For people desiring straight, lustrous, and long-lasting frizz-free hair, keratin treatments have become widely popular. However, there has always been the concern of formaldehyde. This chemical is notorious for being used with keratin treatments and is known to cause skin and respiratory problems. Fortunately, the beauty industry has come out with formaldehyde free keratin treatments which work equally well and provide keratin’s smoothing benefits with no side formaldehyde health issues.
If you have been avoiding keratin treatments due to safety concerns, this guide explains why the industry is shifting towards using formaldehyde-free treatments and why stylists and clients prefer them.
What Is a Formaldehyde Free Keratin Treatment?
Formaldehyde free keratin treatment is a hair smoothing procedure that reduces the frizz and strengthens the hair using keratin-based formulations which undergo a process where no formaldehyde is released, along with its compounds, during the procedure.
These treatments are much safer for the person receiving them and for the stylist performing the procedure, due to the absence of formaldehyde that is used to bond keratin into hair, replaced with natural proteins, amino acids, and plant-based smoothing agents.
Why Avoid Formaldehyde in Hair Treatments?
The classic keratin hair smoothing procedures are known to provide straight and lustrous hair, but smoothing out the hair can potentially release the harmful formaldehyde gas.
Health Risks Linked to Formaldehyde:
- Formaldehyde is associated with positive health risks such as coughing, wheezing, and sore throat.
- Causing the eyes and skin to become inflamed and itchy, leading to redness.
- Increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure, leading formaldehyde to be classed by IARC.
Salon professionals might be one of the most exposed populations at risk, since they encounter such harsh chemicals day in, day out. It’s easier to substitute to chemically free form alternatives.
How Formaldehyde Free Keratin Treatments Work
The lack of harsh chemicals does not mean the treatments are ineffective. The procedures are as follows:
1. Hair Cleansing: A clarifying shampoo is applied to remove any on the hair and deep cleanse the hair and scalp.
2. Keratin application: A special treatment including keratin, natural oils, and smoothing agents is applied.
3. Heat sealing: A blowdryer or flat iron seals the keratin to the hair shaft.
4. Final rinse and styling: A final shampoo and conditioning is applied and the hair is designed to sleek and frizz free hair.
The process is formaldehyde free, hence, there are no irritants such as pungent chemicals or tears inducing fumes.
Advantages of Undesired Chemical-Free Keratin Treatment
Selecting an alternative doesn’t imply bone-deep loss. In fact, the skip can sometimes be more beneficial to overall hair health.
1. Universal Treatment
The treatments are compatible with straight hair, wavy hair and even curly hair. In an added benefit, color treated or chemically processed hair can also undergo these treatments handsomely.
2. No Abhorrent Fumes
Compared to the traditional keratin treatments, the formaldehyde free version has a mild scent and is more comforting to stylists and clients.
3. Enhanced Strength of Hair
Gentle curls and waves naturally counter undesired fume. Beauty restorers and hairdressers assert these curls overcome severe chemic impacts.
4. Perm Collection
The use of round brushes protects curls from excess humidity, bringing hair a host of benefits. Enhancing the curls also leads to fewer required overall styling sessions.
5. Reduced Frizz, Enhanced Manageability
Humidity becomes a much less serious concern, and excess heat is not required to style hair.
Are Undesired Chemical-Free Keratin Treatments Effective?
These are not the only duo of hair concern people have. For a long time, people worried that skipping formaldehyde would equate to the loss of ease of use or comfort. The lack of formaldehyde keratin might forgo a “longer” hold, but a formaldehyde-filled version would deliver near equivalent performance.
It is critical that the brand is a good one, and that a specialist proficient with your hair type and your goals applies it.
Aftercare Strategies for Sustained Smoothness
To optimize your treatment’s lifespan, observing the following is essential:
- Shampoos with sulfates should be avoided, as they strip the keratin coat.
- Hair should be washed no more than 2-3 times a week.
- Sea and chlorinated waters should be avoided for the initial weeks.
- Hair should be dried immediately post-swimming.
- Hair should be hydrated and soft.
Who Should Get a Keratin Treatment Without Formaldehyde?
This treatment is ideal if you:
- Want hair that is smoother and free from harmful chemicals.
- Have a sensitive scalp or tend to be more on the allergic side.
- Work in a salon and need something safer for more frequent use.
- Want a treatment that is more environmentally friendly and natural.
Brands Offering Formaldehyde-Free Treatments
More and more trusted brands are coming out with safer keratin alternatives such as:
- Cezanne Perfect Finish: Known for natural ingredients and long-lasting results.
- KeraGreen: Includes organic components and essential oils.
- Keratin Complex Evolved: A gentle yet effective smoothing treatment.
- CHI Enviro: Plant-based, safe for frequent use.
Always confirm that a brand’s ingredient list does not contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances, especially for treatments and products labelled as formaldehyde-free.
Possible Drawbacks to Consider
Despite how beneficial these treatments are, these cons need to be considered:
- The efficacy of treatment could be shorter than that of traditional keratin treatments.
- These treatments may cost more than traditional treatments and salons due to their high-quality ingredients.
- For extremely curly or coarse hair, custom formulations could take multiple treatment sessions for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Formaldehyde free keratin treatments strike a healthier, more balanced compromise between the user’s safety and the beauty and elegance accessible to them. Removing the risks poses the traditional formulas enables one to enjoy the feels and manageability of silky smooth hair.
As more people become aware, more salons are shifting to the alternative, not just for the client, but also for the safety of the stylist from harmful exposure. For beauty professionals and individuals looking to reclaim their confidence boost, the new keratin smoothing techniques are certainly a remarkable option to explore.
FAQs About Formaldehyde Free Keratin Treatment
Q: For how long does the formaldehyde free keratin treatment last for the client?
A: As for common practice, results last for 3-4 months.
Q: After the treatment, can the client color their hair?
A: Put on hold for 1-2 weeks. After that, yes, but it should be a work for best results.
Q: Is it safe during pregnancy?
A: As with any medical procedure, it is advisable to speak to your physician first before undergoing any form of chemical hair treatment, especially during pregnancy. This treatment is safer than traditional options, but still comes with risks.
Q: Will it completely straighten my hair?
A: Your hair will no longer be frizzy and will be smoother, but some of your hair’s natural texture will still be present, so it will have some movement.
Q: Can I do it at home?
A: For optimal results that last, it is best to have the treatment done by a professional, as it ensures that there is balanced coverage throughout the hair.
