Exercise and Hair
Exercise and eating the right foods are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. We all know that. But how does exercise affect your hair health, hair loss, or hair regrowth? The answer might surprise you.
In general, exercise can help you maintain a healthy head of hair, and even help your body regrow hair. Regular exercise increases general health and circulation in your body. Increased circulation can stimulate growth in hair follicles. Also, exercise helps reduce stress in your life, and reduced stress helps with overall scalp health, according to Livestrong.com. So, if you exercise regularly, you are doing yourself—and your hair—a favor, right?
The answer might not be so simple.
Too much exercise, or overexertion, is actually bad for your hair. Excessive exercise causes a state of chronic stress in your body, according to author and nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman. Chronic stress is a leading cause of telogen effluvium (TE), a condition that causes premature resting and shedding in hair follicles, according to the American Hair Loss Association. In addition, eHow.com explains that extreme bodybuilding and other extreme exercise activities can produce more dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes baldness in men. Conversely, mild exercise, like regular jogging or cardio, can help reduce DHT.
However, there is one form of mild exercise or cardio to think twice about if you are conscious about your hair health: swimming in pools. Most pools contain chlorine. The chlorine is there to keep the pools clean, but it can cause your hair to become dry and eventually break or shed. If swimming is your favorite form of exercise, you can avoid chlorine damage by wetting your hair with non-chlorinated water before getting in the pool (i.e., a locker room shower), so your hair absorbs the normal water, rather than the chlorinated water. Also, get out every 30 minutes or so and rinse the chlorinated water out of your hair. Wear a swim cap, and wash your hair after swimming with proper hair care products.
Another thing to keep in mind about exercise is that it causes you to sweat. Salty, heavy sweat build up on your head can cause faster shedding or other damage to your hair. The Harvard School of Public Health advises that you can combat this damage by using mild, pH-balanced shampoo and moisturizing protein conditioner at least once a week. Avacor offers both Thickening Shampoo and Volumizing Conditioner to help combat hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Avoid using hot hair tools as well, such as blow driers and curling irons.
The bottom line: exercise regularly, but avoid over-exercising or extreme exercise activities, and take good care of your hair with the proper hair care products. If you are eating healthy and exercising regularly, but still experiencing hair loss, consider using Avacor Physician's Formulation, an FDA-Approved hair re-growth product clinically proven to revitalize hair follicles and help you grow back hair.
Photo courtesy of Menscosmo.com
Sexual Side Effects of Propecia
Many people experience hair loss, thinning hair, or baldness at some point in life, and seek some form of treatment to help stop or reverse hair loss. Several different products are available, from "snake oils" to FDA-Approved products like Avacor Physician's Formulation®. Finasteride, which has the brand name "Propecia," is another treatment option. Avacor Physician's Formulation does not use Propecia as an ingredient for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is because Propecia usage often leads to some negative sexual side effects for men. The drug is not FDA-Approved for women to use, though women who do use it are also putting their health (and the health of future children) at risk.
Loss of Libido. Some men who have taken Propecia have reported a reduced sex drive. Propecia blocks androgen, a hormone similar to testosterone. Androgen is needed for men to have a healthy sex drive.
Erectile Dysfunction. Propecia might also cause erectile dysfunction in men. Again, this is due to reduced androgen levels caused by Propecia.
Lower Sperm Count. A study by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., concluded that Propecia can result in a lower sperm count in men than before they began using the drug. This can also lead to lower ejaculate levels. The study indicated that the sperm count decreased when Propecia treatment began, then increased in the months immediately after the test subject stopped taking the drug.
Depression. Depression is typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. While it is not a sexual side effect, some people that have taken Propecia have reported increased symptoms or signs of depression. People who have already been diagnosed with depression should be especially careful with Propecia.
Some men who have taken Propecia also indicate that additional side effects include weight gain and muscle damage.
Side Effects for Women. Although the FDA does not allow prescribing Propecia to women to treat hair loss, some women still manage to get the drug to combat female pattern baldness or excess body and facial hair. However, the side effects can be even worse for women than men. Pregnant women should especially avoid Propecia; even touching the drug can be dangerous to the woman and child. Women who might become pregnant (i.e., most adult women) should use the same caution.
Professor Abdulmaged M. Traish from Boston University, who specializes in biochemistry and urology, indicated that almost everyone who uses Propecia to treat hair loss experiences some of these side effects, though the symptoms are more drastic for some than in others.
