The Brazilian Blowout Keratin Treatment: 'I Tried It!'

by Marissa Gold (Subscribe to Marissa Gold's posts)
Posted Jul 22nd 2010 at 7:00AM

My hair, dried naturally, used to be as curly as Mariah Carey's. Now, I can get loose Blake Lively waves without even trying. Photos: Evan Agostini, AP | ELIOT PRESS/bauergriffinonline.com

As a lifelong sufferer of frizzy, curly hair, I've always been intrigued by the idea of a magic potion that could show my genes who's boss. I have found that magic potion.

The Brazilian Blowout is the latest iteration of the popular Brazilian keratin treatments, only this one takes as little as 60 minutes and you can wash your hair right away (other brands require you to wait 1-3 days to let the product take hold).

How it works: Hair curls and frizzes due to gaps in its structure which cause the hair to bend and coil. The gaps in the strands (also known as porosity) also cause hair to absorb moisture from the air like crazy -- explaining why many of us turn into Bozo the Clown on a rainy day. The keratin formula coats each strand with proteins, filling in the gaps and creating more solid, sleek strands that lay flat and repel humidity. Sounds fabulous, right? Even so...

Taking the Plunge
I was afraid to put chemicals of any kind in my admittedly pampered hair (I've had many a hair experiment go horribly wrong in the past). But when I heard that Jennifer Aniston (the poster child of good hair) had tried the Brazilian Blowout, I was willing to change my mind. It also didn't hurt that my mother, sister, sister-in-law, and best friend had all become keratin converts, and were throwing around words like "life-changing" and "miraculous." It was definitely my time.

I booked my appointment at the Rita Hazan salon with one of my go-to stylists, Eugene Toye, since I know and trust his work. Then, I panicked and phoned the Brazilian Blowout people for a pep talk.

When I spoke to the company rep, she immediately calmed me, explaining that the treatment simply coats each strand, and that there would be no damage. Then came the statement that ultimately made me feel totally at peace with my decision:

"It's like a condom for your hair," she said. After wiping that image out of my mind, I slept soundly, looking forward to my appointment.

The Day My Hair Changed Forever
When I arrived the next day, I was shocked at how simple and quick the process was: The stylist washed my hair several times to remove all residue, applied the solution, blow-dried my hair, and then flat ironed the entire thing. The heat from the iron is what fuses the keratin to the cuticle, and while I was worried about that part -- which my best friend refers to as "flat-ironing the crap out of your hair" -- it was no different from your typical meticulous salon finishing. I left with stick-straight, shiny hair, and couldn't wait to wash my hair to see how it would react.

Even though you can wash your hair immediately, I can't bear the thought of ruining a fresh blowout. So I waited three days anyway. When I finally was ready to shampoo my hair, I decided to let it air-dry to see if the usual frizzy ringlets would form. I settled into bed to watch TV, then got up at the end of the show to check my hair in the bathroom mirror. And I was shocked -- SHOCKED -- at what I saw.

My hair had dried into very loose, frizz-free waves -- an entirely new hair texture. It was as if I had already blow-dried my hair, but all I did was sit in front of the television. Now I understand why this treatment is so popular. And yes, I would use the word "miracle" to describe it.

A Brazilian Blowout Convert
Today, as I write this, it's one degree shy of 100 in New York City, and my hair is sleek and smooth as if it's been blow-dried (but again -- no blow-drier required!). I still can't believe my hair -- I feel like it's someone else's. The results generally last about three months, so I'm using the brand's products religiously to try and see just how much time I can squeeze out of my first treatment (and will report back to let you know!).

I'm so glad I did it -- even at $300 (and up). To have frizz-free hair all summer long and be able to swim and laugh and picnic without worry? That's money well spent.

That's me. It only takes 10 minutes to go from curly to this. Photo: Joshua Kessler Photography

One Week Later...
Here's the update now that I've been living with my new hair for over a week. Yes, I still love the effects of the treatment and am glad I had it done. It's the kind of thing any girl with frizzy or curly hair should try once, just to see what it would be like to not be a slave to your blow-dryer!

I did notice a change in my scalp after the treatment. I used to easily go 4-5 days between shampoos, but now I feel like shampooing after a day or two. I also noticed that my scalp was flaking a little and immediately took to the internet to see if anyone else had the same thing happen. Indeed, it's fairly common to see a flaky or oily scalp after the treatment, but most said it went away after a week or so. And they were right.

My advice? Shampoo more often if you need to -- it will help regulate your scalp back to normal. And remember, you can use any brand, but avoid the ingredient sodium chloride (salt, which breaks down the keratin treatment). As long as you're willing to use new products and shampoo a little more often, you'll be rewarded with hair that's infinitely less frizzy and easier to style.

