Beauty, News
The Brazilian Blowout Allegedly Contains A LOT of Formaldehyde: What Does This Mean For The Future Of Hair Straightening?
By Cheryl Wischhover
Ask someone who has had a Brazilian Blowout or other keratin straightening treatment, and more often than not you will get a giddy, breathless account of how it has changed her life. Indeed, my friend Jodi, who was an early adopter of the Japanese and then keratin straighteners said, “I would give my left arm before giving it up.” Trust me, she means it.
But there’s a chance she may have to give it up. Perhaps the frizzy, unkempt hair Marc Jacobs showed on his S/S 2011 runway is a harbinger of bad hair days to come.
The hair straightening product Brazilian Blowout is at the center of the controversy, faced with accusations that it contains dangerously high levels of formaldehyde. Health Canada, a government-based health agency, tested the product after it received multiple complaints and found that it contained 12% formaldehyde. Health Canada issued a statement on October 7th recommending that all Canadian salons stop offering the treatment.
Brazilian Blowout, which claims it contains no formaldehyde, has also come under scrutiny here in the US. After salon workers in Oregon complained of eye irritation, nose burning, and difficulty breathing, the Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology tested the formula. Their results indicated that the solution contained between 4.85 and 10.6% formaldehyde. Some salons have voluntarily pulled the product, but the FDA has made no official statement yet.
So what exactly do all these percentages mean? The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, an industry organization responsible for monitoring cosmetic safety, declared that a product should contain less than 0.2% formaldehyde to be considered safe. So 12% is 60 times more than the “safe” amount. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and also causes a variety of respiratory and skin problems at high levels.
Oregon OSHA and the Brazilian Blowout (BB) company have been engaged in a press release pissing match since September 29th based on the findings. First, BB claimed that OSHA didn’t request a sample from the company directly, therefore negating all test results because the solution could have been contaminated. On October 4th, BB claimed in a rather random and cryptic statement on its site that it stood by its “no formaldehyde” claims. Then on October 5th it released a statement that after independent testing, BB solution does contain trace amounts of formaldehyde, but no more than what occurs naturally, and in an amount that still allows them to claim “no formaldehyde.”
Finally, on October 8th, Brazilian Blowout let loose with a tirade against OSHA, calling the organization’s testing methods faulty because it measured methylene glycol, not formaldehyde. OSHA responded the same day stating that formaldehyde and methylene glycol are the same thing, and that air samples indicated that dangerous levels of formaldehyde were released. (In the salon, the solution is applied to the hair, hair is blow dried, and then flat ironed at high temperatures. This is the step during which the stylists noted the unpleasant symptoms.)
After wading through all the press releases, what exactly is the significance of all this? I got a “C” in organic chemistry in college (I really can’t be blamed for this. It was at 8:30 a.m. on Friday mornings) so I decided to consult an expert. I spoke to a PhD organic chemist with more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry about the chemical properties of formaldehyde.
After an informative lesson on carbonyl structure, he said, “The long and short of it is that methylene glycol equals formaldehyde, period, get over it, done, move on.” He also told me that there are chemicals that can be put into solution that when heated, turn into formaldehyde quickly. So a chemical that is not technically formaldehyde in solution, can turn into formaldehyde. The miracle of modern chemistry.
A WebMD article noted that formaldehyde is needed to bond with the keratin in these treatments, and that any product with less than 2% formaldehyde probably wouldn’t work. So you can draw the obvious conclusions.
As of now, only the Brazilian Blowout solution has been targeted. But this isn’t a new problem with these products. Allure reported high formaldehyde levels in some brands back in 2007. And Jodi, my beautifully coiffed friend–who now lives in Canada after moving from NYC–says, “I used to ask the guy who did my hair in NYC why our eyes burned so badly if it was natural and he would say, ‘Oh, I’m sure it is some plant based acids.’ WTF?! I never questioned further [be]cause frankly I didn’t care. It works so amazingly it could burn three layers of scalp off the top of my head and I’d still use it.”
So there you go. Are we burning, er, burying our silky smooth heads in the sand? Or is this really not a big deal?
