The keratin (also called the "Braziian") hair straightening process is really not in the category of routine straightening and hair dyes that are applied to the scalp and not absorbed through the skin.As Jennifer Tow pointed out in her post on this question, "This product is indeed very dangerous. Many refuse to use it b/c you need a vapor capture system and so many clients have had adverse reactions while it is being applied and on the following day."I researched Brazilian Keratin straightening for a mother several years ago. The process uses formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The outgassing poses a risk of serious inhaled exposure to this toxic chemical. According to a news report on the CBS Early Show around the time I was researching this issue, the chemicals painted on the hair can continue to break down for a while after it is applied. Personally, I wouldn't have the treatment under any circumstances. A friend of mine who had it confirmed that it
 uses formaldehyde and says she won't be repeating the treatment.It is alternately called the Brazilian, the Keratin, or the Brazilian Keratin hair straightening method. It may have other names as well.Here's a link to the CBS Early Show report on this subject, which appeared in 2007: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/26/earlyshow/health/main3414868.shtmlMy personal feeling is that I would warn breastfeeding and pregnant women away from this type of hair-straightening treatment, and I would advise her to thoroughly investigate the chemicals being used in any hair care treatment she is considering using.All the best,Judie Gibel, RN, MSc, IBCLC, LLL Leader
Date:    Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:19:24 -0500
From:    "Sara D. Roos" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Breastfeeding and "straightening hair"

Many years ago I worked on a study linking hair dyes and pediatric 
cancer.  Since then there have been many studies and meta-analyses of 
hair dye and its cancer risk with inconclusive results.  It's a hard 
thing to study.  And the evidence is unclear in terms of passing 
along a definite "No".  Still ... personally, I wouldn't do it. 
(Because the link cannot be irrefutably established does not mean the 
link is nonexistent).  How the chemicals will affect a baby or mom's 
milk is probably foggier still.  But it is certain that these hair 
dyes are very strong, very toxic chemicals.  The time when a mom is 
nursing might be a time when she would wish to err on the side of 
safety?  ... and of a relatively toxin-free life.  If it seems the 
mom is willing to listen to the possibility of refraining I would try 
to encourage that.

Nevertheless, note that Tom Hale states "absorption of these agents 
through the skin is minimal".  He adds that discarding milk for 4 
hours after the procedure could be a safety precaution but he doesn't 
think it's necessary.

That's the evidence.  Emotionally, I would stay clear all the same!! 
But how this fits with mom's "need" is important of course.  If she 
feels it's critical for her own sense of self, then probably the 
evidence doesn't irrefutably trump her need.

          

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