The safety of using methylene glycol for hair straightening is a topic of some controversy and concern. Methylene glycol is a formaldehyde-releasing agent, which means that it breaks down into formaldehyde when heated or applied to the hair. Formaldehyde is a known irritant and has been linked to several health concerns, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
While some hair smoothing treatments that contain methylene glycol may be marketed as "formaldehyde-free" or "low formaldehyde," they can still release small amounts of formaldehyde when heated or applied to the hair.
It's also worth noting that the use of hair smoothing treatments containing methylene glycol is regulated differently in different countries. In some countries, the use of these products may be restricted or banned, while in others they may be available over-the-counter.
If you're considering a hair smoothing treatment that contains methylene glycol, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks, and to discuss your options with a stylist or hair care professional who has experience with these products. They can help you understand the ingredients and any potential health concerns, and can provide recommendations based on your individual hair type and health history.
]]>Hair straightening treatments, also known as hair smoothing treatments, typically contain a variety of active ingredients that help to break down the bonds in the hair's structure, allowing it to be re-shaped into a straighter form. Some of the most common ingredients used in hair straightening treatments include:
Keratin: A protein that is naturally found in hair, skin, and nails. It helps to strengthen and protect the hair while also smoothing the cuticle.
Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde-releasing agents: A strong chemical that can break down the bonds in the hair's structure, allowing it to be straightened. However, formaldehyde has been linked to health concerns, so many hair smoothing treatments now use formaldehyde-releasing agents that produce lower levels of formaldehyde. Brazilian Blowout uses Methylene glycol that is a Formaldehyde-releasing agent.
Glyoxylic Acid: A type of alpha hydroxy acid that helps to smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz.
Thiourea Dioxide: A reducing agent that helps to break down the bonds in the hair's structure.
Calcium Hydroxide: A strong alkaline ingredient that helps to open up the hair cuticle, allowing it to be straightened.
Guanidine Carbonate: A strong alkaline ingredient that helps to break down the bonds in the hair's structure.
Ammonium Thioglycolate: A reducing agent that helps to break down the bonds in the hair's structure.
These are just a few examples of the ingredients that may be used in hair straightening treatments. It's important to note that different hair smoothing treatments may contain different combinations and concentrations of ingredients, so it's always a good idea to check the product label and consult a stylist or hair care professional before undergoing a treatment.
]]>The revolutionary W.One is good for 3 main reasons: Saves time because you don’t need to wash the hair first, it’s free of FORMALDEHYDE and the third is that you can buy it at The Keratin Store! :)
Time is money! Specially in busy salons. Straightening hairs can take too long and get you busy all day. Besides that, anti-residue shampoos, used in the first procedure to open the cuticle of the wire, leaves the hair very dry hair and difficult to comb.
Floractive decided to change that with W.One. Launched in Brazil about a year ago, the product is starting to get famous all over the world. Floractive W.One is a respectful product because it DOES NOT USES FORMALDEHYDE and you get the same results as the most famous straighteners around. It’s a relative new but very innovative brand.
The main active ingredientes are: Sericin (silk protein), Lactic Acid (milk), Ascorbic acid (vitamin c), Argan Oil and Shea Butter.
Ingredients - Click to check every component details:
Acrylates Copolymer, Alanine, Aminopropyl Phenyl Trimethicone, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cetearryl alcohol, Citric acid, Disodium EDTA, Glycine, Histidine, Hydrolysed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Isoleucine, Methylchloroisothiaiolzone (And) Methylisothiazolinone, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Parfum, Pca, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sodium, Lactate, Sodium Pca, Aqua.
1. No need to wash their hair.
2. Apply W.One with a brush in every section and leave it for 45 minutes or more, depending on the hair.
3. Wash the hair, not everything, just to remove excess of product.
4. Dry 90% and straighten with flat-iron for 15 times every section at 210-230 degrees.
Videos:
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Brazilian hair treatments originated in Brazil in 2005 and have since become the most sought after hair treatments in professional salons around the world. Brazilian treatments include Brazilian Blowouts ™ and Keratin Treatments and are respectfully regarded as luxury hair treatments suitable for all hair types. However, Brazilian Blowout treatments are especially favored by those with curly, unruly hair types for its hair smoothing results.
