The days when you had to wear real clothes and Iron to get smooth, silky hair are over. Modern hair products have made it easier than ever to smooth and straighten hair with little work. Many people choose semi-permanent hair treatments like Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments. These treatments claim to eliminate frizz and make hair look smooth, but they are very different in what they are made of, how they work, and the benefits they give.
You must know the main differences between these two methods to choose the proper treatment for your hair type and style goals. We’ll discuss how each therapy works, who it’s best for, any risks, and how to take care of your hair afterwards. By the end of this guide, you will know everything you need to know to pick the best hair-smoothing product.
What is a treatment with keratin?
The primary goal of keratin treatment is to make hair easier to style, less frizzy, and look healthy and shinier. Kathy Combs, Vice President of Global Education at Cezanne, says, “Keratin is a strong protein that comes from skin, hair, and nails and helps them heal and stay healthy.” It’s not keratin itself, though, that makes your hair smooth during this process. Instead, keratin treatments cover the hair strands with a formula high in proteins. The hair’s cuticle is sealed, making it softer, shinier, and easier to style.
“Keratin treatments moisturize and repair damaged hair, making it softer and easier to work with,” says Christina Giarrizzo, a celebrity hairstylist. These are great if you want to save time styling your hair while still keeping its shape.
Who Should Get a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatments work best for people whose hair is curly, frizzy, or thick and who want to make it easier to style. The therapy works exceptionally well on thick or wild textures by smoothing out rough spots while letting the natural body and texture shine through.
However, this might be better if your hair is thin or easily breaks. “The high heat used during application can weaken thin, fragile strands, doing more harm than good,” warns Giarrizzo.
How long does it last?
A keratin treatment can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 5 months, based on the formula used and how well you take care of yourself afterwards. Treating the treatment properly, like shampoos without sulfates, can make it last longer.
Cost
A keratin treatment will cost between $200 and $800. The final price depends on your hair’s length, density, health, and how long the formula lasts.
How do you do a Brazilian Blowout?
The Brazilian blowout has taken the keratin process to a higher level. This treatment wraps each hair strand in a layer of protection made from a unique mix of amino acids, keratin, and proteins. It is unique because it can straighten and smooth hair without losing its volume or structure. Some keratin treatments may contain formaldehyde. On the other hand, many Brazilian blowouts are made to be better and easier on the hair.
Harry Josh, a celebrity hairdresser, says, “A Brazilian blowout uses a liquid keratin formula that is sealed with heat to make the hair smooth and straight.” The process is one of a kind because stylists can change it to leave your hair naturally curly or straight as a board.
What to Expect From a Brazilian Blowout
A Brazilian blowout can take two to four hours, depending on how long and thick your hair is. The first step is a meeting with your stylist, where you talk about the results you want. The treatment is put on from the roots to the ends after your hair has been washed and dried with a towel. They blow-dry your hair with a round brush and then use a flat Iron to seal the formula.
Who Should Get a Brazilian Blowout?
Brazilian blowouts are great for people who want their hair to be smooth, shiny, straight, and frizz-free. If you want a smooth finish, you just need this process.
You might like a keratin treatment better if you want to keep some of your hair’s natural body and wave. Josh also says, “Brazilian blowouts often leave hair stick-straight, which might not work for everyone.”
Cost
A Brazilian blowout can cost anywhere from $95 to $400, but most people pay around $300. Prices depend on where the studio is located, how skilled the stylist is, and how long and thick your hair is.
How long does it last?
Once you take care of your Brazilian blowout, it can last up to 12 weeks. Using shampoos without sulfates and avoiding chlorine can help the benefits last longer.
What Makes Brazilian Blowouts Different from Keratin Treatments
Both methods aim to smooth out hair and make it less frizzy, but they are best for different hair types and needs. Here is a list of the main differences:
Brazilian Blowout with Keratin Treatment
Texture: Smooth, controllable, and keeps somebody Stick-straight and soft. CustomizationOne size fits all can be changed to be straight or wavy.
Lengthy life to 5 months up to 12 weeks
$200 to $800$95.-$400
Ideal Job Candidate Hair that is thick, curly, or frizzy Anyone who wants to look sleek and straight
Two to three hours to process2 to 4 hours
Possible Risks
Both methods use chemicals and heat, which can be dangerous if not done correctly. These are the main worries:
Formaldehyde Exposure: Some keratin treatments contain
Formaldehyde can irritate the skin, make eyes water, and make breathing difficult while they are being used. For your safety, choose products that don’t contain formaldehyde.
Damage from heat: Both treatments need a lot of heat to set the formula, which can weaken hair that is already weak or change your curl pattern forever.
Responses caused by allergies: Always do a patch test first because some ingredients can cause allergic or sensitive responses.
Aftercare Tips to Live Longer
Aftercare is critical if you want your treatment to last as long as possible. To keep your smooth hair, do these things:
Do Not Wash Your Hair: Do not wash your hair for at least 72 hours after the treatment.
Use products without sulfates: Shampoos you use daily can wash away the treatment from your hair. Pick choices that don’t have sulfates or sodium chloride.
Limit heat styling: If your hair has been treated with keratin, don’t use style tools with high heat. Instead, use tools with lower heat.
Wear a swim cap or use a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from water if you go swimming a lot.
Sleep Smart: Buy a silk pillowcase to keep your hair from frizzing up while you sleep.
What You Need to Know About Keratin and Brazilian Blowout
Which treatment to use depends on your hair type and the desired results. Here is a quick guide:
If the following describes your hair:
You want to eliminate the curls or waves in your hair but keep the body and volume.
You want the effects to last longer and are okay with doing a little more maintenance.
If these things describe your hair:
You want your dry, frizzy hair to be as straight as a board.
You want a treatment that can be changed to fit your styling needs.
Last Thoughts
Your hair can become smoother, shinier, and easier to style after a keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout. But they can handle different kinds of hair and other needs. The best choice for you relies on your hair’s natural texture, how you want to style it, and your budget. Talk to a qualified stylist about which treatment will work best for you, and follow the aftercare instructions to get results that last.
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