Perhaps the worst part about these side effects is that for some people, the side effects continue, even after Propecia treatment stops. Professor Traish called these prolonged side effects "a life sentence." With risks like these, you should consider seeking other treatment options than Propecia, such as Avacor Physician's Formulation.
The Importance of FDA-Approved Hair Products
We've all seen the term "FDA-Approved." But, do you know what it means? The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal government agency in charge of keeping the American public safe by regulating food, drugs, and medical devices. When a product or item is FDA-Approved, it has been rigorously tested and thoroughly inspected, and found to be both effective and completely safe for people to use or consume.
So, how does this relate to your hair?
Well, if you are experiencing hair loss, interested in hair restoration, or just curious about the process, you will undoubtedly encounter a wide variety of products to help stimulate hair growth. Many of these products are not FDA-Approved, which should be an automatic red flag. In other words, if a product is advertised to treat a medical condition, such as hair loss, but it does not indicate anywhere that it is FDA-Approved, then you should avoid using that product. You may be taking a major health risk using a product that is not FDA-Approved to treat any medical condition.
Avacor Physician's Formulation® is an FDA-Approved hair restoration product clinically proven to revitalize hair follicles and help you grow back your very own hair. The FDA has carefully tested and inspected how the product is manufactured, what ingredients are used, how much of each ingredient is used, how the product is stored and packaged, and how the product is administered. In other words, all aspects of Avacor Physician's Formulation production, including each ingredient, the bottling process, and the recommended dosage, have been deemed completely safe and effective for consumers to use for the treatment of hair loss, according to the FDA.
Unfortunately, some consumers continue to be tricked into buying "snake oil" products, or hair loss treatments not approved by the FDA. These products can cause unhealthy and unwanted side effects, such as acne, scalp hair loss, menstrual irregularities in women, irritability, and aggression, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian. The FDA also indicates other side effects of hair growth products that are not FDA-Approved include low blood pressure, heart palpitations and other cardiac symptoms, hair discoloration, sensitivity to sunburn, itching, rash, irritation, or stinging skin. "Snake oil" products are a waste of time and money. They also taint consumer's opinions of the entire industry, making consumers skeptical of all hair loss products, including the legitimate ones. Additionally, they can add more emotional stress in your life when you buy the product and it doesn’t work, and/or causes health problems.
The good news is that the FDA is starting to crack down more on snake oil salesmen and punishing people with fines and/or jail time for trying to sell hair regrowth products to consumers that are not FDA-Approved. However, consumers still need to be aware of the product they are buying.
The active ingredient found in Avacor Physician's Formulation is Minoxidil. Currently, the FDA has approved Minoxidil in two different strengths: 5% for men and 2% for women. The Avacor product has Minoxidil levels that adhere to these requirements. If the levels were anything different than the 2% and 5% required by the FDA, the product could not be advertised as FDA-Approved, and could be recalled by the FDA at anytime.
In January of 2012, the FDA issued a press release announcing the recall of some hair regrowth products because they were unapproved new drugs, and had high levels of Minoxidil that could cause health hazards to consumers. These products had Minoxidil levels between 10 and 15%. If you are currently using a hair regrowth product, be sure to check the Minoxidil level, and consider switching to Avacor's FDA-Approved Physician's Formulation, as well as other hair care products: the Avacor® All Natural Nutricap containing the active ingredient Saw Palmetto, which is widely thought to be a DHT inhibitor; Boost! by Avacor®, which is specially formulated to thicken hair from the very first application; and our Scalp Detoxifying Shampoo, which removes dirt and oil from the scalp, ensuring effective delivery of the Minoxidil to the scalp when applied after using the shampoo. Rest assured that all our products are manufactured in facilities that meet the highest safety and quality standards today. Furthermore, all our products are safe to use, and have been formulated to either help you grow a natural, full, healthy head of hair, or to maintain healthy, clean, and stylish hair.
Minoxidil and Pregnancy: What You Should Know
We were recently asked a question about whether women who are experiencing hair loss can use minoxidil when they are pregnant or breast-feeding.
When it comes to medications and your child, don't take any chances. It is very important to check with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant or breast-feeding.
First, we should mention that the FDA has not approved minoxidil for any indications other than pattern hair loss. According to a regulatory compliance guidance document from the FDA,1 minoxidil should not be used for hair loss associated with child birth. (“Do not use if… hair loss is associated with childbirth.”)
Information from both the FDA and the National Institutes of Health recommend speaking with a doctor or health professional before using minoxidil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
The FDA guidance document mentioned above states: “if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.” The NIH's MedlinePlus website2 provides a similar recommendation: “Before using minoxidil… tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.”
