In a world full of diverse haircare solutions, who doesn’t dream of silky, frizz-free hair? From chemical relaxers to trendy Brazilian blowouts, there’s no shortage of treatments promising to turn wild hair into smooth, glossy perfection.
But with so many options, it’s natural to wonder which path leads to the best – and safest – results. Enter keratin treatments.
First making waves in the early 2000s, these treatments promised a miracle – smoother, softer hair without the long-term commitment of chemical relaxers. Keratin, a protein our hair naturally loves, is the star of this show. No wonder keratin treatments became a quick favorite for those tired of battling frizz every morning.
But here’s the burning question: Is a keratin treatment really the safer option compared to chemical relaxers? Let’s dig into the details, weighing the pros and cons of both to help you decide which route might be your hair’s best friend.
Keratin Treatments – How Do They Work On Your Hair?
Keratin treatments are like a magical makeover for your hair. As their name suggests, keratin – a natural protein that makes up the structure of our hair – is their hero ingredient. It is used to fill in the tiny gaps and cracks along the hair shaft.
Think of it as a smoothing serum that seals up the rough edges, making hair look shinier and feel softer. A stylist applies a product infused with keratin to your hair during the process. It is then sealed in with a flat iron, notes Medical News Today.
This process locks in the protein, transforming frizzy or unruly hair into smooth, more manageable locks.
So, what’s the big deal? Keratin treatments not only make your hair look smoother and shinier, but they also cut down on styling time. The effects can last for several weeks, giving you that salon-fresh look without the daily fuss.
However, it’s worth noting that while keratin treatments can work wonders, they’re not entirely risk-free. Some formulations can contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which is why it’s essential to know what you’re signing up for before taking the plunge.
How much does a keratin treatment cost?
According to Moehair, the cost of keratin treatments depends on factors like hair length, products used, and the location and reputation of your salon. The expertise of the stylist on the job also plays a role. These treatments cost anywhere between $80-$600 across the US.
Keratin Treatment vs. Chemical Hair Relaxers – Which One is Safer?
Keratin treatments and chemical hair relaxers might seem similar, but they’re actually quite different in how they work and their effects on your hair.
Chemical relaxers are the heavy-duty option. Gussi Hair notes that they break down the natural bonds in your hair to permanently straighten it. This means once you relax your hair, the only way to get your natural texture back is to grow it out.
While these relaxers can give you super sleek hair, the harsh process often makes it more vulnerable to damage and breakage over time.
Keratin treatments, on the other hand, are more like a semi-permanent spa day for your hair. Instead of changing your hair’s structure, they smooth the hair’s surface by infusing it with keratin. This means your natural hair texture will gradually return in a few months, making keratin treatments a gentler option.
They also tend to be less damaging because they don’t involve the strong chemicals found in relaxers. However, it’s important to watch out for formulas containing formaldehyde, a chemical that can be harmful if not handled properly.
Another key difference between the two is that while you can find formaldehyde-free keratin treatments, there are no such options in chemical hair relaxers. In the latter, formaldehyde has been a key ingredient so far, which has led to many women suffering health issues due to the exposure. This makes keratin treatments somewhat safer when purchased with caution.
TorHoerman Law notes that Black women use these relaxers to manage their hair at a much higher rate than other demographics. This is also why they have a higher likelihood of developing a more aggressive form of endometrial cancer.
In light of the growing number of cancer diagnoses, many women have filed hair relaxer lawsuits against the manufacturers. As of September 2024, over 8,400 cases have been registered in the ongoing multi-district litigation (MDL).
What is a texture release treatment?
According to Allure, texture release treatments are essentially the milder version of hair relaxers. While both hair products contain the same chemicals – lye and sodium hydroxide – their concentration is lower in the former. Consequently, while a texture release doesn’t straighten your hair completely, you won’t have as many curls afterward.
FDA’s Proposal to Ban Formaldehyde from Chemical Hair Relaxers
For years, formaldehyde has been the not-so-hidden villain in the world of hair relaxers. It was the secret weapon behind that super-sleek, frizz-free finish many craved but with a dark side.
This chemical is known to cause health issues ranging from skin irritation to cancer. Despite the risks, formaldehyde has lingered in salons and on store shelves, leaving consumers wondering when someone would step in to protect their health.
NPR News reported that the story took a turn in October 2023, when the FDA finally decided enough was enough. After years of pressure from health advocates and growing evidence of formaldehyde’s dangers, the FDA proposed banning their use in hair relaxers.
This is more than just a simple rule change; it’s a landmark moment in haircare, signaling a shift towards safer beauty practices.
Is formaldehyde in hair relaxers banned yet?
No. Despite the FDA’s proposal to ban the chemical being initiated in October last year, it has still not come into effect. FDA has missed three deadlines for the ban so far. The first one was in April 2024, which was pushed to July and finally to September.
Navigating the world of hair treatments can feel like a never-ending quest for the perfect balance between beauty and safety. While keratin treatments and chemical relaxers both promise smooth, sleek hair, they come with their own set of pros and cons. At the end of the day, it’s about making informed choices that keep both your hair and health in mind.
