If you are interested in straightening your hair, you may be looking at different keratin treatments. Keratin is a natural protein that makes up skin, nails, and hair; when keratin products are applied to hair strands, they can fill in porous gaps and smooth out frizz and smooth out curls when heat is applied. However, some keratin treatments unfortunately contain formaldehyde. Read on to learn why this is an issue and find alternative treatments.
Why is Formaldehyde a Problem?
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong odor. When it is inhaled or gets onto your skin, it can be a health hazard. The FDA says that some hair smoothing products that contain this chemical can cause negative reactions, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, eye problems, and respiratory tract issues. You should ask your salon if they use formaldehyde-free ingredients before proceeding with straightening treatments. If you are planning on doing an at-home keratin treatment, be sure that you look at the ingredients list on your products. Be sure to look for hidden formaldehyde ingredients; chemicals like formalin, glyoxylic acid, and methylene glycol can release formaldehyde when they are heated with a straightening iron.
Are There Alternative Keratin Straightening Treatments?
The good news is that there are plenty of Formaldehyde-free keratin treatments to try at your salon or in your home. For instance, there are vegan-based treatments, cysteine-based Treatments, and Tannin/Argan Oil-based Treatments.
Vegan-based Treatments
Some straightening products may get their keratin ingredients from hooves, feathers, horns, or hair from animals. Vegan straightening treatments are cruelty-free products that get keratin from other sources. For instance, some vegan manufacturers use biomimicry to copy genetic codes and synthesize organic ingredients—like wasp spider silk—in a lab so no animals are hurt. Wasp spider silk is a great straightening ingredient for straightening. The downside of vegan-based treatments is that they may require more applications, and they may be more costly; but again, they are cruelty-free as well as eco-friendly and healthy for hair.
Cysteine-based Treatments
Cysteine-based treatment, or Japanese hair straightening, can be an expensive treatment, but it can last many months without touch-ups. Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that helps to make protein. When it is applied to hair strands—and heated and cooled—it can reconfigure the natural structure of your hair. If you have a lot of frizz and want sleeker, healthier hair, this can be a good alternative treatment.
Tannin/Argan Oil Treatments
If you have very dry, brittle hair, a tannin/argan oil treatment could be a good fit. Argan oil is derived from the argan tree in Morocco. It has high concentrations of vitamin E, which can help people with hair damage or hair loss. Tannins are astringent chemical compounds that are found in leaves, fruit, and bark. Tannins can protect hair strands from heat during the straightening process. They also prevent color fading if you are dying your hair as well.
Reach out to a hair and skincare provider such as Magic Sleek today to learn more.
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