It’s been a while since we heard news about Brazilian Blowout, the controversial hair straightening treatment that brings up the philosophical question “What does it mean to be formaldehyde?”
But now the company has announced a new hair straightening product, Brazilian Blowout Zero, that is formulated without methylene glycol.
If you’re unfamiliar with the back story, Brazilian Blowout is a salon hair treatment acclaimed for leaving hair looking sleek, healthy, and frizz-free. It’s all the rage in Hollywood. The company claimed that their product was formaldehyde free, but complaints from salon professionals prompted an investigation by OSHAOccupational Safety and Health Administration; in this case Oregon OSHA. It came to light that the product was packed full of methylene glycol, which is the structure formaldehyde takes on when dissolved in water. When water is removed from methylene glycol (e.g. by drying hair), it converts back to formaldehyde. A huge argument ensued in which BB argued that methylene glycol doesn’t/shouldn’t count as formaldehyde, various parties are suing each other, etc. etc.
Although Brazilian Blowout emphasizes that they are not surrendering their stance, they are nevertheless announcing a new formula that doesn’t contain methylene glycol (and thus, no formaldehyde either). They claim that this version, called Brazilian Blowout Zero, gives the exact same results as the original formula. Which it had better, considering its hefty price tag.
Is this stuff legit? Scanning through the list of ingredients, (which is accessible from the MSDS on the BB website though you have to register with them), I really don’t notice anything that looks like camouflaged formaldehyde. But the problem is… don’t you kind of need formaldehyde for this stuff to work properly? It makes sense that formaldehyde would smooth hair. Formaldehyde can react with free amino groups to join hair proteins together, which seems like it would even out the surface of hair strands.
Without formaldehyde, I’m not sure what chemical reaction would occur that could smooth your hair for 12 weeks. Sure, there are several silicones and other polymers that could coat your hair and make it look slick, but these seem to be common shampoo/conditioner ingredients that should be gone after a few washes. Any other ideas?
Here are the ingredients in the old vs new formulas, side by side (click image for bigger view).
Brazilian Blowout is not recalling their original formula; instead, they are offering the Brazilian Blowout Zero formula as an “alternative” for those whose “personal preference” is for a methylene glycol-free formula.
It contains cysteine, which I believe is also a component of Garnier’s Sleek and Shine Blow Dry Perfector. Not sure how permanent an effect you’d have- you may disrupt some disulfide bonds (sulfur-sulfur bonds, for the non-chemists) in the hair fiber temporarily. I imagine the new formula’s smell won’t be pleasant if cysteine’s present in any appreciable quantity.
That’s a good point, Carmen, although I’m sure the Garnier product is wayyy cheaper than getting a Brazilian Blowout. BB emphasizes the use of their aftercare products, which are identical for the original Blowout and for the BB Zero. One website (link below) says the following:
Jordana [a salon professional] explains that the Acai line contains many of the active ingredients that are in the Brazilian Blowout treatment itself, so every time you use the Acai Hair Care you’re helping to enhance and deposit a bit more of that protective layer to keep the cuticle smooth and shiny. If you opt not to use the Brazilian Blowout Acai line, make sure you at least use another high-quality, sulfate-free line.
link: http://www.haironthebrain.com/2010/04/brazilian-blowout-acai-hair-care/
I haven’t found a list of ingredients yet for their aftercare line… if those products contain methylene glycol (active ingredient in the original BB product), that would certainly be interesting.
I don’t know exactly how the new system is keeping hair straight but one possibility is that they do not completely neutralize the VP/DMAPA/Acrylates copolymer. This could coat the hair and be difficult to remove which would help keep hair straight. More likely is that there is just a lot of ingredients that are difficult to wash off hair which makes it easier to straighten.
I’ve looked into the BB a fair amount and there are a couple of assumptions that you’re making which haven’t been proven.
1. How well it works. While the formaldehyde reaction can keep the hair straight, the bond isn’t too strong and with a few washings, the hair will revert to it’s natural wavy state. To keep your hair straight you need to continue to use the flat iron. As long as you have the kertain protein “dirt” left on your hair, it will continue to be easier to straighten.
If someone were to get the BB treatment and washed their hair a few times in a row, the straightening effect would be gone.
2. Non-sulfate shampoo will help. No it won’t. This is just marketing BS. I’ve tested BB system using sulfate shampoos and non-sulfate shampoos on hair tresses. There is no significant difference between them. If you clean your hair, the effect will disappear.
I agree with your assessment of Methylene Glycol vs Formaldehyde. While they are different there is no practical difference when it comes to product safety.
Interesting, thanks for those points! Enough people seem to be happy with the original product’s results to maintain the hype, but now I’m confused about how they avoid greasy-looking hair – if just a few shampooings will neutralize the Blowout’s effects.
If you pay a few hundred dollars for a treatment and are told that your hair will feel different, you are inclined to excuse the greasy hair.
The product does work a little better than just having your hair straightened with a flat iron. Although if you didn’t wash your hair, a flat iron straightening will last for a short while too.
Perry, regardless of the safety of the BB (which is rightly coming under scrutiny), I just want to dispel some of your ideas about the effectiveness of the BB. I resent the idea that women are unable to make an assessment of their own hair as they have been blinded by the hype. As a scientifically-minded person (an MD), I can assure you that we are not all ditzy and clueless. Some women may just love the fact that they can look groomed / professional without having to waste time in the morning styling their hair.
The treatment actually leaves your hair extremely silky, defrizzed and smooth. The first time I had it done and washed my hair, it felt like my hair had been transplanted with someone else’s! Hair also takes 5 minutes to blowdry (as opposed to 15-20), and I no longer need to use a brush / nozzle or serum. If I leave my hair to air-dry, it dries smooth. Before having BB, leaving it to air-dry would result in a bird’s nest effect! Straighteners are now superfluous.
The effect does wear off over time, but not after a few shampoos, as you suggest. Around 20-30 shampoos gradually make the treatment wear off. You can wash your hair as normal, every 2 days or whatever – no greasiness required.
Despite loving the effects of the BB, I am not recommending it to anyone, because I think there are way too many unanswered questions about its safety. If someone would please find out a safe way to do this treatment, that would be great!
Shireen,
I just started using a product called Reallisse by Zerran. A smoothing system that is vegan and uses corn, wheat and oat proteins. I never used BB or any other because of all the negative Hype. It has just launched in Canada. I did it to a co worker and myself and I think it is great. I cannot compare it to BB or BB zero or any other keratin treatments but glad that it is not linked to all the negative issues. Just search it on the web. It has a sister product called Reform which is a permanent straighting system. Hope this helps.
To Perry Romanowski – you are wrong about the results (I’m not sure how you came up with your comments without having the process done on your own hair). I have had the BB. It did not wash out after a few shampoos, but instead lasted 16 weeks which is well over the 12 weeks that it was supposed to last. I just had my 2nd one (Zero formula this time) and while the results are similar, my hair is not nearly as sleek, soft & straight as the original formula. I’m going to assume it won’t last 16 weeks this time.
