing your natural self, and healthy hair starts with making informed choices. So, ditch the potentially harmful keratin treatments and flaunt your natural locks with confidence!
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