### Keratin Hair Straightening Treatments: Benefits, Side Effects, and Maintenance **Benefits:** - **Smoother Hair:** Keratin treatments can make your hair smoother and straighter. - **Strengthens Hair:** Even if you have healthy hair, keratin can strengthen the hair shaft and make it more resilient. - **Restorative:** It is considered more of a restorative treatment that can improve the overall health of your hair. **Side Effects:** - **Hair Breakage:** The treatment itself doesn't cause hair breakage, but the flat-ironing process used to seal the treatment can. Using a flat iron that is too hot can scorch the hair and cause it to break off. - **Formaldehyde Exposure:** Some keratin products contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to health problems, especially for salon workers who are regularly exposed to it. The amount of formaldehyde can vary between products. **Maintenance:** - **Consult a Dermatologist:** If you have skin conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, consult a dermatologist before getting a keratin treatment. - **Ask About Ingredients:** You can ask salon professionals if the product contains formaldehyde or other ingredients you may wish to avoid. - **Report Reactions:** If you have a bad reaction to the treatment, report it to the FDA. - **Use Safe Products:** Most companies use safe levels of formaldehyde, but be cautious of salons mixing their own products to increase formaldehyde content. By understanding the benefits and potential side effects, you can make an informed decision about whether keratin hair straightening is right for you.