Lots of oily gunk in that new formula.
Kind of funny that limonene is listed in addition to “fragrance”. Is limonene doing anything here but smelling nice?
I guess the addition of the bases is to keep carboxylates from becoming protonated and smelling like pee?
And it’s not like this new formula is healthy. If you absorb this junk by any route, I imagine that the glycolic acid will oxidize in the same way as radiator antifreeze, and clog up your kidneys. I’ll live with my frizzy hair.
Finally, I vaguely recall hearing of a different “Brazilian treatment” that eliminates all hair and correspondingly obviates any need for the product above. I might be mistaken.
Touché – that is definitely what might come to mind when one hears the term “Brazilian” in the context of hair.
Yeah I don’t get it about the limonene. Maybe the word just sounds pretty enough to warrant getting its own listing in the ingredients?
The MSDS says that the pH is around 3.4 – 4.0, so a substantial amount of the carboxylic acids would be protonated. Maybe there’s extra limonene to cover up the smell.
Limonene is a fragrance ingredient. Regulations require that cosmetic companies list fragrance allergens which is why it is on the label.
Oooh thanks Perry, that explains that little mystery!
Just discovered your blog, great job. If use of the original formula require heating to gain blowout results, thus yielding formaldehyde, then it should be considered to contain formaldehyde for public health concerns. (Many plastics are going through this with the whole BPA thing). Also, it has been awhile since I have been a practicing chemist, but isn’t aqueous formaldehyde pretty much methylene glycol?
Thanks Denise : ) I think everyone (BB included) is now in agreement that formaldehyde can/is “released” when the original product is used; the controversy seems to be about the quantity, both theoretical and measured. Here is Oregon OSHA’s take on it, keeping in mind that they tested air levels of formaldehyde under controlled settings that reasonably give them lower formaldehyde readouts than might be expected in a busy salon. (link downloads pdf)
It’s my understanding that the FDA is currently investigating the product.
Lastly, yes! Aqueous formaldehyde, aka formalin, aka methylene glycol is how you get formaldehyde in a bottle without having to pressurize it and deal with it as a gas!
Thank you for the quote above 🙂 To clarify: as I have been taught, the component in the aftercare products which help enhance the results is the ‘Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex,’ in other words, the proteins and botanical smoothers, but not the chemical agents. No one (neither pro nor anti-BB) has claimed the aftercare products contain a bonding agent, and the ingredients of each are listed on the bottle, as is mandated for home-use products.
It is comparable to a color-refreshing shampoo or conditioner (lavender for blondes, chestnut for brunettes, copper for redheads, etc.) which contain the tone one might want to refresh, but not the ammonia or peroxide that originally make the change in the hair. I hope that helps!
Thanks for replying here and sharing your understanding, Jordana! My curiosity is piqued about how some of the other hair care products (dyes, color-refreshing conditioners, etc.) work on a molecular level.
It seems to me that there must be a chemical reaction occurring between hair and ingredients in BB, otherwise the results can’t last. The aftercare products (if they work as claimed) seem to do something that prevents the reversal of said chemical reaction.
Side note to all: Being a chemist myself, I don’t cringe at the words “chemical” or “chemical reaction”, so when I say there is a chemical reaction with your hair I mean that with neutral connotations.
What about the sodium hydroxide aka lye? That “relaxes” the hair, no? It’s the active ingredient in most ethnic hair straightners. It seems like they midly relax your hair, but chemical relaxing is permanent. And how do they bring the pH back down? hmmm
You’re right that lye can be/has been used to relax curly hair, but in this case I doubt it’s having the same effect, since the pH of the product as a whole is acidic (3.4 – 4.0, according to the MSDS). That means that any hydroxide doesn’t really exist as hydroxide – it’s all protonated to water, with the Na+ acting as a counterion for some other anion. So in this case, I think the NaOH is just there to buffer the product to the correct pH, and without it the product would be too acidic.
There are lots of organic acids present in this product, which is why the pH is as low as it is. The one present in the largest amount is probably glycolic acid, whose pKa is around 3.8.
yes, the NaOH is only added as a processing aid to get the pH to the proper level.
Thank you for this wonderful information. As the manufacturer of a line of hair products, I have been battling with stylists all across the country who still want to BELIEVE that BB is formaldehyde free just because they say so on their bottle and insist that they have been truthful. It just BLOWS MY MIND – even with all the scientific evidence to the contrary. I mean these stylists are indignant – I would almost swear they work as reps for BB. Now this new set of marketing to continue the lying. How can people believe anything they say after it has been proven that everything else they said was untrue? Again, thanks for trying to set the record straight. Our Anevolve Control 1 and Control 2 are formaldehyde based and we SAY SO, and train stylists how to use it properly and give full disclosure. Too bad that isn’t the rule rather than the exception in this country.
Just a note – I think BB is being upfront about what’s in the BB Zero; there really isn’t any methylene glycol (or formaldehyde) in the ingredient list for the new product. I am more interested in how such a product could have the same effect as one containing formaldehyde.
If someone doesn’t know much about chemistry, I can understand the whole methylene glycol/formaldehyde thing being confusing. Especially when certain people are arguing based on CAS numbers, etc., and when some voices are pushier than others.
I live in Brazil, and the whole Formaldehdye issue was dealt with here as far back as 2005.
Companies in Brazil have been working on safe formulations for the last five years and as Formaldehyde is banned here, alternatives have been found.
I suspect the biggest issue is cost, as Formaldehyde is very cheap and its replacements are more expensive.
I just want to know, Should I still be doing BB on my clients or not? I am a breast cancer survivor am I risking my health doing this. I have not had any issues myself while doing BB on clients. Except today a client that I have done BB 4 times does not want me to use it on her again, She has been having sinus issues and wonders if this has caused some of the problems that she has had. I have really loved the results and so have my clients but am I risking their health and mine? I am not sure what I should do.
Oooh, I can only offer my opinion; I’m certainly don’t have the qualifications to make a judgment about public health concerns. From my limited understanding, I think other formaldehyde-containing hair products are regularly used in some salons. However, it’s important to know which products contain formaldehyde so you can take extra special precautions that you wouldn’t otherwise.
Proper precautions would involve (1) ventilation and (2) protective materials, including gloves, to keep the product off of skin. The quick and dirty test for proper ventilation (for many chemicals) is whether or not you can smell anything. If you can… then you can probably do better.
For a salon stylist such as yourself, if no product comes in contact with your skin, and the ventilation is good enough that you can’t smell the product before, during, or after application, then it is probably reasonably safe for the stylist. As far as for the clients – I imagine it’s not great for the product to come in contact with their scalp, and they too would be better off if they can’t smell it during the application. I do not know about anything beyond that – whether formaldehyde slowly leaches out over the next few weeks; if it does, does it remain at safe levels, etc. etc.
