Salon clients often struggle to determine which smoothing treatment will provide the desired result for their hair. Professional hair care products have revolutionized how we approach hair smoothing, and there are several options from which to choose. However, two treatments consistently stand out: keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts. Read on to gain a deeper understanding of these popular smoothing solutions, uncover their differences and discover how to help your clients choose the one that best suits their needs.
Understanding the Basics
The main difference between keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts is their chemical composition and how they interact with the hair structure. Keratin treatments utilize a keratin protein solution, while the solution used for Brazilian blowouts is made of amino acids. Both products often contain formaldehyde; however, Brazilian blowouts often have a much higher percentage of it than keratin treatments.
Technically, a Brazilian blowout is a specific type of keratin treatment. However, while all Brazilian blowouts are keratin treatments, not all keratin treatments are Brazilian blowouts. To make sense of that, let’s take a closer look at each service.
The Science Behind Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments smooth hair by repairing damage while creating a protective shield around each strand. These services are particularly beneficial for clients with severe concerns regarding how to treat damaged hair.
The treatment’s effectiveness stems from its ability to rebuild the hair’s protein structure from within. During application, the solution’s proteins combine with the hair’s natural keratin through a heat-activated process, effectively filling gaps and tears in the outermost layer of the hair shaft known as the cuticle. This fusion creates a temporary but long-lasting bond that restores shine and prevents future damage.
When heat is applied through flat ironing, it causes a reaction that allows the keratin proteins to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. The chemical bonding process also involves breaking and reforming the hair’s natural disulfide bonds, which are responsible for the hair’s natural shape and curl pattern. Finally, this heat-activated process helps seal the cuticle, creating a smooth, shiny surface and more manageable locks.
How Brazilian Blowouts Work
Brazilian blowouts are a type of keratin treatment that takes a different approach to hair smoothing. Instead of modifying the hair’s internal structure, they create a protective protein layer around each strand. This method allows for increased styling flexibility while providing significant frizz reduction. The treatment’s versatility has made it increasingly popular among clients seeking natural-looking results.
Brazilian blowouts are often paired with hair gloss treatments, which explains why many clients notice enhanced shine immediately after the service. The amino acids in the formula bond to the hair’s surface, creating a seal that protects against humidity and environmental damage. This bonding process allows the hair to retain its natural movement while eliminating frizz and improving manageability.
Duration and Maintenance Differences
Keratin treatments typically last four to six months, depending on hair type and care routine. The results gradually fade as the bonded protein naturally wears away through washing and styling. A Brazilian blowout usually lasts for three to four months. However, it offers more flexibility in terms of immediate post-treatment care. Unlike keratin treatments, which require a 72-hour waiting period before washing or styling, Brazilian blowouts allow clients to wash their hair immediately after treatment.
To maximize the lifespan of either treatment, clients should use sulfate-free shampoos and avoid chlorinated water. Heat-protectant products are non-negotiable, especially following keratin treatments, as excessive heat can prematurely break down the protein bonds. Color-treated hair also requires special attention. Waiting two weeks after a keratin treatment before coloring prevents interference with the bonding process. Brazilian blowout clients benefit from weekly deep conditioning masks to maintain the treatment’s smoothing effects.
Application Techniques and Time Investment
Depending on hair length and thickness, keratin treatments typically take two to four hours to apply. The process involves multiple steps: clarifying shampoo, treatment application, processing time and careful heat application with specialized flat irons. Brazilian blowouts generally require less time, usually taking just 90 minutes to two hours to complete. The streamlined process includes fewer steps but demands precise application techniques to ensure even coverage and optimal results.
For keratin treatments, stylists must section hair with mathematical precision, typically creating 1/4-inch sections to guarantee thorough saturation. Temperature control is also vital. Flat irons must maintain a temperature of exactly 450°F for optimal bonding. Brazilian blowouts’ application focuses on strategic product distribution, with extra attention paid to previously chemically treated areas. The blow drying technique differs significantly and requires constant tension and specific brush movements to activate the formula.
Cost Considerations and Value Analysis
While neither treatment is cheap, their pricing structures differ based on several factors. Keratin treatments command higher prices due to their longer-lasting results and more intensive application process. Depending on hair length and thickness, the cost typically ranges from $250 to $600. Brazilian blowout prices generally fall between $200 and $500. Though slightly less expensive, the more frequent need for touch-ups might make the long-term investment comparable to that of keratin treatments.
Hair Type Compatibility and Customization
Keratin treatments work exceptionally well on coarse, thick or severely damaged hair. The intense smoothing effect can transform unmanageable locks into silky strands. However, this treatment can make fine hair appear limp or appear greasy. A Brazilian blowout is more suitable for all hair types. Its gentler formulation makes it suitable for fine to medium hair as well as coarser and thicker textures.
Achieving the best results for every client often requires customization. This is true for both keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts. As a stylist, it’s up to you to customize formulas based on your clients’ hair types and curl patterns to help them obtain the smooth, manageable locks they desire.
Environmental Factors
Climate plays a crucial role in treatment effectiveness. Keratin treatments often provide better protection against frizz in humid environments due to their more robust bonding process. The treatment creates a stronger barrier against moisture, making it ideal for tropical climates. While effective in moderate humidity, Brazilian blowouts may require more frequent touch-ups in extremely humid conditions.
Swimming pools, beach activities and sun exposure significantly impact treatment longevity. Chlorinated water can strip both treatments prematurely, while saltwater may actually enhance their smoothing effects. UV rays can break down the protective proteins in both treatments, making sun protection crucial. Active clients who sweat frequently during workouts might notice their Brazilian blowout fading faster than a keratin treatment.
Post-Treatment Care and Product Selection
Maintaining treatment results requires specific care protocols. For keratin treatments, sulfate-free shampoos are essential to prevent premature breakdown of the treatment. Regular deep conditioning and heat protectant products help extend the treatment’s life. Brazilian blowout maintenance involves similar product restrictions but offers more flexibility when it comes to styling options. This treatment works well with various styling products, provided they’re free from harsh chemicals that could break down the protective layer.
Water quality also impacts treatment longevity. Hard water minerals can build up on treated hair, requiring chelation treatments every six weeks. Sleeping habits matter, too. Silk or satin pillowcases prevent friction that can compromise treatment integrity.
Regular protein treatments between services help maintain their effectiveness, but timing matters. Waiting at least four weeks after treatment before applying protein prevents overload. Choose leave-in conditioners carefully. Lightweight formulas work better with Brazilian blowouts, while richer products complement keratin treatments.
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