HOUSTON – Many women go to great lengths to seek stick-straight locks, but the makers of one product many turned to was taken to court.
KPRC Local 2 first told you about the controversy over the Brazilian Blowout in December 2010 when government lab testing found some samples contained 8 to 10 percent formaldehyde, despite claiming otherwise.
The company has settled a lawsuit filed by the state of California for failing to warn people that the products contain a known carcinogen.
The company has agreed to stop false advertising and pay $600,000 in penalties.
Darcy Eaves, co-owner of Studio 3 in West University Place, told Local 2, "They should be held responsible if hairdressers have all kinds of health issues related to using the product without knowing it was dangerous."
Eaves stopped using Brazilian Blowout products at Studio 3 just before KPRC Local 2's 2010 story ran.
She explained, "All of the stylists in the salon complained of burning eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, burning in their nose."
A recent survey found that 28 of the top 41 salons are still suing the Brazilian Blowout products, so stylists said it's important for consumer to get educated and ask questions.
Eaves advised, "Healthy, pretty hair and a healthy body is much sexier than having something that could kill you."
In a statement, Brazilian Blowout manufacturer GIB Chief Executive Officer Mike Brady said, "The labeling and marketing and advertising changes agreed to in the settlement have already been in place for months. We are pleased to have this matter behind us."