Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products

Know the Risks Before You Straighten

Thinking of straightening or smoothing your hair? Many salon hair treatments release formaldehyde gas — a known human carcinogen — when heated. This chemical can pose serious short- and long-term health risks to both clients and stylists.

What’s the Risk?

When hair smoothing products are heated (usually with a flat iron), they can release formaldehyde into the air. If the salon isn’t properly ventilated, you may inhale this gas — which can lead to:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Coughing, wheezing, chest pain
• Skin rashes and allergic reactions
• Long-term effects like asthma or cancer

Some people are especially sensitive to formaldehyde and may experience severe symptoms even at low exposure.

What You Can Do

Avoid DIY treatments – Only use these products under the supervision of a trained salon professional.

Read labels carefully – Look for ingredients like:

Formaldehyde

Formalin

Methylene glycol

These are all signs the product releases formaldehyde.

Ask your stylist

Does the product contain formaldehyde?

Is the salon well-ventilated?

Are safety precautions followed (like gloves, goggles, and air testing)?

Are there safer, formaldehyde-free alternatives available?

Report any bad reactions

If you have symptoms, stop use immediately and report it to your doctor and to the FDA through MedWatch.

Straight hair shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Always ask questions, read labels, and choose safe, well-regulated products — especially when formaldehyde is involved. Read more about this.