Last week, we talked about the adverse reactions the Brazilian Keratin Treatment can have in relation to your health. After that post, I received an influx of questions from readers inquiring about damage to their hair as a result of undergoing this treatment, so I thought I would address those issues here.
First, let us get acquainted with the procedure. Here is an short training video that demonstrates the Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Reader Question:
"Me and a few of my friends had lots of shedding and breakage around the crown after getting the Coppola Treatment. Was this because of the Formaldehyde?"It may not be the Formaldehyde. My main concern with this treatment is the amount of Keratin [protein] used. Here's why; Certain proteins can cause hair follicles to be sensitive to DHT [a hormone]. If your DHT levels rise, or you have certain follicles that are sensitive to this hormone, chronic hair loss and breakage can occur. Here's how:
- DHT shortens the growth span of your follicles
- DHT causes follicle degradation
- DHT reduces blood supply to your follicles
- DHT can also weaken and shrink the follicles, causing the hair to fall from the root
Hair Thinning
Hair Loss
Chronic Breakage
Follicles that are sensitive to DHT are located around the crown, and this could be why you are experiencing breakage around that area. Ever see a man with Male Pattern Baldness? He is usually has hair loss in the crown, with the areas near the ears and nape intact. Male Pattern Baldness is caused by increased levels of DHT.
What to do if you are experiencing excessive shedding and breakage after a Brazilian Keratin Treatment?
Visit a dermatologist ASAP, as he/she may prescribe one or more of the following treatments to help curb further damage:
- Scalp Injections
- Nioxin or Rogain
- Biotin
I'm still interested in The Brazilian Keratin Treatment, how will I know my hair won't fall out?
Unfortunately, you won't. This is based on your inherited sensitivity to DHT. In other words, it is based on your genetic predisposition to hair loss. Does Male Pattern Baldness run in your family? If so, you may have a heightened sensitivity to DHT.
Other risks:
Chemical Shock: Some curlies have complained of a burning, inflamed scalp. This is an allergic reaction brought on by the chemicals used in this treatment and frequently leads to hair loss [otherwise known as shock-loss].
Breakage/Heat Damage: Not everyone's tresses can withstand flat iron's that reach 450 degrees. However, this heat setting is recommended by the manufacturer as it properly seals the product into the hair.Using an excessive amount of heat for your hair type can resort in heat damage, porosity issues [for more on that click here], and excessive breakage.
Follow MTM on Twitter | Add MTM on Bloglovin' | Like MTM on Facebook
I've done the Brazilian Blowout Treatment (not the Keratin Treatment) twice this year and been very pleased with the results. I blogged about it on my site if anyone is interested in seeing before/after pics and my take on it.
ReplyDeleteAs with any treatment, this is something you should definitely have done by a professional after having them assess the health of your hair and what your hair goals are.
I always recommended this for naturals that liked wearing straight styles, though it does minimize frizz and increase manageability with curly styles as well.
Thank GOD somebody was actually honest about this treatment. I have been searching high and low for answers after my hair was shedding like a dog. I got this treatment done by a professional and after days my hair starting shedding like crazy. The salon said it was probably my diet but the shedding started days after treatment. Turns out there are many people out there that have had hair loss just like me...do your research people and google keratin hair loss. dont wind up like me!!!
ReplyDeleteI had the Brazilian Blowout Treatment done earlier this year. It did what it said it was going to do which was make my hair easier to straighten. Also i was able to revert back to my natural afro within 4-6 months. However, this reversion took a while for the more heat damaged areas and I did notice increased hair fallout although it was not drastic.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my natural stylist got the treatment done a few times and her hair has gone from shoulder lenth to back length within about a year. It really just depends on your hair. It's kind of a gamble, that's why some people cannot seem to find a definite answer.
The FDA has received enough complaints about this treatment that they have issued an official statement: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm228898.htm
ReplyDeleteI've never been interested in this treatment and after reading your posts I think it uses to much heat. My mother asked me about this and I sent her a link to your first post. Thanks for researching it.
ReplyDeleteI hear there is a keratin treatment with no formaldehyde. Simply Smooth go to Americanculturehair.com
ReplyDeleteMy concern is the protein. Keratin is a protein so what happens with those who are protein sensitive? - Tracey
Just so people don't get confused, BKT's with "no formaldehyde" have a variation of it, or an aldehyde derivative, which bascially means they are no safer because they are not elemination the carcenogin just adding one from the same family. Don't be fooled by this, and with everything else, DO YOUR RESEARCH!!
ReplyDeleteHave you heard anything about Brocato curlinterrupted ???
ReplyDelete