Posted by Tomi Wahlroos
on April 18, 2022
Countless individuals have experienced allergic reactions or developed chemical sensitivity as a result of synthetic ingredients found in common hair treatments. Many of the smoothing treatments offered at salons are loaded with toxic chemicals that can trigger serious allergic responses in the body.
Formaldehyde is widely recognized as the most notorious toxin present in mainstream hair smoothing products. Given the potentially dangerous health effects of formaldehyde exposure, we're proud that our ANSWR at-home keratin treatment is completely free of this harmful chemical — and we believe it's important to highlight that when you visit a salon, you often have minimal control over which chemicals are being applied to your hair.
In this article, we'll explore several real cases of chemical sensitivity triggered by formaldehyde in hair treatments and how these experiences unfolded. Our goal is to help you understand exactly what you're subjecting your body to and the potential consequences that can follow.
What is Chemical Sensitivity?
When our body encounters a foreign substance — such as a chemical in a hair product — it can sometimes develop a heightened reaction known as chemical sensitivity. This occurs when the immune system identifies the substance as a threat and begins mounting a defensive response. Once sensitized, even trace amounts of the offending chemical can set off a reaction. Common symptoms include skin irritation, respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Over time, repeated exposure may intensify these reactions, potentially leading to chronic health complications. Chemical sensitivity is especially concerning in hair treatments because many products contain potent ingredients that are applied directly to the scalp — one of the most absorbent areas of the body.
The signs and symptoms of chemical sensitivity differ from person to person. Some people may experience mild discomfort, while others can develop debilitating reactions that disrupt their daily lives. Here are a few real stories that illustrate just how serious this issue can be.
Dawn's Story of Formaldehyde Poisoning
Dawn Marino had been working as a hair stylist at a salon in New York for two years when she began experiencing severe health issues — headaches, nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms started shortly after a Brazilian Blowout treatment was introduced at her workplace.
At first, multiple doctors misdiagnosed her condition as a persistent sinus infection and prescribed medication accordingly. It wasn't until she saw a specialist that she was finally diagnosed with formaldehyde poisoning — a direct consequence of her daily exposure to the chemical at the salon.
Her physician cautioned her to avoid all contact with formaldehyde, warning that continued exposure would only worsen her condition. However, her employer refused to stop offering Brazilian Blowout treatments at the salon.
Dawn continues to deal with ongoing health issues stemming from chemical sensitivity and now experiences allergies she never had before. She has since dedicated herself to spreading awareness about the dangerous chemicals commonly used in hair and nail treatments worldwide.
Jessica Misener's Hair Fall after Keratin Treatment
Jessica Misener is a senior style editor at the Huffington Post. Her experience began when she received an email at work offering her a complimentary keratin treatment, commonly referred to as a Brazilian Blowout. As someone in the beauty media industry, she regularly received such promotional offers. She was fully aware of the ingredients and process involved in the popular Brazilian Blowout — and she also understood the potential health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure.
Despite knowing the risks, her desire for sleek, frizz-free hair won out, and she went ahead with the treatment. Roughly a month later, she noticed alarming amounts of hair falling out in clumps. Each time she shampooed, thick strands of hair would collect in her hands. It was a frightening experience.
A Google search led her to discover that she wasn't alone — many other women had reported the same issue following their keratin treatments. Forums and beauty communities were filled with similar accounts of post-treatment hair loss.
She eventually consulted a dermatologist, who confirmed that hair shedding was a known side effect of keratin treatments. While relieved to have an explanation, Jessica was frustrated by the lack of upfront warnings.
Keratin treatments can traumatize hair follicles, leading to significant hair loss. Jessica was glad to finally understand the cause of her hair fall, but her experience served as a stark reminder of the hidden risks behind seemingly glamorous salon services.
Jennifer Arce's Story of Chemical Intolerance
Jennifer is a California-based hair stylist with roughly 20 years of experience. She had a devastating encounter with Brazilian Blowout — one of the most popular salon smoothing treatments in the industry.
She fell ill after her very first exposure to the product, and her doctor attributed her symptoms to chemical poisoning. The damage to her lungs was so severe that she struggled to carry out basic daily tasks.
Working in a salon environment saturated with chemical hair treatments only compounded the problem. Her colleagues also began noticing that the newly introduced Brazilian Blowout product was making them sick as well. They all started developing symptoms of chemical hypersensitivity — sore throats, sinus infections, and persistent migraines.
Jennifer and several of her coworkers eventually relocated to a different salon that agreed to eliminate all hair smoothing products after being presented with the research evidence. But the problem persisted — many clients who had received Brazilian Blowout treatments elsewhere would come in for color services, haircuts, and styling.
Each time formaldehyde-treated hair was heated, the released fumes made Jennifer and her colleagues ill all over again. Jennifer was ultimately diagnosed with chemical intolerance as a direct result of her prolonged formaldehyde exposure at work.
She and her coworkers began writing letters to the FDA and Congresswoman Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who was championing the Safe Cosmetic Act. Jennifer's case highlighted a critical gap in how cosmetic products are regulated and how salon professionals are put at risk.
She continues to advocate for awareness and push authorities to take action against hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde, working to protect both salon workers and consumers.
A Word from ANSWR
Finding an in-salon hair smoothing treatment that's free of formaldehyde can be a real challenge. Fortunately, more brands are now developing formaldehyde-free hair treatment alternatives.
ANSWR is one of those brands committed to offering safer alternatives to chemical-heavy hair treatments.
Our mission is to stand against the harsh and potentially harmful chemicals that are so prevalent in salon products — by providing healthier options that deliver the same stunning results without putting your health at risk, all from the comfort of your own home.
The keratin treatment in the ANSWR Kit is not only formaldehyde-free but also 100% sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
We are dedicated to shielding our customers from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals that have become all too common in the beauty industry. Additionally, ANSWR's smoothing spray is enriched with nourishing Brazilian plant-based ingredients that feed your hair and scalp while helping to maximize and extend the treatment's results.
So, the decision is yours. Would you still risk exposing your body to a treatment loaded with carcinogenic substances, or would you choose the safer path?
Try our all-natural and nourishing smoothing treatment — enjoy beautifully smooth hair for up to three months without worrying about harsh chemicals.