Why is keratin hair straightening dangerous, how to avoid bad consequences

The popular procedure known as keratin hair straightening promises hair that is frizz-free, shiny, and silky. Many people are unaware of the possible risks involved, despite the fact that the results can be quite impressive. It is essential to be aware of these risks before choosing to receive the treatment.

Hair damage, allergic reactions, and exposure to dangerous chemicals are a few of the risks. The disadvantages of having straighter hair may be outweighed by the long-term issues these problems can cause. It’s critical to understand the process and take the appropriate safety measures to reduce any potential risks.

This post will discuss the risks associated with keratin hair straightening and offer advice on how to prevent negative outcomes so that you can maintain gorgeous hair without endangering your health.

What is this procedure

When a particular composition is applied to hair, protein bonds are broken, changing the structure of the strands. The curls become more elastic, denser, and manageable after straightening. Nevertheless, keratin hair straightening has a transient effect and these modifications are reversible. The master’s work is the primary factor affecting the duration of the outcome. The time frame ranges from two to six months.

The bulk of the structure of hair is composed of protein, specifically keratin. Its decrease is brought about by the negative impacts of outside factors. The hair loses its previous shine and healthy appearance as a result. A liquid protein analogue found in the straightening product’s composition has the ability to repair damaged hair by first entering its structure and then filling in the affected areas.

Curls return shiny and silky in an instant. You can build a shielding keratin layer through deep regeneration that is impervious to external influences. It will eventually wash off, and then another procedure will need to be done.

Keratin product straightening can be done in a salon or at home. For self-use, specific kits are available.

Attention! The application technique plays a significant role. For this reason, you can trust your hair to a hairdresser only if he has the appropriate certificates.

The following sequence of steps makes up the procedure:

  1. The specialist begins the standard straightening process by washing the client"s hair. For this, a certain shampoo is used, designed for cleansing. The product is applied and washed off the strands several times. Such a measure helps prepare the hair scales for opening, which is important for deep absorption of the composition.
  2. At the second stage, the master applies the product, making a small indentation from the root zone (about 2 cm). It is left to act for half an hour.
  3. Then the remains of the product are removed with a comb. Usually a tool with frequent teeth is used.
  4. The strands are dried with a cool stream of air using a hair dryer and proceed to the final stage.
  5. When the hair is completely dry, use an iron. To do this, each strand is fixed with the device and passed over it several times. The temperature regime and the number of repetitions depend on the type of curls and their condition. The minimum value is 210 degrees.
  6. The last step depends on the product used. Some are washed off immediately after the end of the exposure time, while others remain on the hair for up to 3 days.

The item needs to be of the highest caliber. Keratin straightening will seriously damage the hair if not.

If you use sulfate-free shampoo to wash the strands, it will take longer for the keratin to wash out.

Contraindications

For certain girls, the keratin straightening procedure is not appropriate. Formaldehyde use is the primary drawback of using chemicals for straightening. Hazardous fumes are released when an iron is passed over the treated strands using this substance.

It is a necessary component of every product used in this process, so without it you will not be able to make the curls even. This is essential for straightening unruly curls and modifying protein compounds. The only difference between preparations from various manufacturers is the chemical’s concentration.

Both the specialist and the client should not be exposed to formaldehyde vapors. Among the adverse consequences are:

  1. Negative impact on vision and the central nervous system.
  2. Migraines.
  3. Irritation of the mucous membranes and subsequent lacrimation.

Crucial! It is strictly forbidden for women to undergo the procedure while they are pregnant or nursing.

In the event of a precancerous condition, keratin straightening is not advised. Only in a well-ventilated space should a long-term style be created. There is a significant risk of formaldehyde vapor poisoning if this recommendation is not followed.

Brazilian procedure kits use formulations in which plant extracts are used in place of formaldehyde. Because of this, natural preparations are far more expensive than their chemically based counterparts.

There are other, less hazardous elements, but they come with unfavorable outcomes as well.

Weakness and strand thinning. Even though they mention a therapeutic purpose, if the hair is not strong and thick, the condition of the curls usually gets worse after the procedure.

The strands get heavier after being impregnated with a keratin preparation, which puts more strain on the follicles that are already weak. Baldness is the end result.

It is strictly forbidden to undergo keratin straightening for untreated alopecia.

Additionally, the process causes volume loss. Because the styling of frizzy curls lasts shorter, they usually return to their original state faster.

Allergy to ingredients in keratin preparations or scalp conditions. In the latter instance, you ought to speak with a dermatologist prior to the operation.

Because harmful chemicals may be used during keratin hair straightening, there is a risk to your health and hair. It’s crucial to pick a trustworthy salon, enquire about the products used, and closely adhere to post-treatment care instructions in order to prevent negative outcomes.

