Pin-straight hair was all the rage in the ‘90s and early 2000s but had since lost to more natural, wavier, and even bedhead trends. Looking at the latest in Instagram glamor, it’s quite clear that the beautifully sleek look is right back at the forefront, with even more ways to tame those tresses. Brazilian beauty trends often bring waxing and tiny bikinis to mind, but it’s the Brazilian Blowout that has us enthralled these days, especially when coupled with ombre hair coloring. The notorious look is quite the step up from putting an actual iron to your locks, but it’s a far cry from the “natural” that had taken the catwalk by storm these past few years.
A few different treatments would result in the same look, but it’s up to you to choose which option is best for the perfect blowout. Before you decide, learn everything about Brazilian Blowout, what it is, how it differs from all the other treatments, and the entire process.
In this article:
- What Is Brazilian Blowout?
- Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatment vs. Japanese Hair Straightening
- Pros & Cons of Brazilian Blowouts
- What Hair Types Is Brazilian Blowout Recommended for?
- What Is the Brazilian Blowout Process?
- How Long Does a Brazilian Blowout Last?
- Brazilian Blowout Aftercare Tips
- Brazilian Blowout Costs
What Is Brazilian Blowout?
A permanent hair straightening process, Brazilian Blowout involves the use of a protein-rich solution to coat each strand before straightening them, ensuring there’s no damage done to your hair. Its popularity sky-rocketed when women realized their thick and frizzy hair could be turned into the perfect straight look for months with a single salon visit.
As the name suggests, the treatment was first discovered in Brazil in 2005 but has spread as an international sensation like wildfire, particularly in North America and Europe. Its popularity is due to a large number of curly-haired citizens and rather humid weather conditions. Essentially, it will rid you of your frizz, seal your cuticles, and grant your prized tresses an impenetrable armor against damaging environments.
The treatment uses liquid keratin and preservative amino acid before a flat iron is utilized for straightening each strand to perfection. The amino acids attach to the length and get to work, smoothing every crease and imperfection, leaving behind a mane of incredibly smooth shine. Other ingredients include camu camu, acai berry, and annatto seed, all of which are native to Brazil.
Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatment vs. Japanese Hair Straightening
While many articles use Brazilian Blowouts and keratin treatments interchangeably, they are most certainly not the same treatment. The Japanese straightening treatments also pop up here and there. All three have the same end goal, but the manner in which they are made or applied makes all the difference. You wouldn’t say a regular blowout is the same as one with a flat iron, would you?
- A Brazilian Blowout is semi-permanent, eliminates frizz, and can be adjusted to work on fine to medium-texture hair. It can be tried after using either of the other treatment options and allows for many different styles, should you wish it.
- A keratin treatment’s goal is to reduce your hair’s natural volume and make it a lot more manageable. It is not meant for finer hair but works amazingly well on extremely curly versions. It also produces a sleek and frizz-free effect at the end, however. You will need to leave it untied and unclipped, without moisture exposure, for around 72 hours after the treatment. This is imperative.
- Japanese hair straightening lasts the longest and adds to the volume of your hair. There are certain precautions to take, however. The chemicals used break down the hair protein structure before using a flat iron. A neutralizer is then added to achieve the pin-straight hair. To protect the treatment, it is not recommended to tie or add clips to your hair, nor allow moisture to touch it for up to 72 hours.
While it is not recommended at all to apply any other treatment after doing the Japanese version, you do not have the same restrictions with keratin or Brazilian Blowouts. However, while the Japanese treatment produces results that last up to 6 months, the latter two have a lifespan of only three to four.
Pros and Cons of Brazilian Blowouts
There are quite a few benefits to using Brazilian Blowout treatments over any other. There are, of course, the cons as well, but we’ll get into that below.
Pros
- Frizz-Free: As mentioned many times, frizzy hair meets its match with this hair treatment designed to give you a sleek and beautifully healthy-looking finish. The protein solution is such that while ridding yourself of the frizz, you’ll be improving the texture of your hair as well.
- Long-Lasting: It may not last as long as the Japanese version, but a Brazilian Blowout still gets you through at least three months, if not four. That’s quite some time to enjoy luscious, silky straight strands.
- Time-Effective: Surprisingly, the treatment doesn’t take long at all to get through, with months’ worth of benefits in a single hour. It’s the perfect amount of time to get your hair done during your lunch break. Get back to the office a new you. It can take up to two hours, but that’s a rare sight.
- High Protection: The protein solution, as mentioned already, shields your hair from damage, safeguarding against the invasion of pollutants and removing the possibility of your mane going dull anytime soon.
- Cuts Down Styling Time: Those with Brazilian Blowout have reported a significant cut-down in drying times and easier-to-style situations. Hair dries with lots of body in half the time.