I do encourage you to look up non-biased sources of information about how to safely use salon products. OSHA, for example, is concerned with occupational safety; they’re not turning a profit from selling you a product. Good luck to you, and I hope you stay in good health : )
I am a Hairstylist,and do not perform this service .I work in a salon that does the Brazilian Blowout service and have experienced first hand at the health problems it has caused! NO,I would NOT continue to do this service .What your client is experiencing with her sinuses is exactly what has happened to me.Severe burning/sinus pain/eye pain/headache.I don’t even DO this service!Cancer survivor???! I would be looking to find a salon that does not do these…for your own health! Because someone does not seem to have a ‘reaction’ does not mean you are not still being constantly exposed to Formaldehyde.
I have had the BB done twice. No more! I loved the way it left my hair so smooth shiny and silky and youthful looking. But a month after having it done, I got a sore throat that lasted 7 weeks. My throat hurt so bad that I had to make a trip to the emergency room and they gave me numbing meds to numb my throat cause I couldn’t swallow it hurt so bad. A week later I went back to the doctor cause the pain was unbearable. I also had nose bleeds. It has been 8 months since I had BB and my scalp still has sores that are finally going away and not to mention the hair loss. I lost so much hair!! I have been taking all kinds of vitamins to try and keep my hair. Please don’t do this or if you know of something that will make or help my hair grow back in please let me know. I am taking Biotin and fish oil, HoShumon and Biosil and Vitamin E. I would love to have the silky smooth hair, but would never ever do the BB again. I worry so much now about throat cancer because my throat still becomes sore at times and when the doctor did a routine check the other day she mentioned how red it was inside my nose. That stuff burned my nose and throat so if you feel you need to do it, make sure you wear a mask to protect your nose and throat.
As the owner of hair salons that have done hundreds of these treatments I can say the following with certainty:
1. Brazilian Blowout PRE-Zero formula works as advertised when applied properly. Results last for about 12 weeks and gradually fade. Clients LOVE the results.
2. The comment above regarding “sulfate-free shampoo” is a common misconception. Support shampoos and conditioners must be sodium chloride free (sulfate-free is for color treated hair). Use of any product containing sodium chloride will degrade the results of the treatment. It won’t happen immediately but it accelerates the break-down with repeated exposure. Again – this is based on direct experience with hundreds of clients.
3. The new “Zero” formula is NOT AS EFFECTIVE as the previous version. We’ve tried this on 11 clients so far with VERY disappointing results. Conversations with Brazilian Blowout have left us with nothing but excuses; “you can only use it on fine hair” or “the condition of their hair was not suitable for this product”. Bottom line – the previous version would have worked for ALL of these clients (6 of them previously had the pre-Zero treatment, all with GREAT results). The Zero version did not work (at all). Their hair looked “okay” when they left but results were very short lived. Their site promises the SAME results without qualification.
As for their credibility through all this? I’m not going to besmirch them. You draw your own conclusions.
I recently had the BB Zero treatment and it did not take to my hair. I had the treatment on Friday and did not wash my hair until Sunday afternoon and my hair was the same condition as it was prior after one washing. Previously I have had two BB treatments which have worked really well on my hair and lasted 3 – 4 months; I was able to blow dry my hair in 10 – 15mins vs 45 mins. I went back to my salon and my Stylist noticed that it did not take so they applied a BB Mask, supposed to seal the BB treatment?? I will follow up with them next week (I can tell that the mask did not work).
Not ‘besmirch’ them? wow. This company blatantly LIED to sell a product fully knowing the truth with what they were doing! They knew this would be ‘crack’ for the masses! Once hooked you don’t want to stop,money,money,money.I cannot comprehend how anyone can NOT besmirch them! It is what it is.LIES and they made us Hairstylists the FOOLS. If you are doing these on clients then one must ‘eat crow’ as they say…fess up to the fact it is not safe,but seems there are a lot who just keep telling thier clients little white lies about the true FACTS of the Brazilian Blowout !
I agree that adding lots of silicone oil gunk and cycsteine/hydrolyzed keratine (similar effect to thioglycolic acid) is not going to produce a new formula with long-lasting effects.
They should be honest about it. Also, the “methylene glycol” renaming formaldehyde is just a lame attempt at blinding people with science, here too they have not been straightforward – neither with the regulators nor their customers.
by the way, if they are trying to replace formaldehyde maybe they should look into using glutaraldehyde: it is water soluble and it is not too toxic – it is commonly used to fix and conjugate proteins in biology labs
Ah, that is a story for another time. There is much talk about products being not only “formaldehyde-free” but free of any “hydes” (I’m not making this up). With that kind of talk, glutaraldehyde wouldn’t be acceptable either. In fact, that kind of talk wipes out an entire functional group from consideration!
(I agree with you though.)
Traduction (français > anglais)
Hello everyone
I am a hairdresser in France, I used the first version of BBO was a good product with very good results, given the controversy I stopped,
I then ordered the BBO ZERO since they announced the same results as the BBO 1,
This is completely FALSE,
the product is unpleasant to use, it leaves hair greasy and sticky, for the result it does not there, no .. more hair is dull and as if they were dry … the product feels straightening due to sodium hydroxide in it …
I’ll get all the forums to alert States of this scam because I am disgusted by this company, in fact I sent several emails for explanations and that I shall, 1 Litre of BBO ZERO cost me $ 530 (postage and VAT included) so when I think this product and unusable and that the more they do not respond to my emails I am extremely angry …..
When it is to collect money they respond very quickly, but my anger does not diminish the fact that BBO is a scam with ZERO false advertising !!!!!!!
Sorry for the mistakes I use a translator …
Look up Reallisse by Zerran. A new smoothing system that is 100% vegan.
Used BB 3 times and then noticed severe alopecia… 3 huge bald spots… yes I was stressed at the time but that combination may have been my demise … at any rate a product with that level of toxicity .. over 7% formaldehyde .. that can be challenged in terms of health affects because our emotional make-up isn’t perfect should never be allowed on our bodies anywhere.. then I did the Zerran … ha! what a joke .. can’t find one user review AFTER home shampoo that claims it works .. because it doesn’t!! my hair was curlier after first shampoo at home my guess because the clarifying shampoo to start removed any remnants of old gels etc… still looking for an alternative that doesn’t have to be bone straight but out of the ocean … a rinse .. doesn’t look horrible … sheeeeeesh
@Salon Owner and Magicliss – Thanks for sharing your experiences with BB Zero. So far that’s two votes (here) for it not being as effective as the original formaldehyde-containing version. Hmmm…..
