A Closer Look: Brazilian Blowout Formaldehyde Questions Continue.

Los Angeles Times

Jill Adams

November 29, 2010

Is the Brazilian Blowout hazardous to your health?

That question has been buzzing through beauty parlors since September, when a chance discussion in an Oregon salon made investigators suspicious of the popular hair-straightening treatment. Laboratory tests revealed the straightening solution contained dangerously high levels of the chemical formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems, skin reactions, headaches and more.

This month, California Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown filed a civil lawsuit against GIB maker of the Brazilian Blowout treatment. The suit contends the company failed to warn its employees and customers that the straightening product contains high levels of formaldehyde. The suit also accuses the company of false advertising by claiming that some versions of the product are “formaldehyde-free” and “salon safe.” GIB says that any formaldehyde in its products is low enough to warrant such labeling.