Frizz or formaldehyde? Trendy 'do poses a hairy dilemma

Frizz or formaldehyde? Trendy 'do poses a hairy dilemma


Testing finds compound in Brazilian Blowout (but it sure makes hair look fabulous)

Nathan Weber / for msnbc.com



Jennifer Dooley's hair was transformed from frizz-prone to perfectly smooth and straight when she underwent a Brazilian Blowout two months ago. The product is labeled "formaldehyde-free" but recent tests conducted in Oregon and Canada suggest otherwise.

By Diane Mapes

“Suffer for beauty” has been taken to a whole new level with recent controversy surrounding a trendy hair treatment called the Brazilian Blowout.

The product, used in pricey salons, turns frizzy, unmanageable locks into the luxurious pin-straight looks made popular by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The catch? Tests conducted by the state of Oregon earlier this month determined that the product contains unsafe levels of formaldehyde — as in, embalming fluid — a known carcinogen.

But that’s not deterring some from the pursuit of fabulous wash-and-wear locks.

“Chemicals are a way of life now,” says Stefeny Anderson, a 36-year-old event planner from Renton, Wash., who got her first Brazilian Blowout two weeks ago in an effort to tame “corkscrew curls” that frizz at the slightest hint of rain (a given in Washington state). “It’s not like you’re putting it in your hair every day.”

Introduced at salons a few years ago, the Brazilian Blowout costs about $250. But after the two-hour treatment — which involves coating the hair with the chemical, then flat-ironing it — coarse, kinky hair becomes soft, smooth and straight for two to three months. Sort of an anti-perm, the Brazilian Blowout has been touted as more effective and less time-consuming than other hair-straightening methods such as conventional relaxers, Japanese thermal processing or other keratin-based treatments (there are several available), although concerns have been raised about the product’s possible formaldehyde content in the past, when Allure magazine did an exposé.

These concerns soon dissipated, though, once the company reformulated the products and began distributing bottles labeled “formaldehyde-free.”

Formaldehyde-and-seek

Earlier this month, though, Oregon Health & Science University issued two public alerts after tests performed by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found up to 10.6 percent formaldehyde in the product (.2 percent formaldehyde is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel).

Brazilian Blowout disputes the finding. "We have no formaldehyde in our formula," spokesperson Dana Supnick said.

In other tests a couple of weeks ago, Canada's health department found up to 12 percent formaldehyde and warned people to stop using it, citing consumer complaints of “burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of the product.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen with research suggesting an association between formaldehyde exposure in workers and several cancers including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Short-term exposure is no picnic, either; adverse effects include watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation.

Health complaints from stylists who’ve performed the Brazilian Blowout on clients have prompted at least one class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. The FDA has also announced it’s received “a number of inquiries from consumers and salon professionals concerning the safety of this product” and are currently looking into the issue.

Godsend or health gamble?

Despite these hair-raising headlines, the Brazilian Blowout has proved to be such a godsend for those with frizzy, unmanageable hair that health-conscious women are left in a tangled dilemma.

Courtesy of Jennifer Dooley

Jennifer Dooley says surviving this year's annual Jimmy Buffet concert without frizz is the true test of the Brazilian Blowout. On the left, she's at last year's show, with "curly hair as big as the stadium he played in." At this summer's show (right), Dooley's hair stayed sleek through the encore.

“I keep debating with myself,” says Jennifer Dooley, a 31-year-old hospital public affairs officer from Romeoville, Ill., who got a Brazilian Blowout two months ago. Dooley says her new stick-straight hair requires no maintenance whatsoever, as opposed to her kinky curls which made her hair look like a “football helmet” in Chicago’s humidity.

Dooley says the true test of the Brazilian Blowout came at the end of the summer, when her formerly frizzy hair withstood eight hours of tailgating in 100-degree heat at a Jimmy Buffet concert. At last year's concert, she ended the night with "curly hair as big as the stadium he played in."

“I’d probably be doing infomercials for it if there weren’t so many concerns about it right now,” she says. She goes to a reputable salon and trusts her stylist so says when the solution was touted as “formaldehyde-free” she decided to give it a try. “But it does make you think, ‘What did they really do to my hair to make it do that?’ I know how curly it is. I’ll think twice before I’ll do it, but I wouldn’t say no to doing it again.”

Others, like Anderson, believe the formaldehyde issue has been blown out of proportion.

“I think people tend to freak out about things and don’t know all the details and then all of the sudden, something gets banned,” she says. “It’s totally worth it. I love the way my hair looks.”

Video: Sesame Street's 'I love my hair' video goes viral

Better safe than sorry?

Despite customer demand, Vasken Demirjian, owner of the Vasken Demirjian Salon in White Plains, N.Y., stopped offering the treatment.

