Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatments
Moderate burden — Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatments adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Salon smoothing systems that release formaldehyde when heated.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 52 places keratin hair smoothing treatments in the Moderate band. The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. Occupational safety regulators issued hazard alerts after air testing found formaldehyde released during these treatments, including from products labelled formaldehyde-free. Salon workers carry the heaviest exposure because it is repeated daily.
Frequently asked questions
Is keratin hair smoothing treatments a toxic exposure?
Keratin Hair Smoothing Treatments has a Detox Score of 52 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Occupational safety regulators issued hazard alerts after air testing found formaldehyde released during these treatments, including from products labelled formaldehyde-free. Salon workers carry the heaviest exposure because it is repeated daily.
What is a safer alternative to keratin hair smoothing treatments?
A lower-exposure swap for keratin hair smoothing treatments is: Formaldehyde-free smoothing systems, or skip the treatment. Occupational safety regulators issued hazard alerts after air testing found formaldehyde released during these treatments, including from products labelled formaldehyde-free. Salon workers carry the heaviest exposure because it is repeated daily.