Keratin Treatment Support Thread

[Dak]

I am still doing research. I will admit that I am researching the bad because I have heard all the good.

I am not trying to rock the boat but I am just wondering about a few thing.

But I guess this is were I am getting confused. I have obessed about puttling lye vs no lye or going natural, I am moving away SLS in my shampoo, I am careful not to put to much protein. And I restrict heat All of this I have learned from LHCF and it is good info.

I think what get me is BKT has high levels of Formaldehyde. This is a cancer causing chemical. The safe level to be in cosmetics is 0.2%. We are using 2 and 4%. The FDA does not regulate the Beauty industry as tough (or at all - I am still researching this). Even formaldehdye free ones may contain levels of formaldehdye or similar agents.

I just am wondering why this is not being talked about as much. I mean I just feel like it is being glossed over it.

Also is formaldehde considered a chemical or is it natural product?

I am not claiming this stuff does not work I am just more asking about the danger of it.

Again this is my opinion and I am not saying anything against the people who use it. I am just asking questons.

Butterfly, I know this is a very long thread, but those issues you have have already been raised and discussed quite a bit. Do a keyword search on this thread for formaldehyde and maybe that will make it easier. I can tell you with certainty it has already been discussed and people here have made an educated choice.

I've been in a state of mind where you seem to be in your post; you want to minimize the the chemicals you're exposed to and be smart about your health. It could be that the BKT is not a good match for you right now, you sound like you'd be happier doing something else, perhaps an Ayurveda regime.

 

[ebonylocs]

I think what get me is BKT has high levels of Formaldehyde. This is a cancer causing chemical. The safe level to be in cosmetics is 0.2%. We are using 2 and 4%. The FDA does not regulate the Beauty industry as tough (or at all - I am still researching this). Even formaldehdye free ones may contain levels of formaldehdye or similar agents.

I just am wondering why this is not being talked about as much. I mean I just feel like it is being glossed over it.

Butterfly, I think the issue is that when BKT first appeared on the scene, there were several drag-out arguments on the board in multiple threads (with people taking their arguments from thread to thread) re whether it was safe or not.

After the dust and the rubble settled, those ladies that decided that, having weighed the risks of BKT, they could live with those risks, found their home in this thread.

So I guess they are not interested in rehashing all that again.

 

[Natural Glow]

I just wanted to post this article:Salon Today Investigates BKT ServicesIts long but has good info

What It Is, Where It Started
Keratin treatments to smooth hair began in rural Brazil more than 10 years ago. Someone discovered that certain preservative chemicals seemed to link keratin to hair, resulting in frizz-free locks that lasted for months. This got the attention of Brazilian cosmetic manufacturers, who began testing and formulating.

Researchers discovered that when the cuticle is open, the protein keratin can be introduced, along with cosmetic-grade formaldehyde, which is known to cross-link proteins in hair. Then, the cuticle is sealed with multiple-pass flatironing at 450 degrees. During the flatironing, the heat can cause fumes to be released. This step—the fumes—is the center of the keratin treatment confusion and controversy.


Facts and Fiction
According to Doug Schoon, a chemist and president of Schoon Scientific in Dana Point, California, any keratin treatment product that supposedly contains formaldehyde actually uses an ingredient called formalin. Formaldehyde is a gas and, as such, can’t be a liquid, so could not be added as a cosmetic ingredient.

Schoon explains that formalin is created when dry formaldehyde gas is reacted with water to create a new and different substance called methylene glycol.

“Methylene glycol is a totally different chemical with completely different properties and characteristics,” he says. “For years, this name mistake has been made around the world by scientists, doctors and regulators, until last December when formalin’s name was officially changed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) dictionary.”

“When you heat formalin,” Schoon adds, “it can convert back into the original form and release a small amount of formaldehyde gas in the air.”

Schoon is currently working with a manufacturer to measure the amount of formaldehyde fumes stylists may be exposed to when using flatirons with formalin-containing products. He says it’s possible cosmetologists who perform service after service may be exposed to excessive levels, but very likely a source-capture ventilation system can reduce those levels, effectively removing the gas from the air before it’s inhaled.