While we are not aware of any large, systematic studies of minoxidil use during pregnancy, a group of physicians from the Università di Firenze in Italy reported a case of a woman who used 2% topical minoxidil during her pregnancy and whose fetus developed abnormally.3 While no causal effect was established, the authors conclude: “Further knowledge on minoxidil-induced fetal toxicity would be beneficial before allowing its use in pregnant women.”
Remember - if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using any products that contain minoxidil. And please keep the questions coming!
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1. FDA Guidance: "Example Drug Facts Label for Minoxidil Topical Solution 2% for Men and Women". Link to FDA website
2. MedlinePlus drug information: Minoxidil Topical. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a689003.html
3. Smorlesi C, Caldarella A, Caramelli L, Di Lollo S, Moroni F. Topically applied minoxidil may cause fetal malformation: a case report. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2003 Dec;67(12):997-1001. Link to PubMed
High Dose Minoxidil Products – Lack of Evidence for Safety and Efficacy?
Several online distributors now offer products that contain minoxidil in higher doses than have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that contain minoxidil in combination with additional active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Although the FDA has only approved minoxidil at concentrations of two percent (2%) or five percent (5%) for the treatment of hair loss, some products available over the internet contain minoxidil at concentrations as high as 15%. Many are formulated with additional ingredients such as azelaic acid, retinoic acid, caffeine, and even finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia®), in combinations that have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The FDA evaluates two major concerns when considering new drug applications – safety and efficacy. Until these products are tested in clinical trials, there is no way to ensure that they are safe or to know whether high doses of minoxidil even provide any benefit over products that have been approved by the FDA.
Misleading Marketing?
Some consumers may find the marketing of these products to be misleading because of references to the FDA or to claims based on FDA-approved products containing 2% or 5% minoxidil.
The website for MinoxidilMax claims to offer “effective hair regrowth products... for male pattern baldness (alopecia androgenetica)” with “unmatched effectiveness.” Their products are manufactured “by an FDA registered cGMP compliant facility,” contain “the only effective ingredient approved by FDA in topical hair regrowth solution,” and have “the maximum strength of FDA approved hair growth stimulator (15% minoxidil).”
Consumers who read further on the company's website may be surprised to find that their products are not FDA-approved and that “the statement on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Another manufacturer, Perfect Image Solutions, offers high dose minoxidil products “specifically formulated to treat conditions associated with male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Aloepicia).”
The FAQ section of the website relies on the long history of FDA-approved minoxidil products like Rogaine® to imply that high dose minoxidil products must also be safe:
“How do I know using a high concentration of minoxidil isn’t an overdose?
Minoxidil has been on the market for over 20 years with an extremely low incidence of side effects, especially from topical application.”
Although claiming that the products are “clinically proven to yield unparalleled results in the field of hair loss,” manufactured in an “FDA registered cGMP compliant facility,” and that all ingredients, “including Minoxidil must meet all FDA guidelines,” the website does not provide any evidence of clinical trials demonstrating the safety or efficacy of its products.
FDA Takes Action
Earlier this year, Regrowth LLC, a well known distributor of high dose "specialty" minoxidil formulations (formerly sold under the name Xandrox), released the following statement on its website:
“We're very sorry to inform you that Regrowth LLC has to suspend all operations at this time. In an ongoing audit, the U.S. FDA has deemed our medications to be 'unapproved illegal drugs'.”
Regrowth LLC had been selling minoxidil formulations containing 15% minoxidil (three times the FDA-approved dose contained in products such as Rogaine® and Avacor Physicians Formulation®).
On May 25, 2011, the FDA initiated a recall of 57,999 bottles of Regrowth LLC's products, stating that “[t]hese products are unapproved drugs and may present potential health hazards.”1 Based on this recall, it would not be surprising if the FDA takes action to stop other distributors of high dose minoxidil formulations/combinations from selling unapproved drugs in the future.
Conclusions
At the time of posting this article, we are unaware of any clinical trials proving that products containing higher concentrations of minoxidil than 5% are safe or more effective than FDA-approved products containing 5% minoxidil.
In January, Dr. Glenn Charles, a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, commented:
“I have not seen any studies comparing 5% Minoxidil with higher % Minoxidil concentrations. I would imagine that the incidence of side effects might be higher with greater % of Minoxidil. However, many of the reported side effects might actually be caused by the other ingredients in these hair loss products containing Minoxidil.”