Tags: Brazilian Blowout






The 10 Best YouTube Hair Tutorials
The 10 Best YouTube Makeup Tutorials
Fashion's Most Stylish Guys Give Mark Zuckerberg an (Almost!) Hoodie-Free Makeover for Facebook's IPO
Style and Substance: 10 Ladies Who Have Proven You Can Have Both
10 Beauty Boards You Should Be Following on Pinterest
this has nothing to do with the above post..but did anyone see the new W magazine, with Kim Kardashian on it?? whyyyy is she on it??
haha so not relevant…but i so 120% agree…people should be famous and glorified for GOOD reasons…not for the reason that family rose to fame
you mean Kim’s sex tape?
yup
totes agree! I will say she is retouched to perfection, though. I also strongly believe she has cheek implants due to her odd shape (especially when compared to her sisters) and the lack of muscle movement in that area when she smiles (different than botox.)
Back to the Brazilian Blowout, my best friend works at a very, very high-end salon here in NYC. Just THREE weeks ago, he was arguing with a hairdresser guy at a bar about why my friend’s salon didn’t carry the Brazilian Blowout. His boss apparently didn’t trust the findings about it and swore it had formaldehyde (“there’s no way it works the way it does without containing it.”)
And sure enough… here we are. Too good to be true.
Independent testing shows air quality is SAFE for clients+stylists with proper use of Brazilian Blowout http://bit.ly/aPYnAC.
There are two sides to this story and it is worth watching both unfold.
Hey, I worked really hard on this post! Could you all please stop crudding it up w/Kardashians?? :)
i don’t understand why formaldehyde is needed for the bonding step…isn’t keratin enough to help seal the hair? can’t simple keratin treatments do the same thing? i have super frizzy hair and would consider the brazilian blowout if a) i had the money and b) it didn’t have harmful chemicals…but i think there has to be a more ‘organic’ solution
Nope, keratin doesn’t bind without help. And that usually means an aldehyde of some sort.
Keratin is just one kind of protein, the kind your hair happens to be made of. It can strengthen but cannot bond. BB uses proteins but something has to stick it to the hair to make it last several months. BB maintains it is not formaldehyde but a polymer system and has tests showing mere traces of formaldehyde, below the legal limit for claiming “formaldehyde-free.” (just like food can say fat-free if it’s got less than 1/2 gram per serving.)
See safe air quality results (and other BB official statements) here: http://bit.ly/aPYnAC.
thanks :)
people in oregon straighten their hair???????
Haha! Love that. Apparently they (we) do…but with a social conscience. Hair straighteners that weren’t toxic to the clients AND the stylists would be wonderful.
It is liquid gold! For me it is all about maintenance and less of it. I’ve been getting Brazilian Keratin treatments for 2 years and the salon I go to OPENS THE DOOR during the treatment. I just saw this no frizz product that Garnier has that supposedly lasts for seven weeks anyone tried it yet?
The Garnier product lasts 7 shampoos, not 7 weeks LOL. I saw it demonstrated on video, results not great. Also it has many warnings and restrictions about who should or shouldn’t do it so read the box carefully
Brazilian Blowout allows the client to see their results on the day of the service, since it is rinsed out and styled in the salon. Brazilian Keratin requires the client to keep the hair ironed straight with the product in it when leaving the salon;
http://renadexsite.com
I was two minutes away from booking an appointment to get a Brazilian Blowout but decided against it after I read an article in the LA times last Sunday stating all of the above!
I think I’ll stick to looking like a wild beast: I’m runway-ready!
Any interest in letting BB defend themselves? Read here:
http://amominredhighheels.com/brazilian-blowout-formaldehyde-gas-levels-oshas-permissible-exposure-limits/
Unfortunately, BB doesn’t have the science and blind study test results to stand on. They are betting that vanity and adamant defensive responses will be enough to get back on track. At the end of the day, it is toxic and shouldn’t be used. Perhaps if they make an ‘at home’ kit, then consumers can decide how much risk they want to take.
I’m VERY interested in their defense because I REALLY, REALLY want to get the BB! Checking it now………
Thanks!
Updated statement from Brazilian Blowout, citing most recent OR OSHA tests, at http://www.brazilianblowout.com/new-press
Personally, I fell in love with Frederick Fekkai for privately sending the solution to an independent (thanks, P&G) lab and determining that there was a dangerous amount of formaldehyde, not as claimed, and banning the (crazy lucrative) product from the salons. And while it’s been a wonderful treatment for the client who only sits through about ninety minutes of this every three months, it may have caused permanent injury to the stylists.
http://innewyorkparistomorrow.blogspot.com/2010/10/brazilian-blowout-situation-and-quick.html
i did too and am really dissapointed about the whole situation. are you trying it somewhere else now? do you think other places you can get it at have the same amount in it? can it hurt the client as well, what are the long term effects, do we know?