Online postings about formaldehyde being an irritant and potential carcinogen are correct. It’s associated with nasal and brain cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, most posters aren’t aware it’s a gas released during some keratin treatments, and the FDA does not regulate the amount of formalin in cosmetics, making the discussions of “legal amounts” in bottles moot. Regulation occurs through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which has strict guidelines for maximum allowable worker exposure to formaldehyde gas.

Food and Drug Association (FDA) spokesperson, Suzan Curzan, e-mails: “The FDA doesn’t have specific regulations that prohibit or restrict the use of formaldehyde [formalin] in cosmetic preparations, and is unaware of safety data indicating that Brazilian keratin products pose a health hazard to consumers, under the labeled conditions of use.”

That’s why, for instance, the FDA takes no issue with nail hardeners containing up to 5-percent formalin. These products are more than a “coating,” says Schoon. “Formalin is reactive to proteins and creates a chemical link or bridge with them.”

Like the second step of a perm process, keratin treatments with formalin don’t break bonds in the hair, but do “fix” the keratin in place, semi-permanently. Whether ingredients other than formalin act identically is unclear.

Cont.

 

[Natural Glow]

Second Generation Products
The success—and confusion—about Brazilian-style keratin products opened the door for a slew of “formalin-free” formulations, currently calling themselves “formaldehyde-free.” But keratin alone cannot create the desired, long lasting, “frizz-busting” results. So the theory is that some “free” formulas simply use different chemical compounds. Chemists say they can’t be sure if the “free” products create a potentially hazardous gas or not when heated, unless they test the surrounding air during use.

Nine years ago, QOD Cosmetic, a dominant cosmetic firm in Brazil, was one of the first companies to create a professionally produced Brazilian keratin product. According to Niko Johnson, CEO of San Francisco-based QOD USA, under EU and international labeling standards, his brand could claim to be “free,” but doesn’t.

“It’s not that complicated to get other compounds to transform into formaldehyde,” says Johnson. “They convert when you flatiron the hair. Any Brazilian-style keratin treatment product sold to stylists should require identical protocols and precautions, whether it’s called ‘free’ or not.”

According to Johnson, all currently marketed Brazilian-type keratin treatments either:

1.Use formalin.
2.Use a compound that reacts in a similar manner when heated (this includes his brands).
3.Contain keratin and incorporates flatironing, but has no chemicals similar to formalin, thus doesn’t last very long.
The lesson? Know which of the three types you have, because there can be huge differences in results and effects.

Safety First
Mark Garrison, who offers what he calls the “real deal” at his namesake Manhattan salon, says you need formalin to get the hair straight, and laments lack of transparency.

“You need 450-degree irons for Brazilian keratin treatments to work,” adds Garrison, whose stylists use canister masks and perform the service in a custom-ventilated area.

Read BKT: In Depth, In the Salon for Graciela Santiler-Nowik's experience with providing keratin treatments.
Omar Roth, co-owner of O Salon in Greenwich, Connecticut, worried about health effects and after due diligence, selected a “free” brand.

“It removes about 70-percent of frizz and wave and doesn’t last quite as long as the original formulas, but the results are still amazing,” says Roth, whose former printing-plant salon space has industrial ventilation. “We do about eight treatments a week now.”

J.B. Veltman, who owns an eponymous salon in Coconut Grove, Florida, says some brands he tested lasted just until the next shampoo. He now educates for a company that openly shares the percent of formalin in the product.

“I’ve been using it for years in a well-ventilated studio salon with a de-fumer at the station,” says Veltman, who along with his clients, wears a mask during the treatment. “No matter which brand you use, the same precautions apply.”

cont.

 

[Natural Glow]

Choosing a Brand
If you’re shopping for a keratin treatment line, common sense mandates working with a reputable distributor or manufacturer and avoiding eBay or other online-only options. Request and require a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) so you can read the hazards identification section. Ask your vendor about specific ingredients, then research them yourself in a cosmetics ingredients dictionary or online.

Next, perform product tests in a well-ventilated area. Use gloves and a canister mask for formalin-containing product tests (particulate masks aren’t effective with gases). Compare results to expectations. Call other salon-users to discuss pros and cons.