Brazilian Blowout Zero does not work! I am a client who used “pre-Zero” with perfect results (while it gradually faded the last 2 months, I felt it worked well not to need to have it redone for close to six months), then had it redone with “Zero” two weeks ago. It was a total waste of everyone’s time–the lack of results were immediately obvious to me and my hair dresser. They kindly agreed to redo it this morning, acknowledging that they have since learned that there is a problem with the new formula. The difference is night and day. I worry about the formaldehyde, which is why I will continue to monitor this debate and may not choose to do this again in the future–but one thing I know for sure. The original product works, but there is no reason to waste time and money on the new version, a product that delivers absolutely “Zero” value.
just had it done, no comparison, hair is relaxed and in better condition but not straight… the old one albeit dangerous worked like a charm, was too good to be true i guess, the new product should not be touted as the same product at all.. just sayin
DOES NOT WORK. had the procedure done on Friday. curly, thick , mess that takes me forever to dry, then flat iron. had the original done before and it was really nice. Salon is willing to re-do my hair this week. What bothers me the most is that I contacted Brazilian Blowout and they did call and said they have wonderful reviews and that it is the stylists fault. I was really taken back by that comment. I will have this done and then never give my money to this company again. i am a career woman with a Masters degree and I KNOW it was not the stylists fault.
Hi Joann I would actually concur with what bb said stylist dont realize that bb zero is less forgiving and the procedure is slightly different they must take 1/8 to 1/4 inch sections when applying and flat ironing wit the original it was biggers sections . I would agree that bb does state it’s the Same but I would suggest them to be adaminant on how to properly perform bb zero cause its not as forgiving as the original
I had this treatment done at the keratin treatment salon in sydney, they used the ZERO i feel it worked very well
Didn’t OSHA say that any formaldehyde emitted was within the acceptable range?
According to the EPA it is WELL within its Permissible Exposure Level(PEL). Here is a direct quote “OSHA has adopted a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of .75 ppm, and an action level of 0.5 ppm. HUD has established a level of .4 ppm for mobile homes. ”
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
The BB was well within this PEL averaging .079 in a seven salon test. This measured actual formaldehyde GAS. Once formaldehyde is hydrated, the result is methylene glycol which LEAVES the aldehyde group and becomes a glycol, more related to alcohol than formaldehyde. No matter what you name the LIQUID in the BB, it is not put on their skin and the stylist wears gloves. The hair does not have blood veins or any way to absorb any toxin.
So, once again, only the off GASSING of formaldehyde would be an issue and that has been tested and BB passed that test.
OSHA should be taken to task for it’s ambiguous science and deliberate misleading of the public.
Some above mentioned “money’ as a motivation for deception. WE are all motivated by money INCLUDING OSHA. Research their huge salaries(bigger than the public’s) and very generous pensions that you or I will never attain.
With government programs on the budget cutting chopping block attacking a VERY popular new service would be an excellent strategy to avoid that attack. The vast majority of the public will go with rumor over real science any day.
OSHA does not have the right to destroy any business, cost people their jobs or destroy an excellent service based on ambiguous or misleading information…. to justify their existence.
That is what bullies do….don’t they?
(note see :How do bullies select their targets?…at the site below.
http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/bully.htm
Tony, you work for BB.
Haha I think he does! He certainlly has never charged a client $400.00 for the miracle cure only to have little or no change.
Very objective, Tony. BB should start paying you, if they’re not already… I definitely saw that you made similar comments on a variety of other websites.
Tony, my good man. This is not an issue about “how much” formaldehyde is safe, and/or whether it is absorbed into the blood vessels and capillaries of any/either party.
This is an issue about false, misleading advertising. “Safe” levels of formaldehyde being released wouldn’t bother any of us, if the bottle didn’t say “FORMALDEHYDE FREE”…
Further, the line “No Harsh Chemicals” is a farce. Maybe it’s only my opinion, but methylene glycol would be considered a harsh chemical.
Most women are fine with using harsh hair care products; i.e. Japanese chemical straightening; however they are told from the get-go that it contains chemicals that may be harmful to one’s health.
BB has an obligation to tell their customers/clients what is in their product. I hope you understand that if BB would have left the “Formaldehyde Free” line off their bottle, we wouldn’t be here right now.
The new ZERO from brazilianblowout does NOT give the same results. As a stylist for 25yrs I have used and love the results of the original but very skeptical because of the company no actually coming out publicly to defend there selves. And now claiming the ZERO does the same is just false advertisement and Im feeling this is just one more of the twisted info there putting out there. Use your instinct , if something is irritating your throat, eyes then thats not right. Ilove my hair with the brazilian and have been doing them for 2 years but I am now stopping, its not worth your health and the company is a little not forth coming and I cannot trust that.
Tony, I don’t care what amount of any chemical is acceptable. I want to work without a runny nose, tight- band- around -my -head feeling, and difficulty breathing. If you don’t value your health you have a problem.
I just want the new stuff to actually work!
Hmm, okay well, sometimes its just not that simple. If so and we followed the “instinct” logic.. I would NOT eat onions, cuz they burn the crap out of my eyes. And I would eat refined sugar foods ALL DAY LONG cuz it feels REALLY good.
What IF, using the BB was no more damaging to your body than say.. drinking a few glasses of wine? Um, I think some of us feel just as bad, if not worse the day after a half a bottle of wine than we do after having a BB.
We all pick our poisons don’t we? For me, I eat/be as healthy as I possibly can.. and I use Coppola and do it myself.. and I will continue to, because it’s the next best beauty enhancement since the wheel.
I totally agree-we should have the right to ‘pick our poison’ in that I can smoke cigarettes if I want to; why cant I get the hair treatment I prefer? I had the original BB treatment done twice in the last year. It worked like a miracle on my very curly hair. I would continue to get it done. My stylist is very cautious about using the product only with significant ventilation. She also applies it quickly (two stylists do the process-one on each side of the client).
Wow, TonyMiller. That’s some conspiracy theory. Are the American Chemistry Council, the Canadian Government, and the Cosmetics Ingredient Review Board, (not to mention the author of this blog) in on it, too? If you’ve read older posts on this blog you’ll see a very good explanation of why your “it’s a different chemical” argument doesn’t really hold water for practicing chemists.
You talk about averages — but what are you going to do when some salons find overexposures (may not raise the average that much, but that’s why averages aren’t used to describe ranges). Betcha it happens — especially with people like you continuing to tell them that there’s no way it could be hazardous. You’re wrong, and that makes you dangerous, whatever your motive is.
The BB Acai solution said it had no formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals. But you’re confident that every stylist would use gloves and be careful not to get the solution on the skin. Why, when the company went to such great pains to say it was safe? The whole point is to describe the contents accurately so that people know to take precautions. Yes, use the gloves, use proper ventilation, and take other precautions to minimize exposure when you use the product. Why? Because if you don’t it could indeed be dangerous.
Right on Dennis Arthur! I couldn’t of said it better myself!!! SO TRUE
Thanks for all the feedback on BB Zero, everyone. Some mixed opinions, though they’re still leaning toward “BB Zero doesn’t work like the original”…
@Tony Miller. I actually think OSHA is doing a good job here. I feel like I have a pretty decent understanding of the chemistry/nomenclature/semantics issue behind the whole formaldehyde/methylene glycol thing, and OSHA is in the right, as far as I’m concerned. OSHA also presented their results in a very matter-of-fact way, that I don’t see as bullying. Plus I think they get paid to assess the safety of things, and the outcome of their tests (safe vs. not-safe) has no impact on their salary. The flip-side, of course, is that some people overreact to OSHA’s results and blow it out of proportion. That may be what you’re mostly concerned about. Thanks for the comments.
