Brazilian Blowout

For years, Brazilian Blowout and other keratin-based hair-smoothing treatments have been marketed as safe, professional salon services. But behind the glossy results lies a dangerous truth: these products release formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals, putting salon workers, clients, and even bystanders at risk. 

Salon workers, clients, and even bystanders have developed serious short-term and long-term health problems as a result of exposure.

Health Risks of Hair-Smoothing Treatments 

Short-Term Effects of Exposure 

• Chronic headaches or migraines 

• Respiratory issues: coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath 

• Skin irritation, burns, or blistering 

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation 

Long-Term Health Risks 

• Uterine and ovarian cancer 

• Breast cancer 

• Leukemia and childhood leukemia 

• Nasal, throat, and sinus cancers 

These conditions may appear weeks, months, or even years after exposure. 

 

Products Linked to Formaldehyde Exposure 

Many keratin treatments marketed as “formaldehyde-free” actually contain ingredients (like methylene glycol) that release formaldehyde gas when heated. 

Brands linked to formaldehyde exposure include: 

• Brazilian Blowout 

• Advantage Brazilian 24 hrs Keratin Treatment 

• BioNaza (KeraHair, Choco Hair, Diamond, KeraVino) 

• Cadiveu Plastica dos Fios 

• Diora Professional Keratherapy 

• Envy Professional Trissola 

• Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy 

• Keratin Express Plus 

• La Brasiliana 

• Marcia Teixeira (Chocolate, Advanced, Original) 

• Simply Smooth / American Culture 

• GK Hair Taming System (Van Tibolli) 

 If you’ve been exposed to any of these products, you may have a legal claim. 

 

The “Formaldehyde-Free” Deception 

 

Manufacturers marketed these treatments as “formaldehyde-free” and “salon safe.” This was a calculated deception. 

• The liquid solution contained methylene glycol, which turns into formaldehyde gas when heated to 450°F during the flat-iron process. 

• This allowed companies to falsely claim products were “formaldehyde-free” while fully aware that stylists and clients would inhale a known human carcinogen during use. 

• Stylists began reporting alarming symptoms: nosebleeds, breathing problems, burning eyes, severe irritation. 

• Oregon OSHA testing later found formaldehyde concentrations as high as 8.5–11.5%—levels similar to embalming fluid. 

 

The Science: Government Confirms the Cancer Link 

The dangers of formaldehyde are well established: 

• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 1 human carcinogen (highest risk category). 

• FDA: Recognized formaldehyde as cancer-causing since 1987. 

Landmark Studies on Hair Straighteners 

Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the U.S. U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), confirmed the link between chemical hair products and cancer in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 

• 2021 Study: Hair product use associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. 

• 2022 “Sister Study”: Women using chemical straighteners more than four times per year were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. 

• Risk by age 70: 1.64% for non-users vs 4.05% for frequent users. 

Health Risks at a Glance 

Health Condition	Primary At-Risk Population	Supporting Authority / Evidence
Uterine & Ovarian Cancer	Hairstylists, Frequent Consumers	NIH “Sister Study”
Breast Cancer	Hairstylists, Frequent Consumers	NIH “Sister Study”
Leukemia (including Myeloid)	Hairstylists, Salon Workers (Chronic Inhalation Exposure)	IARC , National Toxicology Program, OSHA
Childhood Leukemia (ALL)	Children of Pregnant Workers (In-Utero Exposure)	Peer-Reviewed Studies
Nasal, Throat & Sinus Cancers	Hairstylists, Salon Workers (Inhalation Exposure)	IARC, U.S. EPA, CA Proposition 65

 

 

Why Choose Our Firm? 

We are national leaders in Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatment litigation. Our team has achieved the most successful outcomes in the country for clients harmed by these dangerous products. 

When product manufacturers fail to protect consumers and workers, we hold them accountable. We have the experience, resources, and proven results to handle these complex toxic exposure cases. 

What sets us apart: 

• Track record of landmark recoveries for salon professionals and individuals 

• Nationwide representation in toxic exposure lawsuits 

• Compassionate, client-focused approach backed by proven trial success 

Our Credentials 

The firm’s record is built on three pillars that work together to demonstrate unparalleled capability in this area of litigation: 

• The Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating: The highest honor an attorney or law firm can earn, awarded solely through confidential peer reviews. It reflects the pinnacle of professional excellence and ethical standards, held by fewer than 10% of U.S. attorneys. 

 

• Over 40 Years of Experience: This longevity signifies stability, deep institutional knowledge of complex litigation, and an unwavering, long-term commitment to justice. 

 

• Over $2 Billion Recovered for Clients: This figure is the ultimate proof of capability, demonstrating the firm’s ability to successfully handle the most complex, high-stakes cases and deliver life-changing financial results. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Your Case Is Different — Don’t Get Lost in a Mass Lawsuit 

You’ve likely seen ads for the large “hair relaxer” lawsuits, bundled into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL). But cases involving Brazilian Blowout exposure are different and often much stronger. Mass MDLs may be efficient for firms handling thousands of claims, but they can dilute powerful, case-specific evidence. Unique facts get lost in the shuffle, leading to “averaged-down” results. Your case involves clear evidence of fraud and direct harm. Our individualized approach ensures your story and evidence are front and center, maximizing your recovery. 

We don’t treat your case as one of thousands. We focus on your evidence, your recovery, and your results. 

 

Do You Have a Claim? 

You may have a case if you: 

• Worked in a salon where Brazilian Blowout or keratin treatments were used regularly 

• Personally received one of these treatments and developed health problems 

• Developed one of the many cancers linked with exposure (uterine, ovarian, breast, leukemia, childhood leukemia, nasal, throat, and sinus cancers) 

📞 Call us today at (816) 836-5050 
💻 Or fill out our confidential online contact form to get started 

**Free case evaluation. No fees unless we win.**