Vent, Vent, Vent
Whether you choose a “free” brand or not, professionals stress appropriate ventilation, including a source-capture system—fans don’t help a stylist three stations away. Use gloves and masks.

Peter Garzone, owner and president of ProSalon distributorship in Cranston, Rhode Island, says an article in Allure initially made him happy he avoided keratin treatments. Now, he wishes he’d started distributing the formalin-based product he chose sooner.

“If you’re concerned, wear a passive air monitoring badge that measures formaldehyde in the air,” says Garzone. “Ours tested at 0.25 parts per million.”
According to OSHA spokesperson Ted Fitzgerald, the maximum, permissible formaldehyde concentration in an atmosphere to which workers are exposed is 0.75 parts per million (ppm) over an eight-hour period—or 2 ppm for 15 minutes.

The Choice is Yours
Hundreds if not thousands of high-end salons are offering keratin treatments because clients are clamoring for it. Many say the results it produces—a semi-permanent way to smooth wave and banish frizz—has become an irreplaceable business builder.

Those who aren’t ready to bring in the category, or refuse to do so, say they are sticking with alternate service options to cater to their clientele: from flatironing and blow outs to traditional relaxing and Japanese thermal straightening. The latter two break bonds and use chemicals that require their own precautions. Some manufacturers and salons are capitalizing on the questions surrounding formalin-based keratin products to promote these alternatives.

The best advice from all industry and category experts is for salon owners to do their own homework. Make an informed business decision for your salon, your team, your clients. Evaluate and assess your ventilation system and safety procedures for all areas and services offered in the salon. Do what you need to do to protect the health of your business.

 

[BlackGeisha]

So has anyone tried the new OK Keratin? I need to go back through and read what people were saying about OK

I currently use the new formula, the chocolate. No complaints here, I think it's great, leaves my hair soft and straight. The first time I used it was in late August and my results are in my signature. I just did my 4th treatment with it last week, still love it. I would like to try the dreamhair though, the ingredients are completely different.

 

[blissy]

Hey BKT ladies,

I'm a hardcore lurker, a now and then poster and a tried and true BKT girl!!!

Phew, this has been quite a month on LHCF! I've been away for a few weeks and my word it took hours and hours to catch up. The growth and health of everyone's hair is phenomenal. AJJ, Sheba, Fab, Cuteness and rest of bkt family--- stand up and take a bow.

I bkt'd for the first time before the summer with the help of Sheba, of course. I did it two additional times and converted my sister. Then I took a hiatus from my hair (PS) while studying and now I'm back.

I have a few questions for the BKT women who wear their hair curly in cooler/colder climates. Are you cowashing each morning? I've been contemplating continuing the PS throughout the winter months then revealing in the spring or learning how to rollerset and saran wrap for straight hair. What is everyone else doing?

Natural Glow, please invite me to the BKT group. Thank you.

 

[*fabulosity*]

Butterfly, I know this is a very long thread, but those issues you have have already been raised and discussed quite a bit. Do a keyword search on this thread for formaldehyde and maybe that will make it easier. I can tell you with certainty it has already been discussed and people here have made an educated choice.

I've been in a state of mind where you seem to be in your post; you want to minimize the the chemicals you're exposed to and be smart about your health. It could be that the BKT is not a good match for you right now, you sound like you'd be happier doing something else, perhaps an Ayurveda regime.

ITA...
And also I have suggested this before.. I don't really think the manufacturers are accurately labeling the %'s of formaldehyde in these treatments.. anyone who has taken a basic chemistry class who has ever messed around with formaldehyde knows that the fumes from that stuff is STRONG! I could smell a drop full in a room of 200 people.. with no problem.. I use about an oz maybe more of treatment and I can barely smell the "aldehyde".. I am thinking that maybe (and this is just my theory again) these "sellers" are putting 2%, 4% and really meaning .2% or .4% (in efforts to minimize their risk if they stated what the true %s were)... I mean I don't even get as strong a smell when I do my treatment as I do with OPI polish...(which is CHOCK full of formaldehyde) or when I use my nail rebuilder...which I think is STRAIGHT formaldehyde..