Maybe if we’re lucky this will end this stupid straightening crazy women have.
Curly hair looks beautiful and clean even if you’ve gone a day or two without washing. Not to mention it’s more feminine and way more flattering. Even frizzy hair is preferable.
Straight hair always looks greasy, unwashed, and just plain gross even if you washed it just that day.
Take Jill Hennessy in Crossing Jordan. When she first started she had curly hair. So much nicer then that straight, grease pit that she had back on Law & Order. Then she went straight again and her hair looked like it has enough grease to oil a thousand ball bearings.
I remember a few months ago some woman did the BB on her “frizzy” hair and showed the before and after. She looked SO MUCH BETTER before! Once she had her hair straight you could tell her mouth was too big for her face. She went from looking like a woman to looking like a male ventriloquist’s dummy. She looked just that ugly with straight hair.
When will women get it? Curly hair = beautiful & womanly. Straight hair = ugly grease pits.
Straight does not equal greasy. Frizzy does not equal beautiful. Big mouths do not equal ugly.
angry much? if you like your hair curly, wear it curly. if I want to wear mine straight, that’s of no concern to you
My husband and every man I’ve dated would beg to differ about the curly is more beautiful. I have naturally curly and frizzy hair and i’ve been told by all the men I’ve dated that I look better with long and straight hair. I have the BB and I love it. I don’t know how I went on without it. I just wash my hair, brush it and let it air dry and it’s beautiful.
dam thanks so us straight haired woman r considered grease pits !!!!
Keratin will bond to hair that has been chemically straightened with a lye relaxer — in fact, when I first heard of the Brazilian blow-out I thought it was a type of product called a reconstructor.
Lye relaxers straighten hair by removing the bond which causes the hair to curl, technically damaging the hair shaft. Reconstructors prevent further damage and breakage by filling the broken bonds with keratin. When I relaxed my hair my stylist at the time was strict about having me do reconstructor treatments in between relaxings, which I found frustrating because it seemed my hair became frizzier faster between relaxings, although it was much healthier and longer for the effort.
I do find the whole situation fascinating though, because it wasn’t exactly a state secret that Brazilian blow-outs contained formaldehyde — I don’t want to infer that this is a manufactured issue, since my old stylist had to quit hairdressing due to autoimmune issues she believe were brought on by the chemicals she used daily, but it demonstrates lack of federal and industry regulation to protect beauty professionals who may not have the knowledge to assess dangerousness levels in products. Most of these products were advertising that they only had 2-4% formaldehyde — which sounds like a low risk until it is compared against the proscribed exposure limit. Most cynically of all (at least to me) because the vapors are rarely inhaled by the customer his/herself, salon owners could balance the risk to their workers against the bottom line.
Independent testing shows air quality is SAFE for clients+stylists with proper use of Brazilian Blowout http://bit.ly/aPYnAC.
I’ve actually had this treatment, and felt nauseous afterward, and the stylist who I went to for the process will do no more than 3 a week due to the fumes. You’ve spent considerable time and effort replying to just about every post here, but the bottom line is that ALL these keratin straighteners contain or form formaldehyde during processing, and that formaldehyde is deleterious to human health. Furthermore, each person reacts differently to chemical stimuli — and declaring a product “safe for some” is bad public and occupational health policy.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. You probably shouldn’t have the treatment again, and presumably won’t (but some people surprise me.) If you feel like mentioning it to your stylist, there is special air filtration equipment that can help protect the stylists and clients. My associate and I do an average of 8 smoothing treatments per week, mostly BB, with no issues.
More at http://www.SaferBrazilian.com
Independent testing shows air quality is SAFE for clients+stylists with proper use of Brazilian Blowout http://bit.ly/aPYnAC.
i was going to get one next month:(
I got a Keratin treatment once. While I was getting it, my eyes and lungs burned. Stinging burning. And then damn thing didn’t even last a whole month in the end. That’s when I gave into the Miami-frizz-fighting battle and just decided to cut all my hair off in a pixie cut, which I’m lamely trying to grow back out. After reading this, I think I’ll be rocking my pixie a bit longer so I dont have to deal with the humidity-induced ‘fro that lies beneath my short ‘do.
There is nothing about this that is new–a year ago a published article noted the stuff does not work without an aldehyde, which when hit with high heat, creates a chemical reaction and a webbing-like coating on the hair. Either you break the hair’s bonds (relaxers cleave bonds, they do not remove them), or you need something heavy duty to hold it straight, against nature. Manufacturers and salons still choose to ignore this because of the big bucks. And P&G is not an independent lab, it is a competitor.