If you are still interested in experimenting with formulations containing high dose minoxidil or combinations with other active ingredients, it may be a good idea to consult with a physician before you begin using any such products.
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1. Enforcement Report for May 25, 2011: RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: DRUGS - CLASS II. FDA.gov (accessed September 8, 2011).
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm256794.htm
The Ghost of Hair Regrowth Past: Outdated Treatments for Hair Loss
Hair loss has been an unwelcome fact of human existence for the duration of recorded history and probably much longer. Many ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians and Greeks to the Aborigines and Native Americans, developed their own remedies for baldness. While some treatments like grape seed extract (which contains resveratrol) and emu oil have made a comeback in recent years,1 other concoctions made from less palatable items like dog toes and bird dung may seem barbaric to us today.
Even as recently as the 20th century, options for treating hair loss were crude and often dangerous. Looking in the archives of U.S. patents during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, we found some particularly hair-raising (in a bad way) “inventions.” Tonics made from unpleasant ingredients and hazardous heavy metals seem to have dominated the field of hair regrowth treatments. Here are a few examples:
Unsavory Ingredients
US Patent No. 578,632: Hot Bear’s Grease
Michael J. Fleming of Portland, Oregon graced the public in 1897 with his invention of “a new and useful composition... for the restoration of hair upon the heads of persons who have become bald,” which he made from month-old rusty water, the best Jamaican rum, and pure hot melted bear’s grease. The ingredients were boiled together for six hours, cooled for two days, and left to set for a week before use.
US Patent No. 112,632: Pukeweed Extract
In 1871, Sarah Amanda Reybert of New Jersey revealed a vegetable hair-tonic that she claimed was useful for “promoting the growth of the hair and preventing it from falling out,” as well as restoring gray hair to its original color, removing dandruff, and serving as a “beautiful hair-dressing.” The main ingredient, made by steeping Pukeweed (also known as Vomitwort, Asthma Weed, or Lobelia) in alcohol for about a week, was supplemented with castor oil and Spanish fly (tincture of cantharides).
Toxic Metals
US Patent No. 885,073: Mercury
A Texas hair-tonic from Annie and Jennie Newcom, patented in 1908, featured an aqueous extract of the quince seed, which is still used in the Middle East as a remedy for sore throat, cough, and pneumonia. Perfumed with oils of citronella and rose geranium, the tonic was likely fragrant and pleasant smelling, but it unfortunately also contained the highly toxic heavy metal salt mercuric chloride.
A “new and Improved Hair-Restorative” patented in 1872 by Phillip Trautwein of Brooklyn, NY, was made from gall nuts, abnormal plant growths caused by insect larvae. The creamy substance, which claimed to strengthen the nerves and materially increase the growth of hair, was probably sweet tasting due to a high content of sugar-of-lead (lead acetate). Users would likely have wanted to avoid ingestion though, since this lead compound has been blamed for the poisoning death of Pope Clement II and possibly also the composer Ludwig van Beethoven.2
Modern Treatments for Hair Regrowth
The last two decades of the 20th century brought two significant advancements in the treatment of hair loss: minoxidil, the first FDA-approved hair loss treatment for both men and women, and finasteride, an effective hormone-modulating treatment which is only approved for men.
These two medications have proven effective for thousands of men and women in slowing their hair loss and regrowing hair, but there is still no miracle cure for completely reversing or preventing hair loss. Recent discoveries like hair follicle stem cells and gene therapy have raised hopes for new treatments in the coming decades.
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for the Avacor® Hair Regrowth Blog’s new series on the “Future of Hair Regrowth,” featuring several of the hottest prospects for hair regrowth in the 21st century.
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1. Batchelder, T. “The anthropology of hair loss - Medical Anthropology.” Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. May, 2003. (accessed August 8, 2011)
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_May/ai_100767857/
2. Gensthaler, B. M. “Beethoven und Blei - Tödliches Zusammenspiel [Beethoven and Lead - Deadly combination].” Pharmazeutische Zeitung. July 23, 2001. (accessed August 9, 2011)
http://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/index.php?id=magazin_30_2001&no_cache=1
Update on Brazilian Hair Straightening – Members of Congress Urge FDA Action
An Associated Press article1 published today on numerous news sites is further raising public awareness about the potential problems with formaldehyde (methylene glycol) in keratin hair smoothing treatments.