I am all for people searching and doing what works for them.. and for newbies trying to learn but I think the point is somewhat defeated when individuals come into the "Support" thread looking for NUMEROUS negative opinions about it ... I mean obviously "we" like our results and have already decided that we are risk tolerant of the dangers. Natural Glow posted awesome information and that information is best found by doing a WWW search instead of LHCF specific... just saying.. and then after all that.. it's still up to the individual to make the decision of its a risk that they want to take...

 

[sheba1]

Ladies.please.forgive.my.absence.

I.was.away.on.a.cruise.to.Jamaica.last.week...I.returned.to.find.my.keyboard.is.on.the.fritz.
erplexed.so.I'm.not.posting.until.it's.resolved.

I'm.going.to.get.a.sew.in.tomorrow...Hopefully.this.will.help.me.to.leave.my.hair.be
Goodness.I.hope.so!

You.ladies.truly.inspire.me.with.your.hair.and.progress...Awesome!

 

[aegis]

Aegis, do you have any updates? The salon I am considering for my BKT uses Marcia Teixtera, but I haven't heard any success stories on this board using that brand. I'm a little nervous about it.

hey mstar....idk how i like it thus far. my hair is a bit looser in texture. i think i have to do it at least 3-4 more times to see any significant change in my hair. my hair was shedding terribly the first time i did it and i think it's bc it was too much protein for my hair. my hair loves protein and but i think it was too much.

as of now my hair isn't significantly different. i might try a stronger formula nest time.

my eyes did get a bit irritated when she used this product.

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

Natural Glow...your hair is about to make me lose it. And I'm at work. And that's a big no-no. Have mercy, Chica. Your hair is all that. And then some.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I'm doing some investigative research on source capture fume extractors. The fume extractors I have seen thus far are very expensive. I am going to get as much info on the topic as I can so I can make an informed decision before making a purchase.

 

[Dak]

Thanks, keep us posted, AtlantaJJ!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Thanks, keep us posted, AtlantaJJ!

I certainly will keep everyone posted. I'm like Fab, I get very little smoke now because I use very little product. The first time I did the treatment I smoked up my bathroom But I think its something worth looking into because I see myself doing these BKTs for a long time, so over the long run I think it will be beneficial to have the fume extractor.

I'm also hoping that the BKTs evolve into an effective formula with less chemicals.

 

[texasqt]

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

 

[Dak]

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

You be careful, Texasqt! Windows & fans are a good thing, as well as patios and back decks. Glad the applicator bottle worked for you.

 

[me-T]

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

 

[me-T]

did my second treatment and this time was a LOT better. i finally have that "i don't think i need moisturizer" feeling, and the shower steam didn't puff up my hair.
the next day i flat ironed, trying to bump the ends. the flash is on in both pics (still waitin on that bkt shine)

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

I never wear gloves

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

Me-T, you don't call that "shine"? Girl, your hair has a healthy 'gleam' - it looks really good.

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

You love it, but you probably won't recommend it? Why?

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

 

[me-T]

^^ can't be good getting formaldehyde cream on your hands
...i don't use gloves either....just sayin....lol

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Telling on myself, I haven't DCed in a good while and now I have a little breakage. Time to get back on the DC plan.. Shame on me!

ETA: What was the name of the Keratin conditioner Fab told us about. I have to scroll through 200 pgs to find it


I found it :
Rusk Pro Elements Keratin Smoothing Treatment

 

[Nia430]

I did my second application of Softliss last night and I didn't use a fume extractor, didn't use gloves, nor a mask So far I'm still alive, my hands are still attached to my wrist, and my sinuses are clear. I had no irritation from the fumes at all. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone and I probably won't do it again but I just thought I'd share. Also, I definitely used less than my first application with the help of an applicator bottle. Getting ready to wash out and apply mask now. Still loving it!!!:heart2:

I did my 4th Softliss treatment last night. I forgot to wear gloves and didn't think about it untill I was half way through . But now that I think about it I feel like the gloves slowed me down b4 .

 

[texasqt]

You love it, but you probably won't recommend it? Why?