Good point about P&G. Health Science Associates (healthscience.com) which is an independent lab, performed air quality tests and reported that the levels are well below OSHA limits. But there is no questioning some people have had significant problems with it…read more at
http://amominredhighheels.com/brazilian-blowout-formaldehyde-gas-levels-oshas-permissible-exposure-limits/
the thing that is new is that brazilian blowout has the words ‘formaldehyde free’ on the bottle, which is not true!
Actually one of the biggest issues here is that samples were collected from salons, but not documented in photos; the way they are described and what I’ve seen in photos/videos indicates that many if not all were old bottles, which were not labeled formaldehyde-free. One cannot hold an old product to the standard of a new product’s claim.
BREAKING NEWS: OSHA and HSA confirm Brazilian Blowout is SAFE for clients and stylists! http://bit.ly/aPYnAC
Um, no. HSA (Health Science Associates) is a for-profit testing outfit. The PDF you link to is a press release from Brazilian Blowout reporting on testing done by Health Science Associates, OSHA has not offered any recent ruling on Brazilian Blowout. Are you a PR representative for HSA or Brazilian Blowout?
Um, no. Most people would consider HSA an independent lab, but if it makes you feel better to belittle them as a “for-profit outfit,” you are of course welcome to do so. I have a question, though: did you think they would do it for free? Would anyone? Seasoned professionals deserve to be paid for their time. How could anyone ever get a third party’s opinion if paying them ensures partiality (according to you?)
The results of this testing showed air quality which was well below OSHA’s guidelines, as shown in the table, which was my reference: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/images/bb-table.png
I personally do think it matters who commissions a study: anyone who’s ever worked in marketing, advertising or really any mathematic field knows that statistics can be presented differently depending on which results need to be highlighted. Not to mention the fact that if a company is commissioning a study on their own product, what’s to stop them from repeating the study with different conditions until they get a result that supports their position?
I also notice you didn’t answer Westport Writer’s question: Are you a PR representative for HSA or Brazilian Blowout?
For some reason I cannot ‘reply’ to OutInAPout directly, so I hope you’re reading this. The first thing I said in my response to Westport Writer’s question was, “Um, no.” It was a bit sarcastic because WW had said it to me, but it was also the answer to the question. I do not work for or represent HSA or BB.
Please see the BB home page where the most recent OR OSHA test reports were quoted,stating that the levels in the air during and after use are below OSHA limits: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/new-press
Nonsense!!! So untrue.
OSHA discovered 8 – 12% formaldehyde in approximately 40 bottles, Canada has banned it and several states have Department of Health investigations under the auspices of the FDA.
Who are you and why are you misrepresenting this?
Interesting you should use the term “misrepresent,” as a leading beauty and cosmetic industry chemist has explained why OSHA and other tests were inaccurately performed and reported:
http://amominredhighheels.com/internationally-scientistchemist-doug-schoon-speaks-hair-smoothing-controversy/
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php
http://innewyorkparistomorrow.blogspot.com/2010/11/dangerous-beauty-brazilian-blowouts-and.html
It IS Not True that OSHA has stated that this is safe, not at all. The FDA has opened an investigation and is closely following individual states Department of Health investigations.
Banned in Canada and Australia, Europe has never permitted formaldehyde products. This is ridiculous.
Formaldehyde IS dangerous. Do you really want to trade getting cancer later on in your life for having straight hair in your 20s? BE YE NOT SO STUPID!
Um, no. Most people would consider HSA an independent lab, but if it makes you feel better to belittle them as a “for-profit outfit,” you are of course welcome to do so. I have a question, though: did you think they would do it for free? Would anyone? Seasoned professionals deserve to be paid for their time. How could anyone ever get a third party’s opinion if paying them ensures partiality (according to you?)
The results of this testing showed air quality which was well below OSHA’s guidelines, as shown in the table, which was my reference: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/images/bb-table.png
Since I’m not a styling professional, forgive my ignorance in the matter of this particular product, but I notice all testing being referred to is air-quality. Does the Brazilian Blowout product not come into any contact with skin? I don’t see why no one is talking about absorption on the formaldehyde through the scalp- which can be just as dangerous as inhalation.
It is not to be applied to the scalp, and stylists wear gloves. Unlike competitors’ products, it is not left on the hair to rub on the face, neck, etc for 24-96 hours. It is rinsed immediately after it is ironed in. There should be no skin contact for clients or stylists, so yes the concern is what is released when the product is heated with a blow-dryer and iron.