“I pulled it off the menu the second I found out about the test in Oregon,” he says. “I’ll probably lose some clients but I could care less at this stage. The whole thing is alarming.”

Alarming, but perhaps not totally unexpected.

“One of my stylists said it made her eyes water when she was using it so she started wearing a mask,” he says. “When I saw her wearing that mask, I asked myself, ‘Does that look good? No.’”

Remembrance Day

Canadians in the Great Wars


In World War I, Canadians fought in historic battles such as the battles of Ypres, Passchendaele, and Vimy Ridge, and Canada’s “Hundred Days” offensive which ended the War on November 11, 1918. Canadian soldiers became known around the world as an elite force, and were nicknamed “storm troopers” by those who feared them.

In World War I (1914-18), World War II (1939-45) and the Korean War (1950-53), more than 1,500,000 young men and women bravely served overseas. More than 100,000 of these soldiers never returned home.

If you would like to learn more about the role Canadians have played in major wars, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at:

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/ or the Royal Canadian Legion website at http://www.legion.ca/

What is Remembrance Day?

The signing of Armistice occurred at 11am on November 11, 1918, marking the official end of World War I. On November 11th by remembering the soldiers lost in World War I. Since then, we pause for a moment of silence on the eleventh hour of the eleventh month , promising to never forget.

Why Do We Wear The Poppy?

While stationed near Ypres, Belgium in April of 1915, a Canadian soldier, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, wrote the famous poem, In Flanders Fields.

Those who read the poem were inspired to wear poppies in memory of the soldiers lost during the war. The poppy has since became a national symbol of remembrance for Canadians.

Where Can I attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony?

Sunrise Ceremony – 7:30am, Prospect Cemetery, 1450 St. Clair Avenue West (St. Clair Avenue & Lansdowne Avenue)

York Civic Centre – 10:45am, York Memorial Collegiate, 2690 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto City Hall – 10:30am, Cenotaph, 60 Queen Street West

North York Civic Centre – 10:45am, George Weston Recital hall at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge street

For updates on times and locations, visit http://www.toronto.ca/lestweforget/remembrance-city.htm or contact Mike Colle’s office at 416-781-2395

The History of Rememberance Day

MULTI SERVICES REMEMBERS

The Royal Canadian Legion suggests that poppies be worn on the left lapel, or as close to the heart as possible.[39] In Canada, the poppy is the official symbol of remembrance worn during the two weeks prior to November 11, after having been adopted in 1921.

The Canadian poppies consist of two pieces of moulded plastic covered with flocking with a pin to attach them to clothing. The head portion of the pin is bent at an angle in a simple unusual design that requires a unique machine at manufacturing. Originally the poppies were manufactured with a black centre ever since their original design in 1922. From 1980 to 2002 the centres were changed to green to represent the green hills of Flanders. Current designs are black only; this reversion caused notable confusion and controversy to those unfamiliar with the original design.[40]

An older poppy design, in use until c. 1970, involved three pieces: red, then a black piece in the current style but made of felt, then a small circle of green felt in the very centre.

Until 1996, poppies were made by disabled veterans in Canada, but they have since been made by a private contractor.[41]

In 2007, sticker versions of the poppy were developed for children, the elderly, and health care and food industry workers. The stickers were not designed to replace the lapel pin poppies, but merely to allow those who could not normally wear one to do so safely.[42]

Start with Trust

Start with Trust
MULTI SERVICES
Residential & Commercial Cleaning Service

Professional Cleaners without the Professional Price

We’re fully Licensed, Trained Certified and are Safety Certified, Bonded & Insured

Our company has been a BBB Accredited business since December 2009. This means it supports BBB's services to the public and meets the BBB Accreditation standards.

We welcome all homes, businesses and establishments:

At Multi Services we understand that your satisfaction means a job well done.

Call for a Free Estimate Today

416-782-3417

Dirty Places#3 Your Salt and Pepper Shaker

Dirty Places#3 Your Salt and Pepper Shaker




Could one of the dirtiest places in your home be right on the table where you eat?

Unfortunately, yes, according to a 2008 study by researchers at the University of Virginia. In the study, researchers asked 30 adults who were beginning to show signs of a cold, to name 10 places they’d touched in their homes over the previous 18 hours. The researchers then tested those areas for cold viruses. The tests found viruses on 41% of the surfaces tested, and every one of the salt and pepper shakers tested were positive for cold viruses.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

When you wipe the kitchen table after eating, wipe off the salt and pepper shaker too. But your best protection against spreading or picking up germs when you reach for seasonings is to wash your hands -- before and after.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The summer has passed us and winter is here and it's time for cleaning

So get your homes looking SHINY and CLEAN for winter

Your NEEDS come first

We listen to you and respond to your needs

We’re Fully Licensed, Trained Certified and are Safety Certified, Insured & Bonded

Our company has been a BBB Accredited business since December 2009

Guarantee

We guarantee our work and stand behind our promises.