My guess is the cysteine is the major active. Thioglyocolic acid is sometimes used in straighteners. The idea is that the free thiol reduces the disulfide bonds in the keratin, so the hair fibres relax. During the heating and pressing of the hair, new disufide cross links form in the keratin, resulting in the the hair strands being held in the new conformation.
I had my hair japanese straightened three times over the course of two years, then had coppola done three times over a year with perfect results. Just has the BB Zero done yesterday. My stylist has used Coppola, BB and BB Zero and feels that Zero leaves more body in the hair with more shine and lasts about the same amount of time as BB. She uses it and well as her stylist sister and they have used ti on numerous clients. The last time I had Coppola done I could smell it, which never happened before, and after a while had intense scalp itching and weird hair. I was really in a quandry because my long naturally blonde hair is a mess without some kind of treatment. I would rahter have NO hair than hair that is not helped in one of these ways. I think that results are so variable depending on the type and condition of one’s hair that comparisons are very difficult. I think that if the Zero doesn’t work my stylist will redo with original BB. BTW I cannot stand the follow up shampoos, either coppola or BB. Yech. I’m using Wen now and happy with it.
So I am of coarse just a laymen, but I can’t help but occasionally get on the web to research controversy on BB. I did use this product without gloves, I was unaware at the time that it was, well not good for you in general, however I did use it after going to a class up in Sioux Falls, the reps there were adamant about not having to use glove and proper ventilation is all that is needed, we questioned them again and again, and the woman do the BB, on one of our salon owners insisted she did several of these a day, I don’t think so. I have to say my hands were like sand paper when I got done, my throat burned as did my eyes. I get that those of us with unruly, crappy, coarse hair have found a product that gives us beautiful hair, but at what cost? I am so torn, what happens if down the road it is discovered that the long term effects of BB are detrimental? I guess its like smoking some are going to do it no matter the cost and maybe live to be one hundred, others may not be so lucky. I am no chemist but I have used this product several times with an EPA approved vent system, It’s not good, I wonder how long it takes to get out of your system, or does it ever? I cant even say having a wind tunnel fan blowing directly at you would be safe, but I am trying other products and have not found one to be nearly what BB is. I will keep looking, but I will also continue to use BB on my own hair outside when there is a slight breeze. I have tried Kera Spa, leaves natural curl, but does contain frizz somewhat, and I have only tried it on finer hair.
You are right about the ‘smoking’ comparison .The real problem is in a salon setting for the stylists who choose not to do this they are stuck next someone who does..THAT is WRONG.Respect should be given to those who choose not to do this service and spare their clients potential health problems! Separate days for just BB would be a good start! you choose to constantly expose yourself,well,fine.BUT SPARE THE OTHERS who choose not to!
Please see below:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=19584
OSHA has published a really good hazard alert to inform you of your employer requirements. As a former OSHA Compliance Officer, and a board certified industrial hygienist (CIH #8578) and safety professional (CSP # 18214), I would strongly recommend that you seek technical assistance to assess your worksites. Ultimately, the measured formaldehyde exposure on your stylists will determine the extent your salon will need to comply with OSHA’s formaldehyde standard (29 CFR 1910.1048). Lab fees should run you about $40 per sample and I’d suggest that you collect 4 samples (1 full-shift and 3 short-term) per blow out. Just because some data collected at unknown locations under unknown conditions has been posted, doesn’t mean that you’re free and clear. I say this because each salon and stylist is unique. There’s a lot of variability in chemical use, number of blow-outs per shift, flat iron temperature, and ventilation. I hope this information is useful.
I waited and researched about BB for months before I got it. My stylist dd the BB Zero 4 days ago and I am so displeased! My hair still has frizz and only has one part of my head that is straighter. I have long blonde hair with some natural wave and hoped to tame the frizz and shorten drying time…I would say that my drying time has been shortened somewhat, but I still have to either flatiron or round brush it to death! Do NOT use BB Zero!!!
This is one of the most thorough posts I’ve seen on this topic, which I am thankful for. I’m curious if anyone knows the answer to this: does the formaldehyde in the first BB treatment only emit a dangerous gas in the air during the drying/straightening process, or is it also absorbed through the scalp, thus into the bloodstream? It seems most complaints are from breathing the air (eyes, lungs, sinuses), so I wasn’t sure if this is also something that can cause internal damage as well? I had the first BB treatment twice and really liked it. Disappointed to find the company had lied about the formaldehyde, but just trying to understand the consequences.
My salon had training today on the BB Zero. Our test model was a typical curly/frizzy hair type that we had with the last Keratin smoothing treatment we used. We did the BB Zero on half of her head and none of us were impressed at all. We still had to spend time blow-drying, and the treated side of the head showed such a subtle difference, I doubt we will be bringing this product into our salon.
Does anyone know Brazilian Blowout after care shampoo and conditioner if it contains formaldehyde? Thanks!
I am so glad I stumbled upon this site. I love my stylist but she LIED. I had the original BB done last year (or so) and it was extremely uncomfortable the entire time, my eyes burned, my chest was on fire, I couldnt stop coughing, etc. BUT the results were unbelievable for a girl with naturally coarse thick unruly hair. I was thrilled. Went back a second time. Not nearly the same burning, itching, etc. I found that odd. Also found it odd that the results werent quite the same (but the price sure was). I mentioned this to my stylist and asked her if they had changed the product she said no. BIG LIE. Thought I would do it again since I liked it once, didnt like it once, and needed a tie breaker. Wish I had read this first. Would have saved me that $300 for the third go round. I am going to print this off and take it to my stylist. If I cant have the original formula then I’m not wasting my time or money.
.
I was really anxious to get the Brazilian Blowout done at a salon in Altoona, PA. To my extreme disappointment, I paid $300 for the Brazilian Blowout Zero. Save your money. It doesn’t work. The first three weeks, my hair looked nice. After that, my hair was back to the way it used to be. I will not get the Brazilian Blowout Zero again. I would like to try the original. I’m hoping it works. If not, I will have learned another difficult and expensive lesson.
I did have the original bb and it worked really well. However, the stylist was coughing and her eyes irritated by the end of the treatment. I was glad there was a bb zero and I tried. BB zero does not work.. The company is lying saying that it delivers the same results. I was charged 300 dollars and it was a waste of time and money. The salon Changing times in Tillicum mall had offered to call the company. They did my highlights for free after a few days but I am still waiting to hear from the owner as they can not return the money. The salon should not offer that product!!
