Brazilian straightening is becoming increasingly popular and appreciated. However, some experts claim that this technique has its dangers, especially for pregnant women. It is clear that some products can be harmful to pregnant women, especially if they are treatments with formalin. Is Brazilian straightening on a pregnant woman dangerous?
The popularity of Brazilian straightening among pregnant women
Brazilian straightening was created about ten years ago and is gaining more and more followers. It allows you to transform wavy or curly hair into straight hair. The application of the straightening product lasts on average 90 minutes. The hair remains smooth and shiny for about 4 months. It is therefore understandable that pregnant women want to take advantage of a product that makes styling easier.
However, even if keratin, the main agent in action in Brazilian straightening, is of natural origin, it is often used with other components in order to adhere more easily to the inside of the hair. Some of these components represent a real danger for the health of a pregnant woman . If Brazilian straightening uses formaldehyde, it is then strongly discouraged.
Formaldehyde: The Real Danger in Brazilian Smoothing
In some products for straightening, formalin is used. It is also called formaldehyde . This component is recognized as potentially carcinogenic. It should therefore not be inhaled. Among the damage it can cause, in addition to cancer, are allergies and attacks on the central nervous system. Repeated exposure to formalin or too high a dose of it can cause malformations in the fetus . There is also a risk of miscarriage .
The unpleasant effects are felt quickly. In addition, hot styling tools tend to reactivate the chemicals that remain in the hair. Toxic fumes therefore continue to act when you are at home. You can be affected without realizing it. It is therefore important to protect the fetus first.
In Europe, Brazilian straightening products must not contain more than 0.2% formaldehyde . However, pregnant women should stay away from them. Brazilian straightening must be completely organic and not give off strong fumes that may bother the mother-to-be. It is possible to seek the advice of a health professional by showing them the list of components used for Brazilian straightening.
Caution is advised
Several experts recommend that pregnant women avoid Brazilian straightening with formalin during pregnancy. You should never accept a treatment that contains formalin. For pregnant women who already have straight hair, there is really no urgency to apply Brazilian straightening. It is true that this type of treatment improves the health of the hair, but it is better to wait before enjoying it.
Care should be taken to ensure that the formalin is not replaced with methylene glycol, which can release formaldehyde when heated.
