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Brazilian keratin treatment, also known as "escova progressiva" can cost as much as $600, claims to turn dry, frizzy hair into smooth silky hair for months. Stylists and clients must wear gas masks because of the formaldehyde, a cancer causing chemical.
Keratin is the protein that makes up hair. this protein is made by the linking together of specific amino acids in a specific way. This is how hair gets its strength.
The only way for curly hair to become permanetly straight is to break those amino acid bonds. The only chemical that will break those bonds is HOH (hydroxide) as in sodium hydroxide(lye) or calcium hydroxide. Any chemical that causes a permanent change to the hair, ie, permanent color, permanents, relaxers, will have to have a retouch, this is the new growth from the scalp out, this depends on how fast a persons hair grows, so any product that says it will last a definite amount of time should be avoided.
Unfortunately, This is an industry that isn't regulated by the FDA, companies have gone crazy with the advertising. This is why it is important for professionals to have product knowledge.
Professionals know that the most effective way to use keratin, which is derived fron turkey feathers, cow hooves etc, is as an intensive conditioner to stop breakage, this is done by wrapping each stand of hair in microfibers.
Professionals also know that sodium hydroxide relaxers are preferred over calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide is easy on the scalp, but harsh to the hair, and will cause severe breakage. Sodium hydroxide will cause burns to the scalp, but this is something that can be avoided, by applying a mild acid to the area that is burning. This is done because the relaxer is a strong alkali, and it can be neutralized by an acid.
A professional should also know the strength of the relaxer to be used, because this is determined by the texture of the hair(number of cuticle layers).
Thio relaxers cam be used to straighten hair, but the hair will not be as straight, because the protein bonds aren't broken, they are rearranged.
PJLeblanc, as an author approaches many topics that she believes are of concern to todays readers. The author is a biologist, and an educator, the author also understands that some topics are controversial. Particular attention is paid to topics concerning family and health.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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