Bletchley hairdresser warns of hair-smoothing treatment risks after years of ill health
Louisa Curtis says years of debilitating health problems were caused by formaldehyde exposure
A hairdresser from Bletchley is urging others in the industry to be aware of the potential risks of some hair-smoothing treatments after she says years of debilitating health problems were linked to formaldehyde exposure at work.
Louisa Curtis, 55, says she spent nearly two decades battling breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue, joint pain and memory problems before an acute reaction during a Brazilian blow-dry treatment led to further medical investigations.
She believes her illness was caused by exposure to formaldehyde – a colourless, irritant gas that can be released when some hair-smoothing products are heated.
Louisa says she first began using a keratin hair-smoothing product in around 2008. Over the following years, she says her health steadily deteriorated.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said: "I've been walking around in a fog, like I've got flu constantly.
"Going to the doctors, they couldn't understand why I was so unwell. It's been horrendous."
In 2018, Louisa was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and says she believed that explained many of her symptoms. However, she says everything changed after carrying out a Brazilian blow-dry treatment in March this year.
She says she noticed a particularly strong smell while using the product before developing a burning sensation in her throat later that day.
After searching online for an explanation, Louisa took the product to hospital. She says doctors later confirmed the product releases formaldehyde when heated.
"I never believed in a million years that my workplace would have put me in such danger," she said.
"There's no way I knew I was breathing formaldehyde."
Louisa says the experience has transformed her life.
"I'm like a 90-year-old in a 55-year-old body," she said.
"I've only got a couple of hours' life in me each day before I just power down."
She says she's speaking out because she fears other salon workers could unknowingly be experiencing similar symptoms.
"I've been in hairdressing a long time and I didn't know," she said.
"I'm worried about all these young girls coming up not knowing the dangers they're being put under.
"I want other hairdressers to know before it's too late for them."
A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson Said: “Workers should be protected from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
"HSE has a robust regulatory framework in place, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), which require employers to assess and control risks.
"Employers must ensure that any potential exposure to formaldehyde is as low a level as is reasonably practicable and within the GB Workplace Exposure Limit."