Has anyone tried any at home treatment Such as ilmare? They look promising but I have heard very little about such treatments.
If the concern is it being dangerous when applied by a professional, what makes you think you can do a better job with no training? That’s just strange
It is not so much that it contains Formaldehyde… dont get me wrong I am not for it, but it is the fact that “Brazilian Blowout” and the other keratin companies presented this to us as Formaldehyde Free and we present it to our clients as a Formaldehyde Free product. The company lied to everyone to get a one up.
I own a salon. Have done over 400 Brazilian blowouts! This is all false reporting on this product. To be sure I sent it to a lab to be tested. It tested for POINT TWELVE PERCENT! (.12) which is half that of what is found in an apple at the market. Oregon OSHA put the decimal point in the wrong spot, on purpose. It does work with that amount because it is not a keratin treatment, it’s broke down smaller then Keratin. Keratin made from protein, protein made of amino acids, amino acids are much smaller molecules then keratin. Please do ur homework before spreading bad information.
I have eaten an apple before and it does not burn my lungs and eyes. The only thing you care about is your ability to continue selling the treatment since it is such a popular service for you. .02 is all that is needed to mandate a Cancer causing Label warning on products in California.
Oh please. This is wildly false.
The FACTS are available widely on the internet.
Remember guys the overall damage is to the stylist. They are the ones who have to breath in the vapors every single time. If your eyes water and your lungs sting it is bad for you period. EVERYTHING I read about these “brazilian blowout test ” are “independent lab test results, or tested by a cosmetologist! Frankly they are trying to hold on to the ability to charge 400+ for a bottle of formaldehyde. I Hope they get sued for every single penny of it. I wonder why it is taking so long to shut them down. I hope the same fate happens to the other so called Brazilian blowout copy companies.
The website below gives information on formaldehyde. I just had my BB last month and am bummed there is now health risks that are attached. Will more studies be done? We have so many carcinogens surrounding us already.
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=219&tid=39
Yes, there have been several tests and you can read the results of the most recent ones at http://brazilianblowout.com/new-press
In the top right corner of the scrolling portion, you will see a link to previous test and statements.
Hello!!!!!!!
Oregon OSHA Confirms:
Exposure to Cosmetologists and Clients is well below OSHA’s Air Level Requirements.
OSHA’s Action Level of 0.5 parts per million is the most stringent level of exposure set by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
On October 29, 2010, Oregon OSHA released results of a comprehensive air monitoring study conducted across seven salons. Each case yielded formaldehyde exposure levels well beneath OSHA’s Action Level, Permissible Exposure Level (PEL), and Short-Term Exposure Level.
The average 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.
Sample Case Study #7 (cited directly from Oregon OSHA’s recent report entitled “Keratin Based” Hair Smoothing Products And the Presence of Formaldehyde):
Case 7: The seventh salon had four stations with a false ceiling. No doors or window were left open and the stylist did not use any fans during the treatment. She did not wear gloves.
Breathing zone samples were placed on the stylist during the process, which took 94 minutes. The samples were changed every 15 minutes. Samples were also placed to the right of the stylist, near the stylist’s sink and to the left of the stylist. The stylist’s peak exposure was 0.471 ppm, while applying the solution. Her average exposure during the procedure was 0.255 ppm and the 8 hour average was 0.050 ppm.
The results did not exceed the 8-hour limit and it is unlikely that multiple treatments would have done so.
In referencing Brazilian Blowouts recently released air sample test results, Oregon OSHA confirms the following:
“The company released air monitoring results on October 15, 2010, taken from two stylists performing two treatments each in a single salon. The only results reported were for the eight-hour average exposure, which came to 0.064 ppm for one stylist and 0.073 ppm for the other. The middle of the salon also was tested, providing an eight-hour average of 0.016.58
In general, these results – although less detailed – are not inconsistent with Oregon OSHA’s air monitoring results, which included both results that were higher and results that were lower than those reported by the company.”
CONCLUSION: Air sample tests conducted by Oregon OSHA and HSA (those published by Brazilian Blowout) yield remarkably consistent results; both demonstrating that formaldehyde exposure levels are safely below OSHA’s Action Level.
Hmmm.
Health Canada recently updated their study of the product (and cross-referenced it with testing from other jurisdictions). The Canadian Gov’t is moving to cease Canadian distribution – not a step taken lightly, as a premature or unfair decision to do so would expose the federal government to litigation.
Sorry.
The link:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_182-eng.php
Sorry.
