A few years ago Japanese hair straightening was all the rage; now Brazilian Blowout has taken the main stage. Brazilian Blowout has become so popular with Hollywood starlets that you can even read about Nicole Richie’s on her blog. To have a Brazilian Blowout, you will need to go to a salon where a hairdresser applies a special chemical solution. After you learn about how it’s done, you can decide whether a Brazilian Blowout is right for you.
A Brazilian Blowout, also called Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BTK), is a 90-minute salon treatment that leaves your hair smooth and without frizz but still gives it some body. This may be a desired treatment if you have frizzy, damaged or processed hair. Wavy hair will be made straight, curly hair will be more manageable and straight frizzy hair will loose its frizz and have more shine.
The procedure involves shampooing your hair, applying the special Brazilian keratin conditioner, blow drying your hair and then having it straightened with a flat iron. Afterwards, your hair should have bounce and be more manageable. A Brazilian Blowout lasts about 10 to 12 weeks and costs between $150 to $600. If you normally color your hair, it is suggested you color it before the Brazilian Blowout a shade darker than usual since the straightening solution will lighten the color.
The main concern with using Brazilian Blowout solutions is that some are made with formaldehyde as the straightening agent, which is carcinogenic. Some companies claim to use keratin instead of formaldehyde in their solution. However, according to Dr. Jessica Wu, a dermatologist from dailyglow.com, keratin can only moisturize and condition hair, it cannot without other chemicals keep hair smooth through months of washing. Other Brazilian type products claim not to have formaldehyde but may use other chemicals such as such as glutaraldehyde and thioglycolate which can weaken the hair making it more susceptible to damage, drying or even breaking off.
All of the Brazilian Blowout solutions produce noxious fumes so they must be used with adequate ventilation. Women in forums report how much the smells made their and their hairdressers' eyes water. Some women reported loving the results of their Brazilian Blowout. Others felt they had their best result the first time they had it done and were less pleased with following treatments. Many posted concerns about formaldehyde or the other chemicals used in non-formaldehyde solutions.
If you are considering having a Brazilian Blowout, do your research. The Food and Drug Administration does not restrict the use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products nor does it regulate the presence other ingredients. Therefore, it is unknown what exactly is in straightening solutions and in what amounts. A Brazilian Blowout can be a real life saver if you have very unruly frizzy hair but exposure to formaldehyde can be a life taker if you aren’t careful.
sources:
www.dailyglow.com/hair-care-treatments/brazilian-blowout.html
www.short-hair-style.com/bkt-or-brazilian-keratin-treatment-formaldehydefree-alternatives.html
www.brazilianblowout.com/FAQs
http://nicolerichie.celebuzz.com/2009/03/you-have-to-get-a-brazilian-blow-dry/
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles