The Los Angeles-based distributor of arguably the most
in-demand salon treatment for frizzy heads everywhere, Brazilian Blowout announced
Tuesday it has moved production of its leading hair smoothing treatment,
Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, from Brazil to a
facility in Southern California. The company is now distributing its made-in-
the-USA product in California and expects to be able to supply salons
nationally by the end of the year. The company emphasized that its stylists and
their customers “won’t notice a difference in the product made in the new
facility and that the U.S.-manufactured product is compliant with all
California VOC standards.”
In late 2010, Brazilian Blowout began a years-long court
battle with the California Attorney General’s Office over its ingredient list,
which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] argued contained formaldehyde. Brazilian Blowout maintained its
formulas were formaldehyde free. In mid-2011, Brazilian Blowout severed ties
with its manufacturer, Brazil-based Cadiveu, and sought new manufacturing
partners, preferably someone based in the U.S.
Earlier this year, Brazilian Blowout was
ordered by the state of California to put hazard warnings on the packaging of
its Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, and distribute a cancer warning to purchasers of its products.
It also had to pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs associated with the
lawsuit filed in November 2010 by the California Attorney General’s office for
violating five state laws, including deceptive advertising. The Attorney
General’s office claimed products labeled “formaldehyde-free,” in fact,
contained formaldehyde.