We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hair

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Brazilian Blowout?

By Amanda R. Bell
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 25,138
Share

A Brazilian blowout is a hair smoothing treatment performed in a salon. It utilizes keratin, the protein that makes up hair and nails, to restore luster and softness to almost all hair types. The treatment is comprised of several steps that take, on average, an hour and a half to complete. Results can last up to three months with the use of the proper products. While a traditional Brazilian blowout contains no formaldehyde, a common component of other salon straightening methods, studies have found that some serums do contain this carcinogen. Therefore, care is needed when choosing a hair salon to administer the treatment.

The process begins with a clarifying treatment to remove excess dirt and product buildup from the hair. This stage is essential in ensuring the keratin can penetrate the hair shaft. The serum is then applied to the hair while it is wet. This is usually done in small sections with a hair color brush to make sure every hair is coated.

Once the keratin treatment is applied, the hair is thoroughly dried with a blow dryer and straightened as much as possible. Once the hair is dry, it is then straightened with a very hot flat iron, at least 450° Fahrenheit (232° Celsius), in tiny sections. This part of the process takes the longest, especially for those with very thick hair, long hair, or an abundance of hair.

After the hair is completely straight, it is washed and dried again, thus completing the Brazilian blowout. In most cases, the hair is left shiny and smooth. While this hair treatment does not always make hair perfectly straight, it can allow those with naturally curly or wavy hair to style their hair straight in a fraction of the time it would usually take. It can also restore the look of health to overprocessed hair and improve the body of thin or limp hair.

A Brazilian blowout can last for up to three months if specialized products are used to wash, condition, and style the hair. Unlike other straightening treatments, such as the Japanese system, there is no awkward growing-out stage. The hair simply returns to its former state once the keratin completely leaves the hair. It is also possible to dye or highlight the hair either immediately before or two weeks after the Brazilian blowout with little risk of damage to the hair.

Brazilian blowouts should only be performed by a hair stylist who is certified in the process. It is also important to verify with the salon and stylist that the products used do not contain formaldehyde, especially if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. When done properly, a Brazilian blowout can dramatically improve the look, feel, and manageability of one’s hair.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By anon950318 — On May 09, 2014

The BB was great on my hair the first four times. It was so straight and flat, but my ears stuck out, so I changed the part of my hair, and it was smooth and shiny. Then, the treatments quit working. Twice, I had them re-done. Most recently, the best stylist did it again. It had worked two years before. This time it straightened but did not cut the frizz. Not a success.

Unless someone can explain why it no longer works (it is not the product, nor the skill, nor the method), then I believe the ingredients were altered to get the formaldehyde out.

By anon213798 — On Sep 12, 2011

I want to do it but am scared. I read several other articles that say they might cause cancer. Is this true? My hair is extremely frizzy, not curly!

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-a-brazilian-blowout.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.