I luv softliss and that I highly recommend. I don't recommend applying it without gloves though. I don't want to be responsible for someone else trying it and losing their thumbs

I did my 4th Softliss treatment last night. I forgot to wear gloves and didn't think about it untill I was half way through . But now that I think about it I feel like the gloves slowed me down b4 .

That's similar to what happened with me. I started without the gloves and by the time I realized it, I just couldn't find any AND the application process what much faster I did notice that I had raisin fingers for a while afterwards but nothing serious that I know of.

 

[blissy]

Telling on myself, I haven't DCed in a good while and now I have a little breakage. Time to get back on the DC plan.. Shame on me!

ETA: What was the name of the Keratin conditioner Fab told us about. I have to scroll through 200 pgs to find it


I found it :
Rusk Pro Elements Keratin Smoothing Treatment

I've have been searching for Fab's conditioner since 100+ pages ago. Any suggestions? Is it a beauty store staple?


lol...at raisin fingers. Too funny.

 

[butterfly3582]

Thanks for sharing info ladies.

Still doing research. I am planning on wearing sew ins for year. I am thinking about BKTing the leave out.

Still researching. But it is so much information.

Again thanks for sharing.

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

Oh, I understand. I thought you were referring to Softliss bkt...you're talking about you gloveless technique. Gotcha.

I luv softliss and that I highly recommend. I don't recommend applying it without gloves though. I don't want to be responsible for someone else trying it and losing their thumbs



That's similar to what happened with me. I started without the gloves and by the time I realized it, I just couldn't find any AND the application process what much faster I did notice that I had raisin fingers for a while afterwards but nothing serious that I know of.

 

[*fabulosity*]

did my second treatment and this time was a LOT better. i finally have that "i don't think i need moisturizer" feeling, and the shower steam didn't puff up my hair.
the next day i flat ironed, trying to bump the ends. the flash is on in both pics (still waitin on that bkt shine)

Your hair is
It's so long!!! You should bless us with more pictures more often...lol..

Umm.. what do you mean no shine... very pretty... also... I've found the best method of doing my bkt....

I cellophane... add the shine happy (not the whole bottle) and don't process over 15 minutes under the dryer... my homemade highlights (which everyone is loving by the way) came from the peroxide in the shine happy being processed too long... the bottle says 10 minutes... I was under the dryer 45 minutes... 30 minutes of cleaning up... yeah.. too long.. but if you want you some homemade highlights...lol.. process for 45 minutes or longer... lol..

Then BKT, flat iron. I still blowdry mine 100% then apply BKT.

A couple of days later... I cowash using the conditioner packet from shine happy and Yes to something..lol... I don't use poo until the 2nd wash after a fresh bkt... my hair is bling bling.

That's my formula for drop dead results... hope it helps somebody.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I've have been searching for Fab's conditioner since 100+ pages ago. Any suggestions? Is it a beauty store staple?


lol...at raisin fingers. Too funny.

Rusk Pro Elements Keratin Smoothing Treatment - I'm going to get a smaller tube from Ebay and then if I love it, I'll get the big jug. I have to try to remember to use BING!! I always forget!!

Your hair is
It's so long!!! You should bless us with more pictures more often...lol..

Umm.. what do you mean no shine... very pretty... also... I've found the best method of doing my bkt....

I cellophane... add the shine happy (not the whole bottle) and don't process over 15 minutes under the dryer... my homemade highlights (which everyone is loving by the way) came from the peroxide in the shine happy being processed too long... the bottle says 10 minutes... I was under the dryer 45 minutes... 30 minutes of cleaning up... yeah.. too long.. but if you want you some homemade highlights...lol.. process for 45 minutes or longer... lol..

Then BKT, flat iron. I still blowdry mine 100% then apply BKT.

A couple of days later... I cowash using the conditioner packet from shine happy and Yes to something..lol... I don't use poo until the 2nd wash after a fresh bkt... my hair is bling bling.

That's my formula for drop dead results... hope it helps somebody.

I don't shampoo until the second or third wash. I co-wash with Mill Creek Keratin conditioner, but I may switch to something with more moisture like the Jojoba conditioner. I think it helps the BKT to last longer to use shampoo on a limited basis. I only shampoo my scalp when I do shampoo, not my hair.