A beauty treatment beloved by thousands of British women for creating sleek, frizz-free hair has been exposed as potentially dangerous to health. The Brazilian Blowout, a popular keratin-based smoothing treatment available in salons across the UK, has been found to contain alarmingly high levels of formaldehyde - a known carcinogen.
The Hidden Danger in Your Salon Visit
Recent laboratory analysis of the Brazilian Blowout solution revealed formaldehyde concentrations reaching up to 4.85%. This dramatically exceeds the UK's legal safety limit of 0.1% for cosmetic products. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Cape Town, suggests both clients and hairdressers are being exposed to dangerous chemical levels during application.
How Formaldehyde Puts Health at Risk
Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, meaning there's sufficient evidence it causes cancer in humans. Regular exposure has been linked to:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Leukaemia
- Respiratory problems
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions
- Eye damage
During the Brazilian Blowout process, formaldehyde is released into the air as a gas when the product is heated with straightening irons, creating an inhalation hazard for everyone in the salon.
The Industry Response and Consumer Protection
Despite previous warnings and legal challenges in other countries, the Brazilian Blowout continues to be marketed and sold in UK salons. The treatment's manufacturers have historically defended their products, claiming they use "alternative formaldehyde-releasing compounds" or that formaldehyde occurs naturally.
However, dermatologists and cancer experts are urging greater regulation and consumer awareness. Many are calling for clearer labelling and stricter enforcement of safety standards in beauty salons.
What UK Consumers Need to Know
If you're considering a smoothing or keratin treatment, experts recommend:
- Ask your stylist specifically about formaldehyde content
- Request to see product safety data sheets
- Consider formaldehyde-free alternatives
- Ensure proper ventilation during application
- Be aware of symptoms like burning eyes, coughing or dizziness during treatment
The research serves as a crucial reminder that beauty treatments marketed as "natural" or "conditioning" may conceal significant health risks that both consumers and professionals need to take seriously.
