Current unanswered letter to NCA (National Cosmetology Association)

I am a hair stylist with over 20 years experience. I also practice Japanese hair straightening and have for some time now. A few years ago I noticed a new product being marketed called the "Keratin" or "Brazillian" straightener.

This is an amazing product as it leaves your hair brilliantly straight and shiny!!

The unfortunate part is that it also contains Formaldehyde. The exposure levels are unpredictable and have been researched by several independent agencies, most products going over the legal limit.

The process for applying this product puts hairstylists, their clients, and everyone in the salon at risk, to formaldehyde exposure as the product is flat Ironed into the hair, and the vapors sent into the air and contaminating the entire salon.

The most disturbing trend I have noticed lately is that I have seen advertisements. from all major beauty suppliers in this area offering this product as "Formaldehyde Free"!!

Technically this is true as there are around 7 different forms of formaldehyde like "Anahyde" which is just another form of Formaldehyde. Because it has a different name they claim their product has no formaldehyde! The average hair stylist believes that this is a chemical free product . This is misleading and false, some of the ads I have seen actually suggest that the product is natural and safe.

As a cancer survivor myself I feel this is harming hairstylists, and who knows what effect this has on unborn children.

We need some representation to make our workplace safe. Utah needs to creat some laws concerning the use of this product.

I believe that all people in the salon should be informed when the product is in use. It should be used in a closed off ventilated area.

Clients should be given a choice to wear a mask that protects them from chemical exposure. hair stylists should be wearing masks.

Beauty suppliers need to be accountable and inform hair stylists of the risks of using this product. At the very least they need to be honest and up-front in their advertising.

I am requesting your help with the process of bringing this to the Utah State Government, for review.

Thank You,

Annie OConnor