Brazilian Blowouts & Keratin Treatments: Are They Worth It?

Hello to all of my friends with curls! If you're like me you've struggled to manage your hair all.of.your.life! You would do just about anything for sleek, shiny tresses. My hair has been a constant set back, for real. It affects me daily - rainy days, humid days, you name it! I spend about an hour or so blow drying and straightening it, and heaven forbid it rains - it's over!  So when I found out that there was actually a way to possibly straighten and smooth out my hair, I did my research and jumped on it!

Over the last several years I have had 3 Brazilian Blowouts, 1 Keratin Treatment and 1 Express Keratin Treatment. So, which ones would I recommend? And are they worth the hype? I'm about to dish it all. The good, bad and ugly.

First of all, let's lay the foundation. What is a Brazilian Blowout? A treatment that is said to last 10-12 weeks. "The Brazilian Blowout is a liquid keratin formula that bonds to your hair to create a protective layer around each strand, effectively diminishing frizz, sealing the cuticle, and providing armor against any external damage. After getting the treatment, your hair will be left hydrated, less frizzy, and more resilient to heat styling—not to mention, with an insanely glossy mirror-like shine." - Instyle Magazine 

And a Keratin Treatment? A keratin treatment is a chemical process that smooths and shines frizzy hair. Results can last up to six months.

My hair type: Very curly and frizzy. Humidity = biggest enemy.

Which treatment did I like best? It's kind of hard to say because the Brazilian and Keratin are very similar, but I am going to have to go with the Brazilian. I noticed a little more of a difference. Plus you don't have to wait 3 days straight to wash your hair, which seems like an eternity when you can't even get it wet or tie it back.

Benefits? After each one of these treatments my hair was the healthiest and shiniest it's ever been. It also did cut the drying time in half.

Did the treatments last long? Although I absolutely loved the immediate effects of the treatments, they didn't last as long as I'd hoped or as was promised. It may be different for you, but my hair kept getting wavier and wavier after each wash. I wish the first week of amazing hair would last longer.

What I wish I'd known before getting treatments: I have gotten keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowouts from 4 different stylists and each one was a different experience with different results. The 4th stylist to work with my hair is my favorite and I will continue seeing her for sure. So make sure to do your research - check those stars and reviews on google! The first two stylists straightened my hair too flat, making it very thin and almost greasy looking. I think they held the iron on each strand a little too long. With my last blowout, I expressed my concerns and she was able to keep the volume.

Also, if you have extremely tight curls, neither of these processes completely STRAIGHTENS the curls. You would want a Japanese straightening treatment for that ( and I'm not sure I would recommend this, as I haven't heard the best things about it). Both the Brazilian and keratin treatments simply loosen the curl by weighing down the hair strands with the keratin.

Cost? It depends on where you live & what salon you choose. I've seen them go anywhere from $99-$500. The costs on mine varied. The keratin at the organic salon was around $300-400, the Express Keratin was $50 but didn't last long. My first 2 Brazilians were $299. The last one was $199  - and the best one yet. Plus, keep in mind the aftercare. You must use special shampoos, conditioners and hair products - simple products that wont break down the keratin. And these can be very expensive depending on what you get.

Are the Treatments Dangerous? Most treatments do contain formaldehyde, although new developments are being made and some stylists use formaldehyde free. Both of my keratin treatments were done at an organic, safe salon. But the Brazilian Blowouts were not and both my eyes and scalp burned during and even for a while after the process.

What products do I use after?

The Brazilian Blowout Volume Shampoo & Conditioner and Acai Thermal Protecting Straightening Balm are all great products, but pretty expensive at the Salon near me.
                                                            


I started using the Keratherapy line, which I really like, and it isn't as pricey.

                         

                    

So how about you. Have you gotten a keratin treatment, Brazilian Blowout, or both? If so would you recommend it? Which one did you like better? Please comment with any thoughts, questions or suggestions that you would like to share!