If you think getting your hair straightened sans relaxer is harmless, think again. Over the past few years the newest craze for getting hair straight has been Brazilian Blowout treatments. Most African American hairstylists stayed clear of them, citing the dangers found in a formulation that would require them to wear a gas mask. Yet at trade shows like The Bronner Brothers and IBS, brands like Marcia Teixeira, and Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solutions loomed large, taking over real estate space on the show's floors, long abandoned by traditional hair care brands, to provide demonstrations and lure black and caucasian stylists, respectively.
They all claimed their products were safe, formaldehyde-free. Yet last year several stylists in Seattle started complaining about nose bleeds and light headedness, after using Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solutions. After an investigation by OSHA, the office of California Attorney General Kamala Harris filed a class action lawsuit against the company (Marcia Teixeira was not named in the suit), claiming it has repeatedly claimed its products has no formaldehyde, when it did, and has purposely deceived the public.
On Monday the court agreed and ruled in favor of those who filed the suit, citing that GIB LCC, the manufacturers of the controversial Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, must put hazard warnings on its packaging and distribute a cancer warning to recent product purchasers, including it with all future product shipments. It must also alter the content of its Web site and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs associated with the lawsuit. In addition, GIB must retest products for smog-causing volatile organic compounds at Department of Justice-approved laboratories and work with the DOJ to ensure they comply with air quality regulations.
Since the controversy began, over a year ago, the company created a new product line called Brazilian Blowout Zero, seemingly to refer to no formaldehyde, and basically implemented what the judge issued. However, how can anyone trust them? While the state has won its case in requiring the company to issue the warning, the manufacturer has blatantly said it will NOT change its formulation and has no intention of doing so.
In an article for WWD, the CEO says: "We believe the settlement reached with Attorney General Harris represents a fair and equitable resolution," said Mike Brady, chief executive officer of the North Hollywood-based company, who adds that there will be no changes to the brand’s formula following the ruling. "Brazilian Blowout will continue to sell its products normally throughout the state of California. The labeling and market and advertising changes agreed to in the settlement have already been in place for months."
So in other words, use at your own risk. A-listers, we strongly advise against this product or any other so-called Brazilian straightening treatments made with formaldehyde or any type of hydes.
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