According to Eric Rosado, Artistic Director at Ted Gibson Salon in New York City, “Brazilian Keratin treatments are the best option for de-frizzing and smoothing curly hair.”
Keratin Treatments and Brazilian Blowouts are equally beneficial and both provide amazing results for women with curly hair of all hair types including coarse, frizzy, dry and fine hair.
Brazilian Blowouts are highly regarded for their hair-smoothing results without causing damage to the hair follicles, even if the hair is currently damaged by previous treatments not performed by a professional. Keratin Treatments provide smoothing, curl-softening, semi-permanent results for beautifully straight locks that are long-lasting and effortlessly maintained. Keratin Treatments infuse the hair follicles with Keratin, a family of proteins that allow your hair to remain healthy, shiny and voluminous.
Brazilian Blowouts and Keratin Treatments alike remove frizz, create beautiful shine, seal in color and decrease blow dry time, affording you an effortless look without the added effort.
When considering Brazilian hair treatments, it’s important to note that the chemicals used are as important, if not more so, than the experience of the salon and stylist you entrust to perform your hair treatment. With that said, be sure that your stylist uses high-quality products that are formaldehyde-free and provide healthy proteins and moisture to ensure your results are long-lasting and effortless.
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Broad knowledge of the hair, which is a primary protein structure, will help you understand the effects of all the different products.
HAIR FIBER
This illustration shows how the minuscule keratin fibers twist to form the Proto Fibrillae. They turn and twist to form the Micro Fibrillae, which twist again to form the Macro Fibrillae, which is the hair’s cortex basic structure. Very solid cuticle layers then cover the cortex. The nature of this spiral formation gives the human hair an incredible flexibility allowing it to wring and go back to its original shape damage free. The whole comprehension of the hair protein fiber structure will make it easier to understand the effect the protein reconditioning has on the hair.
In other words….
CUTICLE AND CORTEX – THE HAIR STRUCTURE
The hair is divided into two parts:
CUTICLE
The “non-keratinized intercellular cement”, rich in lipids, binds the scales of cuticle. They give the hair a healthy and natural shine. When the layers of the cuticle become damaged, the hair becomes hardened and shineless. The layers of cuticle are laid one over another resembling a roof and they go from the root toward the tip of the hair.
Chemical or physical abuse may damage the cuticle, weakening the hair structure. These products not only keep the cuticle closed but they also protect against potential oxidation of its coloration.
The adequate use of treatment and conditioners will keep the cuticle laid and sealed, allowing for the light to reflect thus providing a shiny hair.
When the cuticle is damaged, the hair is considered porous. And when most damaged, the highest degree of porousness. Deep damage reach the cortex and cause high porousness and breakage.
When understanding the hair, we better understand the technology behind the products and we become more than hairdressers, we become hair consultants.
As the technology advances and more comprehensive studies about the hair structure are made, nowadays it is possible to care for the hair using very specific products. These products are developed to treat each type and condition of hair and provide long lasting results.
CORTEX
The cortex is the body of the hair. It represents from 70% to 80% of the whole capillary structure and it is responsible for the hair strength, diameter, elasticity, texture and malleability properties.
ACID MANTLE
The hair is protected by the Acid Mantle, which involves the hair from the scalp providing PROTECTION, SMOOTHNESS AND SHINE. The Acid Mantle is composed by:
The Acid Mantle is responsible for keeping the hair’s pH slightly acid, and for this reason, they are fragile.
THE PH – HYDROGEN POTENTIAL
The pH is unit of measure, which indicates if a solution is acid, neutral or alkaline.
In the pH scale, the hair stands between 4.5 – 5.5. Actually, that is not the hair’s pH measure but the Mantle Acid’s which covers and protects the skin, lubricating the scalp and the hair.
Products with a slightly acid pH (between 4.5 – 5.5) are the most recommended because they maintain the integrity of the structure of the hair. The Honma Tokyo Hair Treatment products are formulated within the balanced acid pH (pH 4.5 - 5.5) being therefore compatible with the hair’s natural condition.
The hair is protected by the acid mantle which runs the hair length from the scalp, providing protection, smoothness and shine.
POROUSNESS
It is the hair’s capacity to absorb liquids through the cuticle.
