Keratin hair restoration is a hair care procedure that gives it smoothness, density and shine by saturating it with a special composition with keratin.
Advertisements for keratin treatment hair products claim to straighten and smooth naturally curly or wavy hair.
Although it is a natural protein, these products are made with several other additional ingredients. Keratin treatment usually involves a chemical called formaldehyde.
Some people are more sensitive to this chemical. Formaldehyde may increase the risk of some cancers over time.
Medical reviews point out that it is associated with an increased risk of nasal cancer and blood cancer leukemia.
The product is also said to remove curly hair, improve color and shine, and make hair look healthier. In addition, this treatment can have some unwanted side effects, which can lead to safety issues.
Five of the brands tested positive for formaldehyde in the above study were listed as free of formaldehyde.
This indicates that the manufacturer may not be accurate when labeling the product. Some companies also list formaldehyde with other names. Formaldehyde is listed as follows:
The treatments may sound like a quick fix for frizzy hair, but they can be costly in the long run. Tests show that keratin treatment contains unsafe levels of formaldehyde and other chemicals.
Ask your hairdresser what kind of keratin treatment they use before you book your appointment. Check the label carefully. Look for other safer or more natural alternatives to straighten your hair.