MULTI SERVICES

Residential & Commercial Cleaning

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

416-782-3417

www.multiservices-janitorial.com

2181 Avenue Rd North York ON M5M 4B8

Hiring for a professional cleaning service

Hiring for a professional cleaning service is perceived as lavishness by most people. This is because hiring for a cleaning service to do the cleaning in your workplace or just in your home would partake a portion in your budget allocated for regular bills. Although you might hesitate to hire a cleaning service because of the added expenses, your will see the benefits when you get one. This is particularly so when you are moving in to a new house.

When you have decided to finally hire a professional cleaning service, you can choose from the basic or regular cleaning to cleaning anything that needs to be cleaned. The services that you will get depends on how much is your budget and what would you like to be cleaned.

Deciding on whether you want to hire a professional cleaning service or doing the task yourself can be tough especially when you do not want shell out additional cost. Ask about other people’s experiences in hiring a cleaning service and you will know that you too can experience the benefits. Most importantly, you can have the convenience of doing other more relevant and urgent things for you than cleaning. This is absolutely the case to many working mothers who do not have time to spare for house cleaning. And this is also the case in many companies who do not want to allocate budget on a single employee who will do only the cleaning.

There are many benefits which you can get from hiring a professional cleaner do your home or office cleaning.

In many families who are moving in to a new house and moved out from their old house, getting a cleaning service is the most practical and convenient way to clean the house. It is required that when you leave your old home or apartment the family moving out should do the cleaning for the benefit of the next occupants. When moving out of an old house, your mind is already preoccupied of the tasks waiting for you in your new home. Rather than getting involved in the house cleaning, which may really be exhausting for you, grab the convenience of having someone do it. On that way, you can focus on doing other more important things.

This applies the same when moving in a new house left unclean by the previous occupants. This can be disappointing and you would not like to add more stress to the feeling by cleaning it up yourself. Get a cleaning company do the labor for you so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new home!

Services offered by cleaning companies may vary. The services that you want from one company may not offered by another. Some cleaning professionals do only certain services and they stick to it. This is why you need to look into the services of more than company so you can choose the best. Think about the services that you need and start looking for which company can give you exactly what you need.

Although the cleaning services you want done may be provided by a particular company, some of the things you want may not be done. It is then important that you make a list of what exactly are the things you want to be cleaned and how precisely you want the work to be done. Have your cleaners be guided by this list so you can be comfortable to anticipate a quality output.

You may personally conduct an interview with the cleaning company. Ask questions which you think are relevant in how capable they are in providing quality services. You have the right to ask all possible questions that should be asked so you can have a secure feeling that you entrusted your home to a credible and trustworthy cleaning company. An interview is necessary for you to be able to get a feel of how the company executes its job and how can it satisfy your expectations as a client. By getting the best company, you will be happy that you really exerted effort in finding one.

Be assured of only quality cleaning service

For busy people especially to parents who do not have time to spare for house cleaning because of a very demanding schedule at work, cleaning gets too little attention. Time is very important for these types of people and cleaning would take the back seat in their list of priorities.

In many places that are required to be clean as frequent as possible such as places for entertainment like auditorium and theaters, industrial places, work areas, and other public facilities such as the toilet, getting someone to clean is given due importance. To these places that are frequently used by many people, cleaning should be done at a high quality level. Professional cleaners can do this. No ordinary person can clean such wide and frequently used areas with expected efficiency in a short time. Cleaning companies have the solution to this consistent problem. They offer far more practical answer that is your money’s worth. Companies offering professional cleaning also have high criterion on a clean place. The cleaning services offered range from industrial to residential cleaning.

Commercial cleaning can be practical because it is charged at reasonable fees and is done with high efficiency such that it can be accomplished in a short period of time. Cleaning companies will send you a rational number of cleaners at a sensible price quotation. You can be assured that they are trained to work under pressure and to execute their duties at a professional level. Their quality service is aided by high-end and expensive cleaning materials and equipment that are not feasible for you to purchase for your own use.

Professional cleaners are very careful in cleaning areas that normally require sanitation and most proper handling. You can also be assured that their mission is to satisfy your expectations and to be cautious in handling your valuables or damages will be on the company. Responsibility is what these cleaning experts carry out along with quality cleaning service.

Finding the right cleaner

Finding the right cleaner isn't the easiest job in the world and you're bound to have questions. Well, you've come to the right place for answers! Below you'll find a few of the frequently asked questions that we receive here at MULTI SERVICES. If you have a question that isn't on the list, feel free to give us a call!

Questions & Answers


Are you bonded and Insured?
Yes, we believe anyone working in your home should be covered. Our insurance is covered up $1,000,000. A copy of our insurance is available upon request.

