If the name Brazilian Blowout sounds familiar to you it’s because it’s been all over Instagram and your local beauty parlour is probably offering to do one right as we speak. Not many hair straightening procedures get its own name, so there must be something special about this Brazilian Blowout that’s creating all the hype, right? Here’s everything you need to know about the Brazilian Blowout and why you might want to get one yourself.
What is a Brazilian Blowout?
Brazilian Blowout is a special treatment with a keratin formula that creates a protective layer around each strand of your hair. It successfully eliminates frizz and soothes your hair creating a smooth and silky effect. This technique originated in Brazil (hence the name) and uses some indigenous organic ingredients like acai berry and camu camu.
Brazilian Blowout: pros and cons
One of the main pros of the Brazilian Blowout treatment is that it can actually be tailored to get any effect you want. The treatment is sealed by a hot flat iron that is passed over your hair several times. The more the stylist irons your hair, the straighter it becomes. If you want your hair to remain curly, let your stylist know and he’ll do a light seal that will simply tame the frizz and create a smoother texture. If you colour your hair and follow up with a Brazilian Blowout, the colour will stay fresh for longer.
One of the cons is that curly hair won’t go totally straight after this procedure – you’d still have to work on it to get that effect. The procedure is overall safe, but keep it in mind that it’s a chemical thing that contains formaldehyde, although just a small quantity. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer and allergic reactions of the lungs, skin, and eyes. Hair may also break, but only if too much flat ironing is done, so make sure you tell your stylist if your hair is sensitive to heat.
Brazilian Blowout: before and after
Like with every other keratin treatment the before and after looks are like heaven and hell. The difference is just so striking! The frizzy, unruly hair turns into silky locks worthy of a fashion magazine cover.
Brazilian Blowout aftercare
Here’s what makes the Brazilian Blowout treatment different from all other keratin treatments – it really has no aftercare routine! Usually, there’s a whole procedure that involves you not washing hair four days in a row, wearing straight as it is with no styling whatsoever. The Brazilian Blowout, on the other hand, is simple – your stylist makes it, rinses out, and you’re good to go! It also has a mild formula that can be tailored specifically for your hair type.
How long does a Brazilian Blowout last?
The effect of Brazilian Blowout lasts from three to four months and possibly even longer if your hair type allows you to wash it less often. Keep it in mind that it’s best to use shampoos that don’t contain chlorine and sulphates. Once the treatment wears off your curls will slowly come back to their original texture.
DIY Brazilian Blowout
Anything can be done at home with a bit of effort and determination, even a keratin treatment! Here’s how you perform a DIY Brazilian Blowout:
Step 1: Clear your hair with a special anti-residue clarifying shampoo to get rid of any product that might be lingering in your hair. This will prepare your hair for the whole procedure.
Step 2: Brush your hair thoroughly and blow-dry it. You’ll notice that it’s hard to comb your hair, which means the shampoo did its job and your hair is absolutely clean.
Step 3: Separate your hair into a few sectors. It can either be three (left, right, and back) or four (two upper ones and two lower ones). This will help you apply the Brazilian Blowout smoothing solution.
Step 4: Apply product onto each part of your hair with a brush, starting a few centimetres away from the roots and going downwards.
Step 5: Comb through your hair so the product is evenly distributed all over it. Leave it be for 40-60 minutes.
Step 6: Blow-dry your hair and make it 100% dry on medium/high heat. Comb and separate your hair once again in a few sectors.
Step 7: Straighten your hair with a flat iron at 450 F.
Step 8: Wait for 10-20 minutes, wash your hair, and you’re good to go. Your DIY Brazilian Blowout is done!