I had the ZERO done two weeks ago, and it didn’t work at all for me. It looked great after they styled it at the salon. After my first wash (and I live in CA where there is no humidity) it was actually drier and frizzier than before when I let it dry naturally (as I always do). After the second wash, it was still frizzy and then I went to a humid place and encountered rain, and my hair was the same as before I wasted $300 on this treatment. I was anxious to get this done and realize now that the few online so-called reviews are probably promos. What a disappointment!
Angie – mine was the exact same way! Glad to hear I wasn’t the only one, I thought it was the hairdressers fault at first.
Thanks for the informative post. Really great to see a site that addresses the scientific facts rather than opinions driven by emotion and speculation.
A question about BB Zero… are there any ingredients that are potentially dangerous in this new version? Yesterday I received the treatment, however, believing this to be a safe product for myself and my stylist, my eyes and nose were gushing throughout the entire procedure… significantly more during blow drying. My stylist was baffled and very upset, as I am her second client with this issue (although I was much worse than the previous). I woke up this morning with an awful migraine and nausea. I am very skeptical of this new “safe” version and question if it is formaldehyde free, despite the list of ingredients. Does anyone know if there have been tests done to prove this new version truly is formaldehyde free? I received the Coppola Keratin treatment 8 months ago, and this formaldehyde-free treatment did not produce these effects.
In regards to effectiveness, I will report back to let you all know how it holds up. Due to the cancer risks, I have not received the original BBO, so I cannot offer this comparison. However, I was extremely satisfied with the Coppola treatment (formaldehyde free; did not straighten, but completely removed my frizz and cut styling time in half; hair was super soft), so I will let you know how BB Zero measures up to this product.
I tried the BB Zero a few times and it is not working. I actually bought a salon sized bottle from a stylist online. I have used regular BB and also Simply Smooth keratin treatment which both worked better. I did not want to use those anymore since they emit the formaldehyde when flat ironing. How disappointing!
brazilian blowout is a amazing treatment!
What are thoughts on the Global Keratin Taming System ? ( GK )
Thanks all for your useful insight on the Brazilian Blowout!! It helped me make my decision to put my money elsewhere. I will wait until something safe (that works) comes out! Love your site!
I wish I had found this site before I wasted the money on a BB Zero. Fortunately, I bought it heavily discounted from one of those Groupon/Daily Deal type sites. While I admit my hair dries faster and is easier to flat iron, the texture is nowhere near silky and shiny like they claim it should be. In addition, because of the restrictions on hair care products, I can’t even put anything in it to make the curls looks nice. I’ve had the treatment about a month…I guess I’m going to just give up and go back to using my normal leave-in conditioner regardless of what is in it so I can look normal without using the flat-iron.
I do have a simple question though – Is there any scientific indication that the treatment does help protect your hair from heat styling, such as a hot blow dryer or flat-iron?
Maybe a hair stylist could answer this question better, so it’s up for grabs. (?) But based on most of the comments above I don’t see any reason to think the BB Zero provides many benefits at all, and I would be surprised if there have been any hardcore “scientific studies” of BB Zero’s effect on hair proteins.
The original BB may seem to “protect” hair from heat styling by decreasing the appearance of flaws such as split ends and frizziness – these flaws are often used synonymously with “damaged”. However – and this is just speculation – I would imagine that more frequent heating of BB-treated hair would result in a shorter lifetime of the treatment effects, since heat could drive the expulsion of the formaldehyde linking together hair amino acids.
The Heat protecting properties are really up to the individual. Most brands claim the treatments will reduce thermal damage to the hair following the service, however as far as I can tell this is due to the reduced drying time and reduced need for heated tools. Obviously by using this equipment less the hair will experience less “damage” during the effective time of the treatment, but the products themselves do not appear to provide any form of thermal protection.
Side note. The aftercare products may well contain thermal protectors as nearly every professional product does (and should in my opinion) but I do not work with them so don’t know about that.
What would the result be, (safety+smooth effect) if the hair was shampoo’d the day before, with a shampoo/ or condtioner with methylene glycol, leaving traces under the cuticle, and then the service of Brazilian done the next day, without methylene glycol, would the amino acids/ proteins, fuze under the cuticle, without the traces methylene glycol gasses escaping, and thus reducing the safety risk, but with the straight effect?
“… and very, very, very phormaldehyde!!!!!!…”
Goupon posted an extremely discounted Brazilian Blowout Zero at a salon in my area. I became interested in it when I realized that this product does not contain formaldehyde, as the original formula does, that I have heard so much controversy about. I did some further research to find out if this is a product I would feel comfortable using and I came across this blog. I have read some of the readers comments about a vegan formula that does not contain “formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals” (quoted from their website), called RealLisse, produced by a company called Zerran. Unfortunately I cannot find much information/research/safety information about this product, only what appears to be a PR release on several different websites. Does anyone have any information as to this product’s safety? I would like to use a hair smoothing product, but I don’t want to risk my health!
I have started using a product called Keragreen Smoothing Treatment. It works well on fine and blonde hair, but not as well as Brazillian Blowout original solution. Anyone who has already used BB will not be satisfied with anything else. I have wasted money, doing redos. Sadly, people love this treatment soooo much they are willing to poison themselves to get it. Not me. I choked when I did myself and had a racing heart, that summer I did alot of these treatments and had an unexplained wheeze. It is dangerous especially to the stylist. Make sure you wear gloves the whole time, don’t breath the fumes!!
And further more if you guys are getting running noses or itchy eyes etc your performing the treatment WRONG! this is not a traditional keratin treatment that u dry the hair 100 percent before applying the product I’d you read instruction it suggest that the hair be 75% percent dry or 50 with zero and not to do this with a blow dryer only use a towel and bloat well also this stops from over saturation of product hence why u should never use more then 2 caps fulls now if u do the treatment incorrectly and dry the hair a 100 percent and apply it on dry hair ur definitely using over 2 cap fuels ur engulfing ur self in smoke and wasting money that’s being dissipated from the heat if ur getting a itchy runny nose that means every procedure u do on a client equates to about 3 or 4 by the book treatments thats 1200 dollars your throwing it away by not folling directions and the hair needs to have water in hair as a proper catalyst for the treatment I’m sorry all you stylist are idiots do your research and know what your performing!
Hey Everyone,
At first, after reading all the postings on this blog I wanted to just brush it off and say “oh, forget it. There are tons of things out there that can kill you!” Like smoking, for example.. and I am one.. in the process of quitting. Anyway, that’s a side note. I was so upset reading all of these horrible things about these treatments that I want so badly. It’s one thing I have dreamed of forever: to have straight, smooth, frizz-free hair. But all the comments and scientifically-based opinions (which I really appreciate because I am getting my BS in Environmental Sciences, but Chemistry is NOT my strong suit) really started to get to me. In fact I looked at them for probably 3 or 4 hours and that night I could barely sleep I was so wrapped up in it all. I kept going back and forth: “Of course I shouldn’t get any of these treatments… beauty over health, that’s stupid!” then “Well there are harmful chemicals around us all the time and while no one likes it… what’s a little more if it makes me look beautiful?” And I was so flustered about it all… I mean FORMALDEHYDE!! WTF??? That stuff is SICK. haha, but it makes sense it would make hair straight… but that doesn’t change the fact that it can kill you just for pretty hair. Anyway, I’m getting side-tracked again. So I was about to give into it… after DAYS of research trying to find a formaldehyde-free treatment that WORKS. It was looking rather hopeless. I found a few salons that offered treatments that were found with low amounts of formaldehyde and I was about to just give up and make an appointment for that but then… then!
