From relaxers to perms, there are so many different hair treatments out there that it's tough to find the right one for you. One of the most popular options is definitely the Brazilian blowout, a semi-permanent smoothing treatment that minimizes frizz for months. Enticing, right? Before you lock in your salon appointment, we did some research and consulted a board-certified dermatologist about the safety of a Brazilian blowout, because there some things to consider.
Meet the Expert:
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist based in California and founder of Ava MD. She specializes in body contouring, injectables, lasers, medical dermatology (like hair loss treatments) and microneedling. She's currently a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology.
What is a Brazilian Blowout?
A Brazilian blowout is a specific brand of keratin treatment that originated in Brazil. The semi-permanent technique uses a special liquid formula to smooth out your hair, thereby minimizing frizz, improving volume and adding shine to strands.
How Is a Brazilian Blowout Different from Other Keratin Treatments?
Though all keratin treatments offer pretty much the same results (i.e, smoother hair and less frizz), you’ll get more flexibility with a Brazilian blowout. For starters, you won’t have to wait as long to wash your hair (just two to three days, as compared to the four to seven required of other treatments) and you can rock any hairstyle you like without causing dents in your newly smoothed ‘do.
Here’s another bonus: It’s a smoothing treatment, not a straightening one like many of the others. So if you like to rock curls or waves but just want to reduce frizz, this is the treatment for you. It’s not going to change your hair texture, but it will provide the shine, volume and frizz-free finish you want.
How Long Does a Brazilian Blowout Last?
It’s more temporary than some other keratin treatments with results lasting for about three months on average. To make your Brazilian blowout last a bit longer, avoid using sulfates or harsh chemical products that can weaken the bonds. You should also consider cutting down on how often you wash your hair and/or apply heat tools to your locks.