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That’s quite the fall from hair grace.

The negative buzz has left people both confused and wary of whether to continue their beloved hair treatments.

keratin

@em_tong | Design by Zackary Angeline.

So, are keratin treatments not only safe but still worth getting?

Below, read about the potentially negative effects of keratin treatments on your hair and how to avoid them.

Meet the Experts

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatmentssmooth out the hair shaft to make it appear shiny, strong and healthy.

What Is the Health Debate Over Keratin Treatments?

“Formaldehydemay have negative health effects on the respiratory system and skin.

Exposure to formaldehyde may be linked to some cancers.”

Are Keratin Treatments Safe?

“It is important to perform keratin treatments in a well ventilated area.”

Can Keratin Treatments Cause Allergic Reactions or Respiratory Problems?

“The FDA has been aware of the health hazards associated with the products since at least 2008.”

Is There a Risk of Hair Breakage and Increased Exposure to Formaldehyde When Using Keratin?

There is a risk of increased breakage and exposure to formaldehyde when getting a keratin treatment.

check that to go to a well-ventilated salon if you’re getting a keratin treatment that contains formaldehyde.

Keratin Treatment Alternatives

As mentioned before, there are now alternatives to formaldehyde in some keratin treatments.

Another salon option is Keratin Complex.

The company offers a few different formulas, from a classic smoothing treatment to one for fragile hair.

These are actually designed to repairdamaged hair, not straighten it.

Still, that alone could helptame your frizzwithout the cost or risks involved with straightening.

)," says Vaccaro.

“confirm to communicate everything clearly with your stylist.”

Some stylists have reported difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and nosebleeds.

If too much heat is applied during the process, it could lead to hair breakage and damage.

Keratin treatments can be damaging to the hair as excessive heat or over-processing can affect its texture and shine.

Updated March 17, 2016.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Formaldehyde.

Updated October 30, 2019.

United States Environmental Protection Agency.C-FERST issue profile: formaldehyde.

Updated March 19, 2019.

Environmental Working Group.Lawsuit urges FDA to protect salon workers, consumers from formaldehyde.

Updated December 14, 2016.

2014;36(5):459-470. doi:10.1111/ics.12148

American Cancer Society.Formaldehyde.