High porousness
Low porousness
RELATIONSHIP: HAIR AND WATER
Wet hair is heavier than dry hair. That is obvious. However, this simple observation shows an important propriety – the hair is permeable. Regardless if the cuticle and natural oil are protecting the hair, healthy hair can absorb water up to 30% of its own weight. If the hair is damaged, this number may go up to 45%. Length may increase by 2% and diameter by 15%-20%. Regarding cosmetics, this effect is used as a means to make large molecules enter the hair. In general, water is harmful to the hair and it considerably increases the factors that damage the hair. It specifically accentuates the harmful effects of the sun, which is one of the greatest enemies of hair. Melanin degradation is increased and the sun intensifies discoloration. The keratin is altered leaving the hair fragile and damaged. So, while we enjoy the pleasure of letting our hair dry in the sun after a dip in the ocean, it is a true torture for the hair. Because the hair absorbs water in the vapor state in humid environments, it becomes hard to manipulate.
HAIR COMPOSITION
Initially, skin and hair products were made with a base of fat, oils and waxes which waterproofed its surfaces. They provided plenty of shine and smoothness but they did not strengthen the internal structure of the hair nor the skin. The problem was temporarily masked because they, indeed, did not treat them. In time, studies about the structure of the hair led to the following composition:
INGREDIENTS |
% |
ACTION |
PROTEINS |
70-80% |
PROVIDE STRENGTH AND RESISTANCE |
WATER |
10-15% |
FLEXIBILITY |
LIPIDS |
3-6% |
KEEP THE HAIR SMOOT |
PIGMENTS |
1% |
COLOR |
MINERAL CARBOHYDRATES |
0,05-0,5% 0,1-0,5% |
ATTRACT AND MAKE PROTEINS BIND, |
THE HAIR
The hair is a very strong, resistant and shapeable material. This easy of shaping allows us alter its appearance in different manners, either temporarily or even permanently.
FACTORS THAT DAMAGE THE HAIR
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
CHEMICAL FACTORS
MECHANICAL FACTORS
PSYCHOPHYSICAL FACTORS
Before applying The First Shampoo pre-wash the hair with a deep cleaning shampoo in order to remove oilness and impurities. | |
1st - Dampen the hair and using a towel or a hair dryer remove all excess water from the hair, about 80%. |
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2nd - Shake the bottle and apply at least 50ml of The first Shampoo, according to hair length and density (see table below). Spread it along the whole length oh the hair covering it all until a thick and abundant foam is formed without rubbing of the scalp. IMPORTANT.: DO NOT ADD WATER TO MAKE THE FOAM |
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3rd - Let it work for 20 minutes and then rinse it completely. Deixe agir por 20 minutos e enxágue completamente. If necessary, you may use a hair conditioner to untangle hair. |
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4th - Dry hair 100%. Divide the hair in thin strands and plank it from the root to the end, from 5 to 7 times at 180ºC to 230ºC (375ºF to 450ºF). Temperature must be set according to hair's health. Plank it slowly and continuously. |
IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
Remove 80% of the hair humidity using a towel or, if necessary, a hair dryer | |
AVERAGE QUANTITY PER APPLICATION 50ml – Short to medium hair 50ml a 70ml – Medium to long hair 70ml a 100ml – Long hair 100ml a 150ml – Extra long and thicker hair |
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SET THE TEMPERATURE ACCORDING WITH THE HEALTH OF THE HAIR! Healthy hair 230ºC / 450ºF Sensitive hair 180ºC a 200ºC/375ºF a 410ºF |
A protein like Keratin is a combination of several amino acids, and depending on these combinations the Keratin can be hard as a horn or soft and flexible as a healthy hair.
That is why is so great for your hair and skin!
Studies have shown that the application of hydrolysed keratin gives significant increases in skin elasticity and hydration. Due to its moisturising properties, keratin has also been incorporated into shampoo, conditioner and a lot of Brazilian Keratin Treatments.
As a outside layer in your hair, Keratin prevents dehydration of the cells in your hair, because it is made of waterproof protein. Furthermore, they prevent friction and serve as a barrier.
Is Keratin dangerous?
What you might have heard about Brazilian Keratin Treatments being dangerous, is not Keratin fault, it is actually Formaldehyde. This substance is aggressive in straightening the hair bonds, but it's also aggressive to your health, specially when heated and transformed in to vapour. But we will talk about it in the next post.
Sources to read more:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0846.2007.00280.x/full
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-keratin.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratin