Does hair straightening affect health?

Hair straighteners are only safe for health when they contain no formaldehyde in their composition, such as progressive brush without formaldehyde, laser straightening or lifting hair, for example. These straighteners are identified by Anvisa as ethical straighteners and do not contain such formalin substance, which can cause burns, hair loss and even cancer in the long run.

Thus, all straighteners containing other substances such as ammonium thioglycolate, thioglycolic acid, carbocysteine, guanidine hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, acetic acid or lactic acid, instead of formalin, are safe and can be used to straighten the hair.

However, these types of treatments should be done in specialized hairdressers, as it is necessary to evaluate the hair type and the skin of the scalp to know which substance is most appropriate in each case, so as to obtain not only the best result, but also avoid damaging health.

Can pregnant women do hair straightening?

Pregnant women should definitely not straighten their hair with formalin; however, other products should also not be used, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, because it is not yet known if they are totally safe for the baby.

See the safest way to do hair straightening during pregnancy.

What are the precautions before smoothing?

Before smoothing, it is important to have some care like:

• Do the hair straightening at a reliable hairdresser, who uses straightening products without formaldehyde;
• See the label on the smoothing product and check if it has an Anvisa approval code that starts with the number 2 and has 9 or 13 digits;
• Be aware if the hairdresser puts the formaldehyde after preparation of the product (this substance usually releases a very strong smell that can cause burning eyes and throat);
• Be aware if you stay away from other people in the salon, if the hairdresser turns on the fan or puts a mask on his face due to the strong smell of the formalin.

Also, if you start feeling itchy or burning on the scalp you should stop straightening and immediately rinse your hair with water as the product probably contains formaldehyde.

If you have a safe smoothing, know now how you can take care of the hair to ensure the effect for longer.