The Brazilian Blow Out Controversy.

Last Friday, WWD published an article about the controversial harmful effects of the professional hair-smoothing treatment called the Brazilian Blowout. Have you heard about this? In case you have not, I feel it very important to bring it to your attention, as I know many people who have either received a Brazilian Blowout or are considering one.

What is the Brazlian Blowout?

The Brazilian Blowout is an in-salon treatment that used to get super shiny, super smooth and frizz free hair. It is a relaxer of sorts, and is said to be much more gentle than other treatments on the market. The makers of the Brazilian Blowout say:

"The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and bounce.  There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type) and the freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the treatment." - brazilianblowout.com

What is the controversy?

It appears, that the Brazilian Blowout uses formaldehyde in the treatment. The makers of the Brazilian Blowout state that their products are formaldehyde free.

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is an organic compound that is actually toxic to our health, especially the gases that this compound gives off.  It has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

I remember learning about formaldehyde in chemistry and how it is used to preserve dead bodies, and that is the last I want to know about it. It is certainly something I do not want in a large amount on my hair, where it is breathed in and absorbed into my scalp and skin. 

More on the controversary

The controversy comes in to play as the makers of the Brazilian Blowout say that they do not use formaldehyde in their treatments as it was stated in the report by the Oregon Health & Science University. They even published a report on their site disputing the case, saying that the reports of them using 4.85% and 10.6% formaldehyde in their treatment is false. 

I tend to believe the reports that the University first published and as other labs have now repeated. All of the reports published have discovered a percentage of formaldehyde in the treatment. The fact that in order to maintain the smoothness one gets from the treatment, women need to repeat this process every few months is very concerning.

My thoughts

Simply stated, I would not use the Brazilian Blowout treatment, and am happy that these reports have come to light as I was considering it.  Initially, I thought it would be great for my daughter with very long, thick wavy hair. She struggles in managing it and is always searching for easy ways to "tame her tresses".  After hearing the initial praises and how it would actually be okay for my fine hair, I wanted to do it too.  Thank goodness we did not rush in for the treatment. 

What do you think? Who do you believe? I would love to hear if you have had a Brazilian Blowout treatment and if you regret it or if you will continue to do so?

Pantene and the Beautiful Lengths Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness.

I know I have my favorite Breast Cancer Awareness products featured together, but I am really impressed with this initiative so I wanted to feature this alone.  You see, Pantene is addressing both October and Breast Cancer Awareness, while helping women get over the fear of losing their hair in undergoing breast cancer treatments with it's Beautiful Lengths campaign.

Having cancer is bad enough and it saddens me to think that 58% of women consider hair loss to be the worst side effect of chemotherapy; in fact, 8% of these women will potentially avoid life-saving treatment altogether due to this hair loss fear. This is devastating.

So, what is Pantene doing? Well, they want to continue inspiring people to make the kindest cut of all by donating their healthy hair for women who need it most through Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign that helps provide free, real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, more than 220,000 ponytails (that’s around 1,760,000 inches of hair!) have been generously cut for this cause and 6,304 wigs have been distributed.

Also, Pantene has come up with a new look of its collection, Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths. In honor of the launch of the new look, Pantene is supporting the cause by donating $500,000 directly to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, actively taking part in the fight against breast cancer by helping to create more wigs for cancer patients.

The customized shampoo and conditioner systems contain targeted damage protection to help prevent breakage so you can grow your hair longer, ideal for those preparing to make a generous donation! The system work to restore three common signs of damaged hair: roughness, dullness, and unruly frizz.

• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Shampoo & Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Shampoo & Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Frizz Control Shampoo & Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Anti-Humidity Hairspray

You can find Pantene products at your favorite drugstore or mass merchandiser. To learn more about making a contribution to Beautiful Lengths, visit Pantene.com.

Sponsored: Pantene Customized Hair Solutions.

Do you know anyone who colors their hair? I mean, if you don't need to color, lighten, brighten or cover up your grays, consider yourself blessed. I have been using hair color on myself since I was 16 years old. Yes - years and years of hair damage has been done. It is true what they say too. Once you start, you cannot stop. So if you are anyone you know does the hair color routine, you need to repair hair as much as possible from the damage, and only a colored hair system will do. Pantene recently launched a full line of product to do just that.

Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions is a customized product line-up specially designed for us with color-treated hair. The series contains six customized shampoo and conditioner systems plus a conditioning/nourishing treatment designed to bring hair back to health. Volume, fullness, silky smooth styles or beautiful shine can be yours. Yes, even for your color treated hair. You just have to select which customized shampoo and conditioner system meets your needs.

 

If you want shine, try these:

• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine Shampoo - $3.99
• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine Conditioner - $3.99

Looking for volume and fullness, then you should try these:

• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Volume Shampoo - $3.99
• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Volume Conditioner - $3.99

Do you want a smooth and shiny, sleek style? Then try these:

• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Smooth Shampoo - $3.99
• Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Smooth Conditioner - $3.99

If you want to really enhance your color or highlights, then you should try one of the Daily Color Enhancing products. Made with liquid crystals (all non- color depositing) help to prevent fading by protecting from daily damage, while helping to keep the rich color intensity you want after coloring.

Look at the range here for the different type of hair color you have:

• Pantene Pro-V Brunette Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo with Liquid Crystals - $4.99
• Pantene Pro-V Brunette Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Conditioner - $4.99
• Pantene Pro-V Highlighting Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo with Liquid Crystals - $4.99
• Pantene Pro-V Highlighting Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Conditioner - $4.99
• Pantene Pro-V Blonde Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo with Liquid Crystals - $4.99
• Pantene Pro-V Blonde Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Conditioner - $4.99

No matter which of the shampoo and conditioning pairs you select from, all color treated hair needs to make use of this deep conditioner. It is the Pantene Pro-V Color Nourishing Treatment. For only $3.99, you get a large tube of conditioner that is to be used just once a week for enhanced color and shine. The formula is very moisturizing which helps to seal damaged cuticles and repair the porosity that can cause hair color to fade. I use it in the shower after shampooing and let it marinate in my hair for two minutes. It makes my hair instantly softer, more manageable and full of shine.

All of the new Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions are available at drugstores and mass merchandisers nationwide. The price could not be more right, nor could the solutions themselves. To find out more about the products, visit Pantene.com.

Disclosure: A free review sample of this product was provided by Pantene via Glam Media.