“Brazilian smoothing”, “keratin treatment”, “hair botox”… the names change, but one question comes back every time: does it contain formaldehyde? Here is what you should know before you book.
What formaldehyde does in a smoothing treatment
Formaldehyde (and the ingredients that release it when heated, such as methylene glycol or glyoxylic-acid blends used at very high temperature) is used to “fix” the hair in a straight position. It works, but it has a cost: fumes during application, irritated eyes and throat for the client and the hairdresser, and a hair fibre that is often drier after a few weeks.
Why Europe limits it
In the European Union, formaldehyde is restricted in cosmetics and products releasing it above a very low threshold must carry a warning. Many salons have simply stopped offering these treatments. That is why a new generation of formaldehyde-free smoothing treatments has appeared.
How a repairing smoothing works without formaldehyde
NOVELLISS takes a different approach: instead of forcing the hair straight with a fixing agent, the treatment repairs the fibre while it smooths it. Four registered patents work together:
- Restart Pro – rebuilds the internal structure of the hair (+300% strength measured in laboratory tests).
- Corum 5118 – seals split ends.
- Fermentoil – deep hydration.
- Pro Shine – three times more shine.
Four natural oils (sweet almond, tea seed, camellia and argan) complete the formula. The result is smooth, disciplined hair that lasts up to four months, without fumes and without damaging the fibre.
The protocol in the salon
- Pre-treatment detox shampoo pH 8.0 – opens the cuticle and removes residues.
- Restorative Smoothing – natural-hair or dyed-hair version, applied strand by strand.
- Flat iron – with the Turbo Liss Pro titanium straightener.
- Therapy home care – sulfate-free shampoo, mask and serum to make the result last.
Questions to ask your hairdresser
- Is the product formaldehyde-free and compliant with EU regulation?
- Is it suitable for coloured or bleached hair? (NOVELLISS has a dedicated dyed-hair version.)
- Which home care should I use afterwards?
NOVELLISS is the only professional repairing smoothing treatment made in France, in Cannes. Read the full professional protocol or discover the Therapy home care range.