A few months ago, a beauty editor hyped a hair straightening product called “Brazilian Blowout” that’s been used by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Lindsay Lohan, and Reese Witherspoon. The editor raved that Brazilian Blowout “is formaldehyde-free, takes only 90 minutes, has no downtime, and best of all, eradicates almost all frizz without sacrificing body. It sounded way too good to be true.”
Of course, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Laboratory tests have shown that Brazilian Blowout contains up to 10% formaldehyde. That directly contradicts the company’s boast that the product contains “no harsh chemicals” and “no formaldehyde.” According to the National Cancer Institute, short-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure has been scientifically linked to cancer.
Small wonder that Brazilian Blowout is marketed as formaldehyde-free. But in lab tests, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division found that Brazilian Blowout had formaldehyde levels of “upwards of 10% in some samples.” The Canadian government advised salons to “immediately stop” using Brazilian Blowout, based on validated research showing that its formaldehyde content is 8.4%. That’s “42 times the acceptable limit” and “well above the amount known to cause injury,” according to the Canadian health agency.
The company says “there is no reason to believe” that the substance tested in Oregon “was indeed Brazilian Blowout product.” It also says a recent test showed safe levels of airborne formaldehyde in a salon environment where the product was used. A Brazilian Blowout treatment typically costs $300 to $500 at a salon.
If you are a consumer or salon owner who incurred damages as a result of purchasing Brazilian Blowout products or treatments, please contact us to discuss your legal options.