Popular Hair Salon Product Recalled Over Health Fears

Business & Finance - Consumer

Tuesday, 19 October 2010 11:00

Written by Noel Cotter

The Irish Medicines Board has recalled a popular hair salon product over health fears.

This product, 'Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution', is marked as “professional use’” only and has been found in hairdressing salons across Ireland. It is used to give a long-lasting salon blow-dry look to hair.

This product has been found to contain levels of formaldehyde in excess of that permitted under European and national legislation.  Formaldehyde is a known irritant and sensitizer. Regular inhalation over a long period of time can lead to more serious health consequences.

The product is heated by blow drying and using straightening irons, which may cause the formaldehyde to vaporise. Exposure to formaldehyde above the allowed limits places stylists, the person to whose hair the product is applied and those within the immediate vicinity, at increased risk.

In particular, hair stylists applying this product, and persons to whom it is applied, may experience undesirable effects. Typically, these may include burning of the eyes, irritation to the nose and throat, and breathing difficulties.

What to do

Hair stylists who use the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution should immediately stop using this product.

There is no cause for concern for persons who have used this product and not experienced any undesirable effects.   If you have experienced any undesirable effects with this product you should consult your doctor.
Learn more

For more information contact the Irish Medicines Board on 01-6764971 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it