Many government agencies in the U.S. and abroad have received adverse event reports from consumers about health issues with these products, notably including hair loss.2,3
Just two days ago, an Oregon woman who broke out in boils and lost her hair after receiving a Brazilian Blowout treatment filed a lawsuit against both the product's manufacturer and the owner of the salon where the treatment was performed.4
In response to these reports, several Members of Congress have signed a letter5 to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs expressing their concern about the safety of workers and consumers.
Citing reports to the FDA of “adverse reactions and injuries (including hair loss...),” the letter urged the administration to regulate the formaldehyde content and labeling of keratin hair treatments and to take action against manufacturers who misbrand their products as “Formaldehyde Free.”
The article quotes the letter's author, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., as saying: “It came to my attention that people were getting very sick, that there was hair fall, there were respiratory issues, there were all kinds of problems with Brazilian Blowout.”
The FDA is currently “still evaluating the data” on methylene glycol-containing hair straightening products.
Despite formaldehyde being classified as a known carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,6 an FDA spokeswoman told the article’s author:
“The use of formaldehyde in hair straighteners is not prohibited, and there are no limits on the level in our regulations.”
Keep checking back here on the Avacor® Hair Regrowth Blog for follow-up on the reports of hair loss, updates on the FDA's response, and any actions the administration takes to regulate formaldehyde exposure from keratin-based hair straightening products.
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1. “Call for Regulation of Hair-Smoothing Products.” Associated Press, via NY Times website. July 8, 2011. (Accessed July 8, 2011)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/07/08/business/AP-US-Brazilian-Blowout.html
2. “Several Professional Hair Smoothing Solutions Contain Excess Levels of Formaldehyde.” Health Canada. April 12, 2011. (Accessed July 8, 2011)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2011/2011_56-eng.php
3. “‘Keratin-Based’ Hair Smoothing Products and the Presence of Formaldehyde.” Oregon OSHA and CROET/OHSU. October 29, 2010. (Accessed July 8, 2011)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2011/2011_56-eng.php
4. Terry, Lynne. “Bend woman files lawsuit against manufacturer of Brazilian Blowout.” The Oregonian. July 6, 2011. (Accessed July 8, 2011)
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/07/bend_woman_files_lawsuit_again.html
5. Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Ed Markey, Tammy Baldwin, Earl Blumenauer, John Conyers, Nita Lowey, Jim Moran, Barbara Lee, Judy Chu, Ted Deutch. “Letter to FDA on Dangerous Chemicals in Brazilian Blowout Hair Treatments.” May 6, 2011. (Accessed July 8, 2011)
http://schakowsky.house.gov/images/stories/Letter_to_FDA_on_Dangerous_Chemicals_in_Brazilian_Blowout_Hair_Treatments.pdf
6. “Formaldehyde - Substance Profile” from the 12th Report on Carcinogens, National Toxicology Program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. June 10, 2011.
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/twelfth/profiles/Formaldehyde.pdf
Brazilian Hair Straightening: Could It “Blow Out” Your Hair?
The news of potential exposure to formaldehyde (a known human carcinogen1) from Brazilian hair straightening treatments began to surface almost four years ago, but adverse event reports recently released by the FDA reveal that some users have experienced hair loss after receiving these treatments.
Brazilian Background
In case you aren’t familiar with keratin straightening treatments (marketed under such names as Brazilian Blowout, Brazilian Keratin Treatment, and Keratin Complex), here is a brief description of the procedure.
Brazilian Blowout states on their product website that their original formula “improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle.”
According to an Associated Press article2 keratin straightening treatments “surfaced around 2005 in Brazil,” while an article3 on the Modern Salon website claims the procedure arose in the late 1990s in rural Brazil.
These treatments contain two critical ingredients: keratin, a protein found in hair and skin; and chemicals that bond the keratin onto the recipients own hair. The most common bonding chemical is formaldehyde dissolved in water (a.k.a. formalin, methylene glycol), a preservative used in embalming fluid.
In a standard treatment, the keratin/formalin solution is applied to the hair, followed by blow-drying and flat ironing at almost 450o F. The high temperatures used to lock in the treatment result in the production of “clouds of acrid-smelling smoke that stings the eyes.”2
Warnings from Public Agencies
The growing list of government health agencies that have issued warnings about formaldehyde exposure from these procedures already includes the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA),4 Health Canada,5 and the Irish Medicines Board.6
Oregon OSHA issued a final report7 on hair smoothing treatments and formaldehyde on October 29, 2010. Tests on 37 samples of Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution “Formaldehyde Free” found an average of 8.8% formaldehyde in the product.
