Dangers of Keratin Treatments

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

See how shiny my hair is without the use of keratin?

It saddens me to see so many of my  friends and acquaintances being misled by various beauty procedures and “miracle” tips daily. Keratin is one of those I am seeing more often recently. Is it really what you think it is?

Keratin is a natural protein that already exists in your hair. So why is it dangerous to get keratin hair treatments? Shouldn’t it be safe if it naturally exists in your hair? Yes and no. What goes into the solution and process of keratin hair treatments is not the same thing as what naturally occurs in your hair. Keratin itself is not what's dangerous. It's the products containing keratin that can be harmful.

Formaldehyde, a substance widely known to be dangerous, is often used in these keratin treatments. Some beauty salons mix their own products, making it easier to have more formaldehyde used than is necessary. The more that is used, the more dangerous it is to your health. Formaldehyde is not the only dangerous ingredient or chemical contained in these treatments and what's in them can vary from salon to salon and from product to product.

We are told that beauty can be painful. To that, I ask why? It doesn't have to be. These keratin treatments can cause burning eyes, throat pain, and more. In fact, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. That's right, it can cause cancer. Is shiny hair really worth the risk of cancer? Really? As if that wasn't enough of a shock, were you also aware that hair treatments are unregulated? This means that almost anything could potentially be in them.

So, how do you get silky, soft hair without using keratin treatments?

Simple. Avoid chemicals and costly salon treatments and opt for my homemade, all-natural treatments instead.

More from Lyn

Homemade Hair Masks for Shine

Longer, Healthier Hair in Five Steps

Sources:

www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/23/salon.spa.hazards/index.html

www.oprah.com/style/Keratin-Hair-Treatment-Facts-Is-Keratin-Hair-Smoothing-Safe

www.komonews.com/news/consumer/117970604.html

** I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there).

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