3 of Your Most Popular Frizz-Fighting Treatment Questions Answered!
Summer is officially here which, for some women, can amp the frizz factor for your hair. It may be alright while at the beach or when doing some other outdoorsy activity, but sometimes the frizz needs to just disappear. Besides simply getting a blow-out at the salon, there are several ways to maintain sleek, frizz-free strands. Here, we answer three of the most popular questions in regards to this topic to help you find the best solution for your hair.
More on YAHOO!: A Brazilian Blowout - Frizzy Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
1. Are Brazilian Blowouts safe? One of the more well-known straightening treatments among women, Brazilian Blowouts have most recently received the most attention due to its status in the news. Due to complaints stemming from stylists and hair salon owners about exposure to formaldehyde, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (or OSHA) completed air tests at many salons that offer the treatment. The tests showed formaldehyde at levels above OSHA limits from products labeled "formaldehyde free," so new rules were put into place to ensure the safety of clients, stylists and salon owners.
More on YAHOO!: F.D.A. Says Brazilian Blowout Is Dangerous
Britney Huinker, President of Brazilian Blowout, told Shine that this treatment does not contain formaldehyde.
"Brazilian Blowout is an an amino acid based treatment, which is one of the key components that differentiates [it] from other professional based treatments," she told Shine. "Amino acids are the building blocks of keratin, the fibrous structural protein that makes up the hair. Given the small molecular structure, amino acids effectively adhere to the hair shaft, helping it to fill in and strengthen weakened areas."
However, Huinker did add that when heated, the product does release formaldehyde gas and must be performed in a well ventilated area.
"For this reason, Brazilian Blowout has doubled their education efforts to ensure that stylists are using the product according to manufacturer instructions," Huinker said.
The treatment promises to smooth hair, eliminate frizz and add shine for up to 12 weeks. After receiving the 90 minute treatment, you have the freedom of washing your hair, swimming or wearing it in a ponytail as compared to others that don't allow you to do so. Costs for this treatment are $300-$600.
2. What Is keratin and is it safe? "Keratin is a form of protein that makes up more than 80% of your hair," Pantene Senior Scientist Rolanda Wilkerson, Ph.D, told Shine.
Several haircare brands (including Pantene) have even started to add this ingredient in their own collections.
But, is it safe?
"[It] provides strength and protection which is needed to maintain healthy hair. Keratin loss can occur over time and with increasing damage to the hair."
Dr. Wilkerson went on to explain that it's super important to protect the hair from damage to preserve the keratin that lies within the hair fiber to help maintain the hair's strength.
"Some products and procedures use keratin treatments as a restorative treatment; however, when this is done in the presence of excess heat, this can be damaging to the hair."
Joel Warren, co-owner of the Warren-Tricomi Salon in New York, maintains that keratin treatments can be a good thing for hair.
"You can even consider it a super deep conditioning treatment," he said.
3. Should I get the Japanese Straightening Treatment? Also known as thermal reconditioning, Japanese straightening is recommended for those with bulky, loose to medium (but not kinky) curls, according to oprah.com.
The eight hour process involves saturating the hair with a chemical that breaks the bonds of each strand of hair. Then, it gets rinsed, blow dried and flat ironed leaving your hair super straight and shiny. For at least three days after the treatment, you must avoid getting your hair wet or putting it up in ponytails. There's no amount of curling you can do to bring back wave or volume, so beware before applying. Also, your hair structure will be permanently changed. Costs for this treatment are $500-$1500.
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