In search of a perfect straight hair and you risk your health …
Sometimes, fashion tastes and styles imposes very difficult to achieve and maintain, and some may even endanger health. The examples are not lacking: the case of unbridled quest to lose weight or cosmetic surgery in body areas where almost no thought. Similarly, a seemingly harmless, like wanting your hair is perfectly straight for prolonged periods, may also have unintended consequences, as some of the products that are used to accomplish it contains chemicals that can cause cancer.
“I always tell my clients that the product we use has some formaldehyde, because some know they can do no wrong and prefer not to use it,” said Maca, a stylist who specializes in Argentina permanent straightening for many years and uses a method known as Brazilian keratin (in English: Brazilian blowout), since the product entered the market about five years ago.
While there were some prior warnings and recently the National Toxicology Program of the United States (National Toxicology Program) released a statement in which he speaks of these risks and details a list of new substances of daily use have the potential to cause cancer .
These include formaldehyde or formaldehyde, a colorless, flammable, strong smelling, which enters the human body through the airways. This chemical is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also used industrially in the manufacture of resins for coatings, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also present in some products to straighten hair, as well as nail enamels.
“One of my clients work in the health sector and never worried about this issue. Since I made at least six smoothed and still coming, “reassures Maca, while acknowledging that the product is” very strong “and that in any case, the risk would be higher for professionals like her who make these treatments should be exposed to the substance for longer.
“I use a mask to work and give to each client who is doing the smoothing. Also, keep a fan on during the procedure, if not impossible to work, “says stylist and details that this product may cause coughing and irritate the eyes and skin. Therefore, in addition to good ventilation and the use of masks, and that you use low heat on the hair dryers and irons in applying for straightening.
Despite this, many women who consider that the benefits of these treatments outweigh the risks and could not live without a permanent straightening. Have you ironed your hair every day or frequently go to the salon to remove the curly (as Curly, the Chinese) shorter treatments can be very difficult for the active woman who follows the pace of modern life.
What should you do? Do you run the risk or you spend more time on hair care? The choice is yours. But if left to grow your hair curly (frizzy, Chinese) freely is not an option for you, there are some precautions you can take the time to go to your stylist, so that the harmful procedure as possible.
First of all, it is important to know what amount of formalin (formaldehyde, poliformol or similar substances) contain these products. The maximum allowed in the United States, for example, is 0.1 percent. Note that the scents of these products make the difference in risk, however, stronger flavors may be trying to hide a higher concentration of formalin.
Are there alternatives to have a perfect straight hair longer but safely? Yes there are, but neither has proven to be completely harmless. According to an analysis developed by the nonprofit consumer advocacy and environmental EWG (Environmental Working Group), the only safe way to straighten their hair flat iron is still the traditional hot. With this chemical is not used, but the result does not last more than a day.
The choice is yours, and now know that there may be risks. The next time you sit in front of your stylist to find a perfect straight hair, be sure to ask what product to use and how it is composed. This way you can make an informed decision to be always beautiful without harming your health.