I found the most wonderful little salon that really tries to focus on health and wellness. They try to be organic and all natural in their products (they admit that some aren’t but it’s what they strive for). It’s the type of salon where you would never expect to find a Keratin Treatment. But they had something different. They promised on their website that it is formaldehyde and keratin free… a lot of products have promised this. So I contacted them and they told me the name of the product: F450(degree symbol) Amino Fusion by Thermafuse. I looked it up and was excited to find many blogs about it containing before and after pictures… some of these pics astounded me. Anyway, I just thought that I would let you guys know about it. Look it up for yourself.
Either way, I cannot say 100% about it since I have never done it myself but there is no reason for me to believe this product is hiding any nasty chemicals. In fact the website states that they will send your salon an MSDS sheet (and one can also be found online) for this product. So PLEASE look up this product. Criticize it! I wanted to share my new knowledge and I hope that in my continuing research I will find that it not only is as safe as it claims to be but works as well as many say it does. I hope this makes some of you feel better as it has for me. And if not… then it’s back to the beginning. Thanks and LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND!
Here is the website: http://thermafuse.com/f450treatment.htm
Enjoy! Peace
Here is a link for the MSDS form for the F450 AFST (Amino Fusion Smoothing Treatment) – Should pop up as a .pdf. I hope this helps! When I get the treatment I will, if you want, let you know how it goes.
Link: https://www.edwyse.com/msds/851870.pdf
Sigh, I figured I should chime in, I got the BB zero for myself to do at home, and I must say, it did not work… All it did was make my hair feel a little bit softer and that’s it. My hair isn’t even thick or curly, it’s really REALLY fine with a wave through it and frizz. How annoying. I followed the directions perfectly but still managed to have poor results. Oh well.
Ive had this treatment on my terrible hair, 5 times. I would hate to do without it, but last time I had it I was ill for weeks. I am so sure it is bad for you to be breathing in,
I work for a specialist and after reading the ingredients in it, he says in 10 years time there will be a flurry of hairdressers with lung and esophageal cancer.
Dear Sharon:
First, how amazing to find an organometallic chemist. I suffered through a chem class with one of the pioneers of organometallics at Cornell. Glad to see you are having more success. I’m also glad to see you are not engaging in the chemophobia that the rest of the blogosphere is with regards to BB.
I recently finished an investigative series on the product and am convinced that there are highly questionable circumstances surrounding Oregon OSHA’s, OSHA’s, and the FDA’s public announcements regarding the product. My research shows that air sampling research conducted by these entities definitively show that the product’s formaldehyde release were all substantially below state and federal safety limits. Thus, I believe this story highlights several important issues regarding product disclosure, government protocols, and media hysteria. I hope you’ll read over my series and perhaps address these issues in a new report.
http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/11/21/the-brazilian-blowout-hoax-part-1-rigged-osha-study-creates-msm-hysteria/
http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/11/22/the-brazilian-blowout-hoax-part-2-fed-osha-botches-study-media-blames-company/
http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/11/23/the-brazilian-blowout-hoax-part-3-politicians-and-the-fda-attack-a-safe-product/
http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/11/24/the-brazilian-blowout-hoax-part-4-a-tale-of-two-studies-and-how-the-media-reported-on-each/
http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/11/25/the-brazilian-blowout-hoax-epilogue-what-it-means-to-all-of-us/
So now that the company itself has admitted that its product contains formaldehyde and agreed to modify its marketing and labeling practices, what does that do to the hoax? I’ve read the Oregon OSHA report, and what is says (at its heart) is that the product contains formaldehyde and that the manufacturer should acknowledge that and provide guidance on appropriate ways to control the hazard (you know, that “use as directed” stuff). And now they’ve agreed to . . . admit that it contains formaldehyde and that you need to use it properly to avoid potentially dangerous exposure.
So who was lying?
I believe, as a user for 5 years of the Brazilian relaxer with formaldehyde, people over exaggerate the affects on their health. I cannot and will not do without it. The more treatments you have the straighter the old hair stays for a longer period of time. Yes there are fumes but nothing a fan and mask cannot resolve. I use a product that is shampooed 15 to 20 minutes after the completion of the procedure. As a hair specialist, I have given the Brazilian to several people and used different brands and found that the one I use is the best. I would not keep the product in my hair for days and that is why I continue using the product I use. I also agree with the person who claims you do not need a sulfate free shampoo, however sulfate free shampoo is just nicer for anyone’s hair.
Hi I would like to try the brazillian blowout but Im not sure if this will fit my hair status.
I have a rebonded and damage hair and Im worried on what will be the outcome.please help.
sincerly ur’s
bubbles
Sorry but I noticed that one ingredient in the Brazilian Blowout Formula is Sodium Hydroxide which is the scientific term for “LYE.” I can’t imagine how that can be healthy for one’s hair especially since we have relaxers/perms that are Lye free because many have said that it burns. I do not know how much can cause one’s scalp to burn or react (if allergic) but I would probably stay away. I have yet to use a chemical straightener of any kind because it seems that the manufacturers don’t care about the clients and only want to profit.
On a lighter note: I have heard of something called Anevolve, it sounds natural and free of all of these problematic ingredients but I’m still somewhat suspicious.
I really want to ask some women: So you have pin straight hair for a few months/ yrs but is it worth risking your health and possibly loosing your hair in the end because of these harsh chems + high heat?
Hey Everyone,
I am so glued to your comments its great! I have not had a BB product. I used Pravana which was supposed to be formaldehyde free. I loved the results except I noticed some changes and my stylist also. I have mixed hair more towards the frizzy side (not kinky). It made my hair exceptionally straight (Yay!) In the 4th month, I noticed I had hair breakage from the middle of my hair and base of my hair. I thought ok maybe I need another treatment. I had my second treatment. This time my eyes were slightly tearing. I noticed that my stylist started to reread the ingrediants and pulled out some special dictionary while I was getting my hair flat ironed. She said that I was experiencing some of the symptoms and both of our nose were running. I woke up with a headache the next morning. Today (now 5 months) I still have this sore throat and spitting mucous with a raspy voice. My hair is coming out in my hands and I don’t put it in a ponytail. My stylist told me to increase my vitamins (B complex, Omegas, flax seeds, biotin with my multis). I am having doubts about another treatment.