Read All Comments

Filed under: Hair Care, Hair
Tags: aol original, aol+original, AolOriginal, brazilian blowout, brazilian keratin, BrazilianBlowout, BrazilianKeratin, curly hair, CurlyHair, frizz, frizzy hair, FrizzyHair, rita hazan, RitaHazan, straight hair, StraightHair

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

READER COMMENTS

(156)Add A Comment

danielle, 7-22-2010, 2:27PM

will the treatment change my hair forever? I know that may seem like a dumb question, but I am curious and want the treatment, however I am not sure I want it to change FOREVER~so I haven't taken the plunge...
I have extremely curly hair and no matter what I use on my hair, its frizzy and looks like a mess~I spend all my time in either southwest Florida or NJ and both places are frizz prone for my head..
if I were to get the treatment, what happens if I decided not to get it again? would my hair be damaged?
hope you can help me with this question

Reply »

Maribeth, 7-23-2010, 5:42PM

No after four months you will start to see your old frizz come back. But you won't be able to tolerate it since you had four months of absolute bliss.

bella blu, 8-18-2010, 1:33AM

No. Escova Progressiva (better known as Brazilian Blowout) is only a temporary treatment, and over 3-4 months the effect will naturally fade, leaving your hair as it was before, but in better condition.

Even with continued use, Keratin straighteners won't damage your hair, but gradually improve condition, returning it to a near natural state, even on the most damaged or weak hair.

if you need any more info, take a look at my blog - http://brazilfabulous.com/brazfab/

Hope that helps and Enjoy!

carol, 7-22-2010, 2:41PM

I have very frizzy hair and can't stand looking like a frizz ball all summer. usually a baseball cap is my best friend during the humidity. I had my first brazilian blowout in Feb and my second at the end of May,
My hair is amazing. It is silky, soft and straight. No frizz not even in 95 degrees , 95% humidlity. I don't have to wear it stick straight either. I can turn it under at the ends. It looks so much neater pulled back with no little frizzies sticking out.
I will definitely get it done again. I wish this treatment was available years ago.

Reply »

Jacqueline, 7-22-2010, 2:43PM

I happen to like curly hair...I would never use that treatment..but to each their own...

Reply »

Lori, 7-22-2010, 5:02PM

Your hair doesn't stay straight. It's to tame the frizzies that often accompany curly hair. I have a natural curl. The treatment cuts down on my drying time when I straighten my hair and I have less frizz when I leave it to air dry. You should look for pictures of people have curly hair and then have the treatment. The curls usually look more like ringlets.
:)

Carrie, 7-22-2010, 2:45PM

the treatment will not change your hair forever. It needs to be reapplied every 3 months or so. I too have frizzy curly hair that's horrible in the summer. I live in Northern Va. It's very humid during the summer which does no favors for my hair. I am a licensed hairdresser & bought one of these kits to do my hair. I haven't done it yet, I thought I could do it myself. It's a little more complicated than I can handle so I am waiting for a friend of mine to help me. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what the treatment does for you! Good luck!!

Reply »

Val, 7-22-2010, 2:51PM

I had it done. It lasts 2-4 months depending on how well you take care of your hair. Use moroccan oil and shampoos/conditioners/products that are sulfate free. I had wavy/curly/frizzy hair and now I get out of the shower, turn my blowdryer on for ten minutes and only using my fingers get straight hair. Its pretty cool

Reply »

Mary, 7-22-2010, 10:55PM

OMG after a lifetime of kinky, curley hair and living in south florida with humidity, this is heaven sent.

Reply »

Love the Blow out, 7-22-2010, 2:56PM

I LOVE the Brazilian Blowout. ALL my life, I have had hair that is out of control. When we went to the beach, I couldn't get my hair wet or I would look terrible the REST of the day with my completely frizzy uncontrollable hair. I couldn't go to swim parties for the same reason. I was so nervous to go out in the rain. I am serious. My hair was out of control and I was thrilled when the blow dryer, curling iron and finally the flat iron came out.. It would take me hours to get ready, tons of product just to get out the door. I am sure I PERSONALLY put a hole in the Ozone with the hair spray!! I recommend this to ANYONE. I know its a bit costly, but believe me-- IT IS WORTH every penny-- AND your hair does go back to normal. So you do have to repeat the process!! And I agree that I have to wash my hair more often, it seems to be oily underneath, which I never had before, but I haven’t had any scalp flaking. But these minimal side effects are NOTHING compared to the amount of money and time I have saved by having the treatment. And add to that, the wonderful feeling of well being it has given me!! I LOVE IT!! It IS a miracle!!