The link:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_182-eng.php
I see some are still trying to say there is not formaldehyde in BB, or just “trace amounts.” Health Canada just tested again and confirmed there is 42 Times the legal limit! Read the 32 Pg OSHA report yourselves. Look at the number of PhD chemists that signed off on it! Don’t be ridiculous about the samples having not come from BB. They tested from 100 different samples, many different salons, which had recent shipments from BB! Also, there are other products in the report, not just BB that contains formaldehyde! Don’t take quotes out of context-re: air samples. READ THE REPORT if you want truth! BB is trying to suck out every last dollar before they go under. They continue to do their trainings to gullible stylists, that want to believe because of the business/money. If you post on their facebook, they actually delete the posts that are pro-science! Cal OSHA, and the FDA are doing an investigation which takes time, but so far they are finding the same thing. OSHA is only allowed to issue “alerts,” and not “Ban” a product, or it would be based on their findings. However, if it is not banned, salon owners would have to follow the law for exposure, and will face liability for stylists and clients. How many will have insurance to cover that? One more thing…I personally spoke to HSA, the “Indep. Lab” and the person in charge for testing for BB. They had not even issued their final report, and were pretty nervous about the statements BB was issuing. Plus, they said they did conduct the air sample tests for “peak exposure”, they did an 8-hr sample test. (They planned on doing a peak exposure test later). This stuff may make your hair shiny and beautiful, but not worth it to breath poison. Jordanna, you must be representing BB. (I see on their FB page they are talking about financial rewards for all the stylists standing behind them) For all others, do the right thing for your health. Educate yourselves to the truth, and don’t believe the garbage BB is posting. They lied to you in the first place saying they made a “formaldehyde free” product, so what makes you think they’d be truthful now??
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php
If this doesn’t work for you goole Health Canada – Brazillian Blowout. Health Canada has issued an advisory about this product. Plan and simple its not safe.
sorry I meant google
I would like to thank Cheryl Wischhover for her article. I have been giving the BB’s since June. It’s very confusing trying to figure out what is really going on with this product. I love it’s results, the excitment was like christmas morning when we did the first one in the salon. Then the reports started circulating about the harmful effects and formaldahyde. I point bland asked BB for a list of ingredients in Sept. and was told that they were waiting for their patent. But was emailed a msdf form wich claimed everything was safe. Then a coworker asked them again for it, and was told that they were revising it, and it would be available in 3 weeks. I called today and recieved the list and news msdf. Their packaging, classes and sales staff all claim to be formaldyhyde free, which we now know is a lie. I also know that their main competition has launched a multi million dollar campaingne against BB. Through research, I now know that everything from shampoo to childrens bubble bath has formaldahyhde in it. So, the question for me as a stylist…how do I trust a company that has been untruthful in their claims, believe claims by thier competition (which has the same harmful ingredients), do what is healthful but gives clients the hair that they want?
Every few years the news gets ahold of some “dangerous practices” we perform in the salon. i.e…haircolor will give you cancer, or that we’ll give you a stroke when we shampoo your hair. So, I know not to jump on the bandwagon and ride it with these reports full force. But, I also don’t want to harm myself or anyone else on a daily basis. In addition to taking the classes, and doing as much research as I could before spending close to $700.00 to add this to my services. I would like to make my money back on this product, and not have to find some chemical waste dump to dispose of it. I hate not being able to give this service my complete confidence and sell it enthusiastically. I don’t know who to believe or trust at this point. (but I did the BB to myself at home yesterday and LOVE my hair).
Who is the competitor with the multimillion dollar anti-BB campaign? I would love to learn more about that
Hi Everyone: Jordana I have your back GF. I just had BB 3 days ago and I wish I had it done 30 years ago. I have always had really thick, naturally curly course hair. I have been struggling with my hair all my life. As for the “formaldehyde” issue; have any of you “naysayers” ever had your nails done or used nail polish? Have any of you ever had your hair colored, bleached or a color weave? All of these products contain Formaldehyde. I had my first BB. Then, when I was at home, I used the BB mask and serum. I cannot believe how straight and healthy my hair looks and feels. BB is amazing and I will never, ever even consider not having the BB done again. If you have frizzy, curly think and unmanageable hair, run, don’t walk to your nearest Certified BB Tech. You can find who is certified to do the BB on their website. Perms cause eye irritation, watering, scalp issues and damage to your hair. The BB is the first product I have had done that actually worked on my hair. No more frizz, unruly hair, damaged looking hair. I love it.