I landed on this blog because I saw an article about BB Zero and was going to try it. Once you go straight hair, its hard to accept any other textures. I truly appreciate this blog because I cannot use lye in my hair. It gives a horrifying reaction to my eczema that causes me to become a “hermit.” I am interested in the Zerran product and would like to receive more information from people that used it or have knowledge about it. I am not sure about Thermafuse. I read about it, but it does not sit right with me. I will go without treatment for now, but sometimes I look a mess. Please help!
I had a bad reaction to BB. The first time it worked great. The second application really burned so I had it rinsed out and had conditioner applied. The burning stopped. My problem with the new formula is the product has lye. Lye based straightners just don’t work for me. Lye also burns.
Sorry for my last comment. I should have read on about the negligble amount of lye present in the new formula. Allow me to restate:
BB was great the first time. My hair was manageable for more than 12 weeks. Unfortunately, I could not complete a second treatment. My scalp had a bad burning sensation as the product was applied. Unlike the first time, the burning did not subside. I asked that the product be rinsed out and just got my hair cut instead. The burning stopped when the product was rinsed out and my hair conditioned. I was sorry that I could not complete the treatment because I wanted to retain the same results as the first treatment. I’ll be going back to using a true Japanese process that is safer amd does not have the same side effects and potential health risks.
I’m particularly fond of Cocoa Keratin System, it’s a Brazilian keratin treatment that comes with the pre-treatment shampoo, smoothing treatment and daily shampoo and conditioner. I like it because the treatment lasts up to 5 months and its very safe on my hair, giving it nutrients, moisture and smoothing it down. The protein and argan oil help immensely and strengthen my hair while making ir super shiny. I recommend it 🙂
I had a BB treatment yesterday (!!) and so far, am thrilled with the results. I was advised to buy the official BB acai shampoo, conditioner and a treatment product but due to cost (more than the actual treatment – eeeek!) I postponed buying it until I’ve done more research. Is it really necessary to use the BB aftercare products? Are there more economical alternatives?
When a manufacture produces a product it usually has a reason to use their complete line. Brazilian Blowout, the gold bottles, is designed to use their shampoo and masque at least once a week. If you are spending $350 then another $75 seems excessive. I know sticker shock happens on retail goods but not all shampoos are the same. Be careful of hidden ingredients from other brands that strip the hair. Try a mini BB 4-6 weeks after your initial BB to refresh and get NEW growth.
In August, 2011, the Michael W. Roosevelt
Acting Director, Compliance of the FDA cited Mike Brady for the orginal formula. There were two parts in this citation. One part of the citation was due to the formula: “Brazilian Blowout confirmed the presence of methylene glycol, the liquid form of formaldehyde, at levels ranging from 8.7 to 10.4%”. The product was found to be adulterated according the USDA’s Section 601 (a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 361 (a)]. Because these levels of formadehyde are known to cause harm to individuals exposed to them, the FDA demanded that Brazilian Blowout change their formula or give instructions to users on how to avoid exposure through the primary route of exposure, which is inhalation within 15 days. From the official document, “Adverse events have reported the following injuries associated with Brazilian Blowout: eye disorders (irritation, increased lacrimation, blurred vision, hyperaemia); nervous system disorders (headache, burning sensation, dizziness, syncope), and respiratory tract (dyspnea, cough, nasal discomfort, epistaxis, wheezing, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, nasopharyngitis). Other reported symptoms included nausea hypotrichosis, chest pain, chest discomfort, vomiting, and rash.”
The product was also found in violation of labeling laws, where it clearly stated that it contained no formaldehyde.
I have used both original BB and the Zero. The Zero doesn’t work for me. The original is amazing and leaves my hair almost straight for about 3 months at a time. Even after 4 months, my hair is very wavy, but not as curly as it is naturally.
I wish it wasn’t so darn toxic. I think I am going to stop doing it, but I’m sad because the results are so wonderful. I’ve been doing it for a year and a half and my hair has NEVER looked healthier.
Hello,
My name is George Alan , and Brazilian Hairdresser, and I am an expert, on this subject.
Basically the new formula ZERO does nothing and does smell worst then anything I ever experiment.
Its so bad that Brazilian Blowout Specials are giving 34 oz ZERO solutions for free if you buy the Original formula…
They say you can mix then… I wont / DON’T! RECOMMEND that! NO NO
We I am a Brazilian Hairdresser and became Specialized on the Keratin treatment, probably one of the first doing in NYC … I done so many Brazilian Keratin Treatments and try so many formulas that I can assure you the best formulas still Brazilian Blowout Original, and Lasio, ( for blond hair for some reason Copolla works as well, I have many clients that loves that. Global Keratin ( bit thick solution, but good for people that likes extra conditioner / can cause greasiness)
This week I am trying KERASPA but, I am not really sure… because if the Formalin /Formaldehyde ( a preservative thats is wildly used in America) is not there to bond and “preserve” the treatment, results wont be long lasting.
SEE , THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE FORMALDEHYDE, BECAUSE ITS ALL OVER THE PRODUCTS AND EVEN IN CANNED FOOD (SMALL AMOUNTS) , WHAT IT NEEDS TO BE DONE, ITS “”EDUCATE”” THE PROFESSIONALS LIKE :
IHEARD FROM SO MANY CLIENTS AND SAW WITH MY OWN EYES SALON OWNERS USING THE FLA IRON , RIGHT AFTER THE SOLUTION WAS APPLIED… WITHOUT BLOWDRYING THE HAIR…. THATS CRAZY !!! COMMOM CENSE WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU CANT FLAT IRAN A HAIR WET!!!!
IF YOU ARE IN A AREA NOT VENTILATED – YOU HAVE TO ‘LOWER THE HEAT TO DRY HAIR ( DONT USE THE VERY HOT BLOW-DRY) BLOW DRY HAIR “”WAY”” FROM CLIENTS FACE UPWARDS IF YOU CAN… “USE A FAN, IF YOU ARE IN A AREA THAT IS NO RUNNING AIR / WINDOWS
… FOR THOSE “KNOW AT ALL” HAIRDRESSERS SALON OWNERS ETC.. I LIKE TO SAY THIS IS E TECHINIQUE , AND LIKE ANY OTHER TECHINIQUE YOU WILL GET BETTER WITH TIME.
SO TAKE A LOOK THE HOW TO VIDEOS , AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FROM MANUFACTURES… THIS IS A PROCEDURE THAT THAT ACCORDINGLY TO THE BRAND WILL REQUIRE DIFFERENT STEPS…
VERY SIMPLE / VERY EFFECTIVE AND GET READY FOR BABY SMOOTH SOFT EASY TO STYLE HAIR…
DONT OVER DO IT … EVERY 3 MONTHS ( IN SOME CASES LESS FOR THE ROOTS)
GOOD LUCY TO ALL ..
ALAN http://WWW.BRAZILIANKERATINYC.COM
who can say at this moment, witch product is best on the market for hair straithening? m? I have blog about it http://www.plaukutiesinimaskeratinu.lt, but i dont know, what to say for our readers… 🙁