Do you screen your employees?
Yes, we carefully screen all of our employees and check references. We also do a police check. All of our employees are covered under our insurance and worker's comp. Also, all of our employees must go through training before becoming a professional cleaner. They also must speak and read English and have a good professional manner and wear our Multi services uniform for cleaning.

Is your Service guaranteed?
Yes, satisfaction guaranteed, what’s your guarantee?
We have a stellar track record; however, if you are dissatisfied with your cleaning you are given a 24 hour period to contact us and have that particular area re-cleaned at no cost to you. A note will also be made on your file so that we know to pay particular attention to it next tim

Are your cleaning jobs checked?
Yes, (In home cleaning we go over with the customer and in the professional office we have customer service who call the clients to check if their satisfied with their clean. We also send our supervisor to periodically check the cleaning for quality control

How do you accept payment?
We accept cash, cheque or money order. Cheques accepted by regular customers only and they can pay once a month. Your cleaner will provide you with a written receipt after payment. Commercial clients can be invoiced once a month.
For one time cleans payment is due at the end of the service.

How many cleaners do you send?
After we estimate it, which is a free quote. We send two or more cleaners for your home or office cleaning. For regular cleaning, we do our best to send the same cleaner for your preferred day and time

Benefits of hiring a professional cleaning company!
y Hiring for a professional cleaning service is perceived as lavishness by most people. This is because hiring for a cleaning service to do the cleaning in your workplace or just in your home would partake a portion in your budget allocated for regular bills. Although you might hesitate to hire a cleaning service because of the added expenses, your will see the benefits when you get one. This is particularly so when you are moving in to a new house.

What is the risk of hiring a private cleaning lady?
Your homeowner's insurance should cover if she is injured in your home. Same for theft and if she damages your property, but you'd have a deductible and they would attempt to go after her for damages she caused. If she has no business liability insurance, she'd end up in some serious financial trouble. But that's a risk you take.

Do you Have References?
Yes, we will bring references upon request.

What kind of services do you offer?
We specialize in provisions of the following areas and welcome all homes, business and establishments.
Professional office buildings such as Banks, call centers, offices, design companies, art stores, Medical Buildings such as Hospital, doctor & dental surgeries, foot doctors, medical clinic, chiropractic, optometrist, learning facilities such as college, schools, child care centers).
Contract cleaning houses, apartments and move in & out clean ups, one time cleaning, commercial stores, supermarket, cinema theatre, memorial hall and churches. Construction renovation cleanups, new home and office clean ups, spring cleaning, emergency services, windows and much, much more

Is Multi Services Licensed?
Yes, we are fully licensed to work in Ontario

How do you Determine rates?
We first view the property, determine the size and amount of work needed to be completed, consider clients budget and determine what we believe to be fair on both ends of the deal

Do I have to home when you clean?
No, you may either give us a copy of your key, which we keep safe in a file or can leave an entrance open. Which ever makes you more comfortable?

Why does a one time or first time house cleaning take longer?
It always takes longer because the cleaners will do a thorough cleaning for when going in the next time they will keep up and improve the clean

I've never had cleaning services, how do I start?
We first come in and view the property, we sit and go over what needs to be done, set up dates and time, and sign a contract together.

How do I get ready for the cleaners?
Clutter is the #1 thing that slows us down, so we ask our clients to have the newspapers, toys, laundry, and scattered items to be picked up, dishes out of the way before we come, so that we can start immediately when we get there.

What days do you work?
Our office is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 8:00pm but our cleaners will work till needed.

What time will you arrive?
We set up a time to your preferences or will come in after office hours so we are out of the way.

Do you send a team or an individual to clean?
We always send a team, depending on the size of your property or amount of work to be done.
Can I leave a note for the team?
Yes, we always welcome any input the client has.

What if I am unhappy with the clean?
We always go over the clean with the client, if something is not clean, we will be happy to do it over.

What if I forget the team is coming to clean my house/office?
There is a $20 fee if our cleaner is unable to gain access to your home/office at no fault of ours

Do you offer cleaning specials, discounts or coupons?
Yes, we have specials for seniors and single parents; we have offers for our current clients and also hand out coupons for anyone interested.

Can I get a gift certificate?
Yes, if requested we will print and hand out a certificates with no problem.

Do you use our supplies or yours?
Mostly we use the customer’s supplies as the customer prefers their cleaning products for a specific scent or we can supply all the materials for an additional $5 flat rate. If you would like to supply your own materials and are not sure what to have on hand, we can e-mail you a list of suggested products and materials. Really, all you need is the basics and we can achieve wonders from that!



Please call if you have any more questions and we would be happy to answer all your questions.

416-782-3417
www.multiservices-janitorial.com