Difference Between a Brazilian Blowout and a Keratin Treatment

The difference between these two types of hair treatments can be very subtle, making them hard to distinguish from one another. In fact, even some professional stylists can confuse them at times. This is due to the fact that they are both treatments that work to straighten hair without causing damage to the follicles. Both treatments work to smooth, protect, soften and relax hair while also removing frizz, adding shine, and sealing in any color treatments.[i] This is done by creating a protein layer around the hair shaft that makes the hair look more beautiful by smoothing the cuticle. Both of them also reduce the amount of time needed for daily styling and allow the hair to be washed less frequently.[ii] The cost for both treatments is essentially the same, ranging from $100 to $450

1. Process

There are differences between the procedure used to complete both the keratin treatment and the Brazilian blowout. A keratin treatment typically takes a bit longer, requiring about 3 hours for the process while a Brazilian blowout will only take about an hour or two. The process for both is started by shampooing the hair with a clarifying shampoo and toweling it dry. But then a keratin treatment will require that the hair be blow dried until there is no moisture remaining, while a Brazilian blowout needs some moisture to remain in the hair. After this, the corresponding product for each treatment is applied to the hair evenly. For a keratin treatment, a cap will then be placed on the head and the product is allowed to soak into the hair for 20-30 minutes and then blown dry. With a Brazilian blowout, the hair is blown dry immediately after the product is applied. After this step, both treatments require the hair to be flat ironed using a temperature setting of 450 degrees. This is the final step for a keratin treatment although it should be noted that the product must remain in the hair for approximately three days before washing it at home. With a Brazilian blowout, after the hair has been flat ironed, it should be rinsed thoroughly until all of the product is removed and a deep conditioning masque is applied. Then it will be blown dry again to complete the process.[iii]

2. Effects

There are also subtle differences in the outcomes of both types of treatment. While they generally have similar results-less frizz, straightening and improving the shine and overall look-the keratin treatment tends to have a more dramatic effect. The hair will be smoother and straighter than what might be found with a Brazilian blowout, which tends to offer a softer look. However, it is worth noting that both treatments allow customization to fit the consumer’s needs. The other major difference in the effect is that the Brazilian blowout will offer immediate results since the entire process is completed in the salon. Since the keratin treatment requires that the product remain in the hair for 72 hours, you may not see a difference until days after leaving the salon.[iv]

3. Chemicals used and their side effects

There is some controversy surrounding the use of formaldehyde and methylene glycol in the Brazilian blowout product, which are known carcinogens. Some manufacturers have labeled their product as formaldehyde-free when they contain methylene glycol, but this is misleading due to the fact that when heat is applied to this chemical (such as during the blow drying and flat ironing stages) the methylene glycol dehydrates and becomes formaldehyde gas and water vapor. Many governmental agencies have researched the effects of these chemicals and warn against using hair products with formaldehyde, methylene glycol, and any aldehyde as the side effects can include eye irritation, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, nasal and throat irritation, nausea, chest pain and skin irritation. Subsequently, there have been class action lawsuits against the manufacturers of the Brazilian blowout products.[v] The keratin treatment is generally regarded as a more natural alternative and is therefore, considered less controversial,[vi] however these treatments have also been shown to frequently contain the same chemical compounds found in a Brazilian blowout so caution should be used with both types of treatments.[vii]

4. Hair types

There is some indication that each treatment works slightly better for different types of hair. Since the keratin treatment offers a more dramatic difference, the better candidate for this type of treatment would be hair that is overly curly or has too much volume as it would make the hair much easier to manage. It would make it much sleeker and straighter. A keratin treatment would not be considered the best option for hair that is already lacking in volume. This type of hair would be better suited for the Brazilian blowout which performs well with hair that has a finer texture with only slight waves or curls. It is also the better option if your primary goal is to prevent frizz and it is more customizable so the amount of product can be adjusted easier allowing for an individualized result. So while both treatments tend to offer similar outcomes, there are subtle differences that would make one a better choice over the other depending upon the characteristics of each particular individual’s hair.[viii]

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