Things to consider before undergoing a keratin hair treatment

Everybody has awful hair days sometimes, but nothing can’t be fixed with a trip to the salon. Isn’t it great to sometimes treat ourselves to spa and hair treatments as a way of showing our hair some extra love and care?

 

At your next session, you should choose your hair treatment carefully, particularly if you want to have a keratin treatment.

Recently, keratin hair treatments have gained a lot of popularity since they promise straight, frizz-free hair.

But according to a recent case report that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a 26-year-old woman had kidney damage as a result of having glyoxylic acid-based hair straightening done three times in a salon between 2020 and 2022.

She had fever, nausea, diarrhea, and back discomfort after every visit. Her blood included high amounts of creatinine, a symptom that something was wrong with her kidneys, according to the physicians who reported the case.

Speaking on the subject, Manipal Hospital consultant nephrologist Dr. Garima Aggarwal said to India Today, “It’s true that keratin hair treatment is linked to kidney injury or kidney damage.”

The physician notes that several research have brought attention to this. Symptoms of hair straightening procedures included nausea, vomiting, redness on the scalp, and stomach aches in women. Kidney failure even struck a few. None of these women had a prior medical history of renal illness or any other condition, according to the study.

Have some knowledge of hair care
In case you’re wondering what keratin is, let us clarify that it’s a kind of protein present in our skin, hair, and nails. Consider it a component that helps to strengthen these sections.

The trichologist Dr. Meera Adhikari of the Adhikari Lifeline Cosmetics Centre in Palghar says, “Keratin therapy may make frizzy hair smoother, shinier, and easier to handle. The course of therapy typically lasts three months and requires one to three hours.”

Furthermore, as explained by Dr. Sonia Tekchandani, a dermatologist at Tender Skin International in Mumbai who is also a member of DocTube, “A cream containing formaldehyde or methylene glycol (a chemical that releases formaldehyde when used in hair straightening) is brushed into the hair, which is then blow-dried and flat-ironed.” A keratin treatment can last for three to six months.

Experts say that since keratin treatments try to change the structure of hair, they may temporarily enhance the look of your hair. But it may also result in hair loss and damage.

Does it pose a health risk?
Glyoxylic acid, in Dr. Aggarwal’s opinion, is to blame.

Many of the hair straightening products available today include glyoxylic acid. Additionally, the doctor notes that it is a widely utilized element in face creams and serums.

She goes on to say that during these hair treatments, glyoxylic acid inside the body gets converted to oxalate due to the large amount of product used and the quick absorption from the scalp into the bloodstream. This oxalate is then deposited in the kidney and causes severe kidney damage, also known as acute oxalate nephropathy.

“Many of the reported patients went on to even need dialysis therapies temporarily because of kidney failure following hair straightening,” says Dr. Aggarwal.

Additional side effects
Dr. Aggarwal claims that formaldehyde was once used in the creation of these hair treatments, but it was quickly found to be very harmful and may even be carcinogenic.

We now know that glyoxylic acid, which was added to these goods to make them formaldehyde-free, may result in rashes on the skin and scalp as well as pain and discomfort in the abdomen. The physician says, “Some patients even complained of breathing trouble in addition to renal injury.

Dr. Aggarwal further notes that glyoxylic acid or its derivatives are present in the majority of popular keratin hair treatments in India, and that this sector is unregulated in the country.

Dr. Adhikari concurs, pointing out that excessive usage of keratin hair treatments may cause damage to the hair, including dryness, breakage, and split ends, in addition to causing irritation to the scalp and allergic responses.

Continue pursuing it? Here are some things to remember.
Make sure you do your homework on the salon and the particular treatments they provide before making an appointment. Get the treatment from professionals only.
You may discuss your expectations, worries, and hair type with your stylist at a consultation that you can arrange. This will assist you in determining if your hair is suited for a keratin treatment.
Carefully read the product labels before using them. In particular, if you have any allergies or sensitivities, be mindful of the substances utilized in the keratin treatment. It is preferable to avoid strong chemicals.
Recognize the steps involved and acquaint yourself with the course of therapy, including its length, necessary aftercare, and any side effects.
Have your stylist go over the necessary upkeep with you.
Avoid using medicated serums or oils on your hair before to treatment.
Prior to doing the task, purchase shampoo and conditioner without sulfates.
Do not wet your hair for at least three days after the treatment.
In the event that perspiration or precipitation causes your hair to get wet, don’t forget to dry it as quickly as you can.
Remember to make follow-up visits so that you may check on the health of your hair and address any concerns or problems that could develop after the treatment.
What other options are there?
Experts advise deep conditioning treatments as an alternative to keratin hair treatments. These treatments provide dry, damaged hair significant hydration, replenishing moisture and enhancing general hair health.

Additionally, you may go for protein treatments, which increase suppleness, lessen breaking, and strengthen the hair shaft.

On the other hand, without the use of harsh chemicals, DIY hair masks prepared with natural components like avocado, honey, yoghurt, and eggs may provide deep conditioning effects. These masks may aid in strengthening, moisturizing, and repairing hair.