Photo via Richard Perry/New York Times
The Brazilian Blowout controversy rages on as California lawmakers demand that the manufacturers of the Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, GIB LCC, put warning labels on their packaging.
We covered the Brazilian Blowout dispute back in 2010, when word got out that a stylist in Oregon claimed that they experienced difficulty breathing, eye irritation and nose bleeds when applying the Brazilian Blowout products which consist of 8-10% formaldehyde (a carcinogen), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Since then, companies — not including GIB LCC — have launched alternative hair-smoothing methods claiming that they are formaldehyde-free, like the Simply Smooth Keratin treatment we mentioned in a past article. Again, not all hair smoothing treatments are the same as the ones manufactured by GIB.
In a recent Women’s Wear Daily article, they stated that this past Monday the California Safe Cosmetics Act — which, according to Attorney General Kamala Harris, “…protect consumers and workers and give them fair notice about the health risks associated with the products they use” — enforced its first governmental action by demanding that GIB LCC adhere to the following stipulations:
– Put warnings on its packaging
– Distribute a cancer warning to recent product purchasers, including it with all future product shipments
– Alter the content of its web site and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs associated with the lawsuit
– Retest products for smog-causing, volatile organic compounds at Department of Justice-approved laboratories, and work with the DOJ to ensure they comply with air quality regulations
Mike Brady, chief executive officer of GIB LCC, plans on following the attorney’s ruling, but will not alter any of the ingredients in the products, stating, “Brazilian Blowout will continue to sell its products normally throughout the state of California. The labeling and market and advertising changes agreed to in the settlement have already been in place for months.”
So, there you have it. The warning labels are being put into effect and hopefully the GIB company will follow suit.
Are you still going to get your Brazilian Blowout? Afraid of the chemicals? Don’t worry, check out our article about different alternatives with similar results here and here!
– Theresa Romano
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