Air monitoring tests in seven salons showed that performing a single treatment during one day did not result in actionable levels of formaldehyde in the air, but the report suggested that three comparable treatments by one stylist in the same day could result in levels exceeding the permissible exposure limit. Oregon OSHA “concluded that there are meaningful risks to salon workers when they are confronted with these hair smoothing products.”
Responses from Manufacturers
Some companies insisted their products were “formaldehyde free” because they were made with methylene glycol. Although methylene glycol is made from formaldehyde, known as “formaldehyde in solution” or formaldehyde monohydrate, and capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air, a scientist with ties to the cosmetics industry argued that the chemical formula of methylene glycol is distinct from that of formaldehyde (one ends in -ol and the other in -aldehyde) and therefore products containing methylene glycol should not be considered to contain formaldehyde as an ingredient.
(For more on the controversy over methylene glycol vs. formaldehyde, check out two posts here and here on the blog I Can Has Science, or the industry-supported position here and here.)
After Oregon OSHA publicized its test results, several manufacturers released statements regarding the “formaldehyde free” label and whether formaldehyde was an ingredient in their products (see examples here and here).
Brazilian Blowout subsequently removed the “formaldehyde free” claim from their original formula and released a new product called Brazilian Blowout Zero that does not contain methylene glycol.
Reports of Hair Loss and a Petition to the FDA
An organization called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) petitioned the FDA this April to take regulatory action regarding hair smoothing treatments that contain methylene glycol. In the document8 available on their website, EWG cites numerous adverse events reported to the FDA.
“In fact, FDA has received at least 47 adverse event reports about these products since 2008, according to records obtained in response to several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.”
Beyond the concerns about cancer, the headaches, itching, burning eyes, and respiratory irritation, some of the adverse event reports involve hair loss:
“Within five days of the treatment I began losing large amounts of hair… experienced about a 40% volume loss in my hair and it continues to fall out at the same alarming pace[.]”
“After washing/rinsing [the] product out of her hair complainant immediately noted hair loss... Over time [her] hair became thin and she experienced more hair los[s][.]”
“My hair started falling out and continues to do so[.] I have been to my dermatologist and he confirms that my hair follicles have been damaged[.]”
“within a week had extreme hair loss which has not stopped”
Although reports of hair loss following keratin straightening treatments appear to be few in number at this point, and there is no proof that the hair loss experienced by users was a direct result of the treatments they received, they may be worth keeping in mind when you’re choosing a solution for managing frizzy hair.
Keep checking back here on the Avacor® Hair Regrowth Blog for updates on the safety issues surrounding keratin treatments and future regulatory actions taken by government agencies.
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1. “Formaldehyde - Substance Profile” from the 12th Report on Carcinogens, National Toxicology Program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. June 10, 2011.
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/twelfth/profiles/Formaldehyde.pdf
2. “Hazardous for Health? Roots of Brazilian Blowout.” Associated Press, via ABC News website. February 24, 2011. (accessed June 29, 2011)
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=12983482
3. “Salon Today Investigates Brazilian Keratin Services.” Modern Salon website. March 11, 2009. (accessed June 29, 2011)
http://modernsalon.com/Salon-Today-Investigates-Brazilian-Keratin-Services/2009-03-11/Article.aspx?oid=842018&aid=39
4. “Hazard Alert - Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde” Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Updated June 9, 2011. (accessed June 29, 2011)
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/hazard_alert.html
5. “Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde: Update” Health Canada Advisory 2010-182. October 26, 2010.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_182-eng.php
6. “Concerns Relating to use of Certain Hair Straightening Products – Update.” Irish Medicines Board. November 29, 2010.
http://www.imb.ie/images/uploaded/documents/Concerns%20Relating%20to%20use%20of%20Certain%20Hair%20Straightening%20Products%20%E2%80%93%20Update%20Nov.%2029th.pdf
7. “‘Keratin-Based’ Hair Smoothing Products And the Presence of Formaldehyde.” Oregon OSHA and CROET at Oregon Health & Sciences University. October 29, 2010.
http://www.orosha.org/pdf/Final_Hair_Smoothing_Report.pdf
8. “Citizen Petition for Regulatory Action to Address Safety Concerns Surrounding Keratin Hair-Straighteners that Contain Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasing Chemicals as Ingredients.” Environmental Working Group. April 12, 2011.
http://static.ewg.org/reports/2011/brazil_blowout/PDF/FDA-Petition.pdf
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