Consequences

A long-lasting style demands specific maintenance and ongoing attention to the hair. You may only use sulfate-free shampoos to wash your hair after straightening. Straightened hair frequently becomes oily and dirty more quickly. The volume lost causes sebum production to occur more frequently.

The following list of variables is not regarded as a contraindication. Nonetheless, these could be critical in determining whether to perform a keratin straightening procedure:

  • restrictions on washing and dyeing your hair after straightening;
  • it is forbidden to visit baths, swimming pools and saunas for some time, since the streams of moist hot air will destroy the keratin layer, and therefore it is pointless to do straightening if you are planning a vacation at sea;
  • the procedure can provoke split ends, which will cause the gradual destruction of the entire hair structure.

A crucial element is that the master works for a maximum of five hours and a minimum of three hours while smoothing strands. After that, styling and any contact with moisture on the hair are forbidden for an additional three days.

Doctors" opinion

Keratin straightening, according to trichologists, should only be done by those with extremely unkempt and curly hair. If there is a different way to solve the problem without using harsh ingredients like formaldehyde, you should consider using it instead of using this method right away.

Positive traits are also present in doctors. But, the majority of medical professionals advise delaying keratin straightening until all health issues have been resolved. The primary criterion is the lack of chronic illnesses and contraindications.

Pros and cons of keratin straightening

Notwithstanding a potential risk associated with formaldehyde vapor inhalation, the process offers a number of benefits:

  1. The result of straightening is a healthy appearance of curls. They are protected from tangling and are easier to style. Even rainy weather does not cause fluffiness.
  2. Long -term preservation of the effect of even hair – up to six months.
  3. The application of the composition will provide the hair with reliable protection against the harmful effects of weather factors and temperature fluctuations.
  4. The hair is not electrified, and the styling remains even under the hat, which is especially true in winter.

Crucial! The color of the curls painted to keratin rectification does not fade after a longer time, but it does lighten beyond 1-2 tones. You can read more about hair coloring on our website, both before and after the procedure.

It is hard to tell that the procedure causes negative effects on the client’s hair when you look at their before and after pictures. Hairdressers seldom discuss these drawbacks:

  1. Proceded hair with formaldehyde will become too heavy for follicles, damaged by staining or other external factors. The excessive load will lead to loss.
  2. In conditions of the resulting heaviness, the strands will straighten out, and the volume will decrease.
  3. Owners of thin curls should refuse keratin styling, since the result will upset them with an even greater decrease in the density of the hair.
  4. After the treatment, the impregnation will be enhanced under the influence of sebum. The interval between washing the head will be reduced to 1-2 days. Frequent exposure to shampoo does not have the best effect on the health of the hair and root zone.
  5. Denaturation of liquid protein requires intense thermal exposure, which is provided by a straightening iron operating at 230 degrees, and this causes serious damage.
  6. The use of formaldehyde mixtures is accompanied by such side effects as intoxication and dizziness due to inhalation of vapors when heated.

There is no denying the harm caused by keratin preparations. The client must determine whether such sacrifices are worthwhile for hair beauty. Both the hairdresser’s credentials and the caliber of the product used in the processing are crucial.

The smallest deviations from the instructions or the incorrect temperature can exacerbate the hair, so you should not attempt to repeat the procedure at home. Formaldehyde fume inhalation can potentially result in poisoning.

Customer reviews

Every procedure has advantages and disadvantages. There are also differing opinions about the effects of keratin hair straightening. The distinct features of the curl structure, which result in various effects when employing smoothing compounds, readily account for this.

Yulia, Voronezh

Advantages:

  • wonderful effect;
  • intensive nutrition;
  • hair looks well-groomed.

Cons: nothing was discovered.

I’ve been wanting to try this on myself for a long time. I looked up all the information online and looked over the list of the most widely used medications along with the length of time that each one takes to take effect. I was ready to give it a shot after speaking with an informed expert.

It was a lengthy process that took roughly four hours. They gave my hair three shampoo washes, letting the product sit in the hair for fifteen minutes between washes. Each strand is carefully pulled after the keratin composition is applied to avoid burning the curls. Every hair type has a different ironing temperature regime.

After that, the applied mixture is completely cleaned off. Balm is used to process hair. It is left for fifteen to twenty minutes. After that, the mask is cleaned, and a hairdryer is used to dry the hair. I was completely taken aback by the effect of flawlessly shiny, even, and smooth hair, akin to magazine models. In the past, I would constantly use an iron to straighten my long, colored hair in order to make it appear more appealing and well-groomed.