Cons
- Expensive: While you might be enjoying your straight hair for a while, the treatment itself is a costly venture, starting at around $300 and climbing rather high. It is highly dependent on the salon, but you wouldn’t want to go just anywhere, either.
- Not for Everyone: While most hair types take well to the chemical compounds, there are those that do not. A professional must be consulted to prevent unnecessary damage to the strands.
- Regular Touch-Ups: To keep appearing at its best, regular touch-ups are recommended, which is both costly and time-consuming.
- Chemical Makeup: The product used has come a long way since the trend began in the 2000s, with different options now available on the market. Formaldehyde is toxic and often no longer used, but it’s best to be safe than sorry. Steer clear of it, as well as any product containing methylene glycol, or at least go for those with minimal or trace amounts.
What Hair Types Is a Brazilian Blowout Recommended for?
With Instagram influencers raving about their Brazilian Blowouts, it’s to be expected that there would be a spike in popularity in the treatment. And while that is a great thing, one must be sure their hair is the right type to go through the process to benefit from the chemicals used instead of facing damages. Since not all hair types are suitable, we’ve looked into when you should be more careful and look to a professional for advice.
Medium hair takes best to any treatment. When it comes to Brazilian Blowouts, those with extremely thin hair might want to avoid it, though with the correct adjustment to the chemical usage, even generally thin locks can be made to look beautiful.
Color-treated or highlighted hair also requires special attention. Chemical treatments make hair brittle, and this requires additional steps of protection.
What Is the Brazilian Blowout Process?
The permanent hair straightening process of a Brazilian Blowout is quite straightforward and won’t take as long as some of the other traditional hair straightening treatments. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how the whole Brazilian Blowout process is carried out.
- Starting off, the hair is washed with shampoo as usual with any hair treatment. However, this is done 3-4 times to remove product build-up and hair oils completely.
- Then, the amino acid-protein solution is applied to sections of your hair, from root to tip.
- A blow-dryer is used to seal the protein solution, though a flat iron may also be used.
- Your hair is once again rinsed to remove the product.
- A deep conditioning hair mask is applied, after which your hair is again blow-dried.
- Flat-ironing is repeated if you agree to it.
How Long Does a Brazilian Blowout Last?
As mentioned earlier, a Brazilian Blowout does not last as long as a Japanese straightening treatment but does, in fact, last quite a bit longer than expected, at least three months. However, constant washings will, unfortunately, cut down on the lifespan of the treatment due to the washing agents breaking down the proteins bound to your strands. This will cause curls to begin appearing slowly, especially in finer hair. This is when you’ll need a touch-up to prevent a full deterioration of the treatment.
Brazilian Blowout Aftercare Tips
Now that you’ve gotten the straight hair you’ve wanted, taming the frizz and glossing up the strands, you will need to maintain the dazzling results. There are a few things you’re expected to keep doing if you want to keep the luster and shine in place while also preventing the breakdown of the solution that brought you the results in the first place.
For most treatments, you’re expected to leave your hair loose for at least three days before you can use hair bands or clips to pull the strands back. With a Brazilian, though, you are cleared to tame your mane any way you wish and even take a swim if you so desire. Yet, you should be careful.
- Washing Your Hair: You should do this less often than usual, possibly keeping it to once or twice a week. Pick up shampoos and conditioners that are natural, or at least sulfate-free, because it will strip away the layers of protection. Avoid products with sodium chloride as well, as much as possible. Dry shampoos and conditioners are highly recommended as an alternative.
- Coloring Your Hair: Do this before you get a treatment, for obvious reasons. Any chemical treatments that induce color are known to cause uneven textures to the Brazilian Blowout.
- Swimming: Chlorinated water is harsh on your treatment, and while there is no rule against swimming after a treatment, it’s best to use UV-blocking hair serum when out in the sun or in the pool. It is recommended to use a Brazilian Blowout smoothing serum once you’re done with your swim to keep your dazzling look.
- Conditioning: A deep conditioning hair mask can give you the most amazing results after a treatment. The moisturizing effect and nourishing features will ensure your hair is healthy, silky, and smooth for a long time to come. Use the mask once or twice a month for best results.
- Drying: It is recommended to air-dry your hair after a shower and to keep blow-drying to the bare minimum to keep the frizz at bay.
Brazilian Blowout Costs
The cost of a Brazilian Blowout depends entirely on the salon you visit and the length of your hair. The type of hair will also make a difference in most places. For short to medium-length hair, you are looking at around $200-300, but as your hair thicken and lengthens, it might go up to the $500 range. No matter the price, however, it is a treatment well worth the money.
Photos via @boho.blonde.perth, @unfade_royren, Instagram
