Advice From the Hair Shaman: Avoid The Brazilian Blowout

I just wanted to inform you about a deadly trend that seems to becoming dangerously popular among today’s female population: Brazilian Blowouts. At salons everywhere, women swear by the “Brazilian keratins” – treatments that deliver a so-called “drop-dead gorgeous do.” To the unsuspecting customer, this seems like a great deal for those trying to make their hair look perfect: the smooth, straight, celebrity look costs only a few hundred dollars but lasts for many months.

The truth is, this treatment is completely toxic. Many of the hair-smoothing products contain formaldehyde – a chemical the Environmental Protection Agency considers a carcinogen. This week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, recommended stylists stop using products with formaldehyde, which goes by a number of different names.

Stylist George Allen Patricio even offers a gas mask to clients worried about the fumes. Any type of hair care that requires one to wear a gas mask CANNOT be very good for you, but Patricio says he doesn’t have a problem using the products, even though he’s been told they have formaldehyde.

“Well, if they say they’re formaldehyde-free, and I believe them,” Patricio said.
But regulators found the toxin even in some products labeled formaldehyde-free.

It’s the second warning in the past week to women about the price of so-called perfect hair. A study by the Cleveland Clinic found that hair weaves that are too tight are a culprit in causing baldness and scarring in nearly 30 percent of African-American women.

Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist, said when patients come to her with balding and scarring, she hands over a box of tissues and talks to them about different wigs they can get. At that point, there is no hope.

In the documentary “Good Hair,” comedian Chris Rock put the $8 billion black beauty-care business under the microscope, watching chemicals used in hair products dissolve metal.

Maybe the hottest new trend in hair care will be one that comes warning free.

You have made the right decision by going to raw, vegan, and natural Morrocco Method.

Your hair and body will thank you!

Good health is our wealth,

Anthony Morrocco