To my even greater surprise, the effect persisted even after I washed the shampoo for the first time without a balm. The hair held its shape and appeared more youthful than previously. The result was not even close to lamination! The curls’ smoothness still makes me happy, even after three months. Upon removing the composition, I will undoubtedly repeat the process. It truly appeals to me.

Kristina, Samara

Positives: flawless smoothness.

Cons:

  • results do not last long;
  • high cost of the procedure;
  • unsafe process;
  • hair is damaged.

My head is covered in wavy hair that looks like afro curls. Numerous inconveniences result from this: styling is impossible and combing is challenging. My hair turns into a ball on cloudy days. I’ve always admired girls who have gorgeous, flowing hair. All I can do is cook a bun. This annoys me greatly.

One day, I saw an online advertisement for keratin straightening. I wasn’t bothered by negative feedback left by customers who had previously used this hair salon service. I was relieved to have discovered a solution, as the procedure appeared to be a way out of the predicament. It was a long time between having to find a master and scheduling an appointment. My length of hair turned out to require quite expensive straightening at 4,500 rubles.

I was aware that not all products had positive effects; in particular, there was a lot of criticism regarding the "Coco Choco" cosmetics. I can’t recall the name of the Japanese manufacturer of the mixture the hairdresser used. The majority of product reviews were favorable.

After using a particular shampoo to wash my hair in the salon, the stylist set up a bowl and filled it with the mixture. Though sharp, the smell was pleasant. The strands were separated into zones, and a keratin preparation was applied to each one. A forty-minute to an hour-long wait was required following the completion of treatment.

The expert then used an iron to smooth each curl and a comb to tidy it. The straightener emitted an overpoweringly strong odor. It’s unclear how the girl managed to go through the entire procedure without a special mask. But I was stuck there, breathing in the toxic chemicals’ fumes, with nowhere to escape.

I was happy with the outcome. The results are not comparable to those of a hair dryer. I learned about the taboo of washing, pinning, and getting water on it from the specialist. It felt like a bucket of fat had been dumped on my hair, and I was terrified to leave the house in the morning. The volume vanished as they dangled like icicles. It had a terrible appearance.

That’s how I had to go to school. I was looking forward to washing my hair in the evening. Curls started to show at the roots of the hair immediately after the shower, and the strands went back to normal after the third shampooing.

I felt so let down. I was informed at the salon that you need to repeat the treatment twice more for such curly locks because the keratin product’s effects build up.

I concurred. My hair was straightened three times, with a four-month interval in between. It was only after that the error became so clear. I had to pay a lot of money for hair treatment, but it hasn’t produced any results after a year. I can now clearly see that natural beauty is not something that just happens, and the curls look really unique.

Polina, Perm

Positives: gloss and smoothness.

Cons: restricted for the first three days, and short-lived effect.

I was convinced to undergo this procedure by my hairdresser. I agreed, not really getting into the specifics. It took slightly more than two hours to straighten. In practice, it was very hard to go three days without washing and pinning.

The hair was getting in my eyes and getting in the way all the time. Later, I came to the boring realization that I would now have to walk around all the time with straight hair. Despite spending more than 5,000 rubles, I felt no benefit. The strands started to break and get thinner. I no longer want to carry out the procedure.

Alternative hair straightening techniques:

  • Japanese hair straightening;
  • permanent;
  • ceramic;
  • molecular;
  • bio protein Honma Tokyo;
  • collagen;
  • Brazilian;
  • keratin without formaldehyde.
Potential Risks How to Avoid Them
Formaldehyde Exposure Choose formaldehyde-free products or go to salons that use safe formulas.
Hair Damage Limit the frequency of treatments and use nourishing hair masks regularly.
Scalp Irritation Ensure the stylist applies the product away from the scalp.
Allergic Reactions Conduct a patch test before the procedure to check for any sensitivities.
Fading Hair Color Avoid keratin treatments right after coloring your hair to prevent color loss.

Although keratin hair straightening can give your hair a polished and sleek appearance, it’s crucial to understand the possible risks. If not handled correctly, the process’s chemicals—formaldehyde in particular—can negatively impact your hair and general health.

Selecting a professional stylist who uses high-quality, formaldehyde-free products is the best way to reduce the risks. Furthermore, ensure that the process is carried out in an area with adequate ventilation to minimize exposure to hazardous gases.

Keep in mind that your top priority should be to maintain healthy hair. Before deciding to get keratin treatments, think about how they will affect your hair in the long run. If you’re worried about the risks, look into safer options.

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Anna Lebedeva

Hairdresser-stylist with a special interest in creative haircuts and hairstyles. I am inspired by avant-garde ideas and strive to bring them to life. I am sure that every hairstyle should reflect the uniqueness of the personality and emphasize individual style.

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