brazilian straightening, safe?

[Anonymous]

I'm dying to get it done, and my stylist claims that her product (Zero) contains no formaldahyde. I've read the NYT article and done lots of online research, but I'm not entirely sure I trust my stylist. On the other hand, my friend had it done in NY and it looks fabulous. It really is like a miracle.

Has anyone had it done themselves or does anyone know of any DC salons that offer a formaldahyde-free version?

[Anonymous]

I had mine done at David's in Rockville. They use a low formaldahyde solution (I am not sure it's completely formaldehyde-free), give you a mask to wear and put you right next to an air purifier. The stylist seemed very safety-conscious. I think they will answer a lot of your questions over the phone. The stylist's name was Scarlet. I'm very happy with the results, BTW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had mine done at David's in Rockville. They use a low formaldahyde solution (I am not sure it's completely formaldehyde-free), give you a mask to wear and put you right next to an air purifier. The stylist seemed very safety-conscious. I think they will answer a lot of your questions over the phone. The stylist's name was Scarlet. I'm very happy with the results, BTW.

thank you! I'm going to try it in DC at Roche Salon. How much did it cost in Rockville?

[Anonymous]

David's charged me $400. I had it done at Roche the year before (the location near Farragut West -- not the Georgetown location). The results I got at Roche were disappointing -- they straightening effect did not last and I used the special shampoo and conditioner that Roche sold me and followed all directions. David's did not try to sell me any special shampoo/conditioner, but they did explain what ingredients I should stay away from. Keep in mind that the more "processed" your hair is, the better the procedure will work. So if your hair is colored or has highlights, the procedure will work better than on hair that's not been treated with anything. It's a little counter-intuitive and I wish that the stylist at Roche had taken the time to explain that. I had highlights the second time around and perhaps that is why I had better results.

[Anonymous]

Thanks - I live in Georgetown so I don't think I can get to Rockville, but I'll look around a bit more to find a salon besides Roche that does it.

If I spend that much, I want it to last at least three months. I also highlight my hair, so hopefully that will help.

[Anonymous]

So funny! I came to this forum to research cloth diapering and found myself perusing the beauty forum. My husband and I own Salon Khouri in Fairfax, VA www.salonkhouri.com) and offer a Brazilian Keratin treatment that is formaldehyde, thio, and lye free. When we were evaluating various Brazilian treatment products, it was really important to us to find a formaldehyde free treatment for the safety of our employees and clients. (Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and is a known carcinogenic.)

We use Sunpure Straight Brazilian Keratin. This treatment is all natural, using two types of natural keratin: human hair keratin and botanical keratin. This is a natural, formaldehyde free straightening treatment and *not* a permanent straightener. (We do also offer permanent, Japanese straightening). Since the Brazilian treatment is thio and lye free, you can have this service AND still have your hair colored or highlighted the same day. The treatment takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, based on the density and length of your hair.

If you are not sure if your stylist is being honest with you, you should switch to another stylist or salon. You can always ask your stylist to see the manufacturer literature on the product to ensure that it is formaldehyde free. If they do not have the product literature, do not have the service done.

[Anonymous]

For those in this part of Montgomery County, I had the Brazilian treatment at Luxuria Salon in Ashton. I'm very happy with the results. I didn't ask about the formaldahyde though - oops!

[Anonymous]

I had the Sunpure treatment at Salon Capelli in Rockville, and am very happy with the results!

[Anonymous]

OP here. I went ahead and did the Peter Coppola treatment at Roche Salon. I'm thrilled with the results.

I do not think it's the safest procedure in the world, but it was worth doing once. Maybe I'll do it again in the fall. I hope they continue making it safer, more effective, and cheaper in the meantime!

[Anonymous]

its not even permanent like japanese straightening is. braz straightening is def. not safe and if you have to put a mask on to get your hair done, there is something wrong. i just got my hair jpnese straightened aka thermal reconditioning at selah hair town in annandale, va. kathy is the best at what she does and keeps up to date with new developments thru training in NY with the liscio folks in nyc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:its not even permanent like japanese straightening is. braz straightening is def. not safe and if you have to put a mask on to get your hair done, there is something wrong. i just got my hair jpnese straightened aka thermal reconditioning at selah hair town in annandale, va. kathy is the best at what she does and keeps up to date with new developments thru training in NY with the liscio folks in nyc.

UMmm, google brazilian straightening in the NYTimes and you'll see that your information is wrong. Japanese straightening is fine if you have uncolored and very curly hair, but it's not good for most people. It damages your hair and causes unbelievable breakage.

Brazilian straightening is the new thing because it's better than Japanese straightening. And I hope that no one on this board is going to take you seriously if you get our hair done in some place in Annandale, VA - wherever that is.

[Anonymous]

Braziliam Straightened is wonderful,i did in Brazil and i did not have to use mask,its almost a years and my hair still perfect and beautiful.I do not recomend japonese straightened ever.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Brazilian straightening is safe

[Anonymous]

question: for those of you that had it done. Does it make your hair super straight? i would love to have my hair smooth, but i like a little curl at the bottom.

[Anonymous]

It does make your hair very straight, but I still would go over it with a flat iron once a week or so. So, PP, I think you could still achieve a curl at the end if you styled it correctly.