Reply »

andrea, 8-30-2010, 11:51PM

Love your enthusiasim. I spend a couple hundred every month just to keep the wild mane under control...and spend countless hours with blow dryer and flat iron. Are you still happy with results since you did the treatment?

Tammy, 7-22-2010, 2:55PM

I live in Southwest Florida and had this done at the Gallery Salon in Ft. Myers. It has been almost a month and I love it. If you want to get rid of the frizz this is for you.

Reply »

mira temkin, 7-22-2010, 3:01PM

I've heard so many wonderful things about the Brazilian treatment and finally plunked down the $250 plus for the treatment. It didn;t work on my hair. Yes, when there's no humidity my hair looked great, but not in typical summer weather. I was so disappointed. I went back to the salon and showed him and he said there are two Brazalian treatments, and the one he used on my hair was for colored treated hair.
The results were not good. But he's going to use the original on my hair next week and we''ll see what happens.

Reply »

jeff, 7-30-2010, 8:23PM

You may have had a Brazilian treatment, but I doubt that it was the Brazilian Blowout mentioned in this story. There is only ONE formula of the Brazilian Blowout.

GINA, 7-22-2010, 3:00PM

Mariah's h
air truthfully looks lovely/ youthful and sexy, there was a time when no one wanted straight hair why you say? wellit gives a female a frumpy washed out look. BUT oriental women and mid eastern women look gorgous with their straight hair,probably because it is black.

Reply »

Hot mama !!!, 7-22-2010, 3:00PM

MAJOR HEALTH CONCERN...The only way any of these Brazilian keratin "treatments" work is by having FORMALDEHYDE(or any of the ALDEHYDE family) in the product! FORMALDEHYDE is a toxic chemical that is even WORSE for you when heated up by the Flat iron process.ASK your stylist about the ingredients ...BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Company REFUSES to disclose the ingredients to anyone.No ingredients are listed on BOTTLE!I know.I'm a Hairstylist.
I have had several clients have very bad reactions while this service was being donein the salon,including myself. I don't even do this service! DIZZY,light-headed,HEADACHE,Burning eyes,Nose/sinus BURNING,INCREASE in Asthma attacks...the list goes on...PEOPLE/Stylists choose to look the other way on this subject because IT'S MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS!!! Bottom line...THERE should be MAJOR PROPER VENTILATION in any salon doing these..it puts YOU the client AT RISK!!! My 11 yr old daughter left my salon with a MAJOR Headache and eyes RED from only one of these being done in the salon I work at......FYI remember the MAD HATTER from Alice in Wonderland?????? Hat makers went crazy back in the day from the FORMALDEHYDE they used to make the hats....

Reply »

jessy, 7-22-2010, 3:39PM

They used mercury in curing hats. not formaldehyde.

formaldehyde is used in preserving dead animals.

but i agree that you should research any chemicals you use. esp if its gonna cost like 300 bucks.

Ellen, 7-22-2010, 6:37PM

There is one brand that does not use formaldehyde or at least the salesperson to my stylist said so. Though the fumes are still bad. You need to definitely have it done in a well ventilated area. If the salon is not well ventilated, go elsewhere. My hair looks smoother when my stylist dries it and then uses the flatiron, but I still cannot just airdry my hair and wear it curly without it being kinky and frizzy. If you have ethnic, curly kinky hair, it may not work for you.

jmptao, 8-31-2010, 12:32AM

There are various Brazilian Keratin treatments on the market the "Brazilian Blowout" is Formaldehyde free, so maybe it has a different "aldehyde" if any at all. That said, it is a bit fumy or rather I didn't smell much of anything really just felt like my eyes needed to water, kind of like when you're cutting onions. This was only during the blow drying process. Closing my eyes took care of the problem. I'm asthmatic and I'm a fainter and fumes can trigger me to pass out. I had no asthma problems nor fainting or even feeling mildly faint with this whereas I have had light-headedness and some near faints from hair colors containing ammonia, which I've been avoiding now.

Perhaps the salon I go to is well ventilated, or perhaps it's because my hairdresser was taught to ask clients to close their eyes for the drying process.

Evie, 7-22-2010, 3:01PM

I seem to be the only one who did not respond well to the Brazilian Blowout. I have very curly hair with frizz, so in the last few years have started blow drying it straight. After the Brazilian Blowout, when I tried to dry naturally, I got a couple bumps at the top of my head, and then pin straight through the ends. When blow drying with a roller brush, I couldn't get the ends to curl in any direction and lost all body and personality in the bottom half of my hair. My hairdresser who recommended the trained Brazilian Blowout person in his salon suggested I have her re-do it, but I opted not to.

Reply »

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments

ADD A COMMENT