For smooth, frizz-free hair, there are two specific salon treatments available. Fortunately, there’s the Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment for a long-lasting frizz-free look.
This article will answer the all-important question of Brazilian blowout vs. keratin treatment: what are the differences? So, by the end, you’ll know which is best for you and your hair. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Brazilian Blowout?
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A Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent salon treatment that smoothes hair by heat-sealing the strands with a unique keratin mixture using a flat iron.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is another semi-permanent salon treatment that smoothes hair. Like a Brazilian blowout, a keratin treatment achieves a smooth, frizz-free look by heat-sealing the strands of the hair with a unique keratin-based solution.
What Are the Key Differences Between a Brazilian Blowout and a Keratin Treatment?
Now that you’ve learned what a Brazilian blowout and keratin treatment are let’s delve into the differences between these two frizz-fighting treatments.
Although both treatments smooth frizz, add stunning shine to your hair and can be done on color-treated hair, they have essential differences.
Some of these differences may be trivial, while others may be deal breakers. Read on to learn the six primary differences between a Brazilian blowout and a keratin treatment.
Customization
One of the most critical differences between a Brazilian Blowout and a Keratin treatment is that a Brazilian blowout allows for customization. For example, if you want to rid your hair of the pesky frizz, you’re plagued with but still want to keep some of your natural waves.
That’s where the Brazilian blowout comes in handy, allowing your stylist to tailor the process to get the result you desire.
During the Downtime
Another big difference between these two treatments is the downtime. You can’t tie your hair up for at least three days when you get a keratin treatment.
This requirement is necessary because your hair needs time for the keratin solution to be correctly set. If you tie it up too soon, that pin-straight look you just paid for gets ruined.
In addition to not tying your hair up, you can’t wash it for at least three days, but sometimes you’re prevented from cleaning it for up to four days. This no-wash requirement prevents the keratin solution from being dissolved, thus rendering the entire treatment undone.
The Treatment Time
Another difference between a Brazilian blowout and a keratin treatment is the time it will take to complete the treatment. A Brazilian blowout can take between one to two hours (that depends on your hair length and desired result).
In contrast, a keratin treatment can take more than three hours to complete (this depends on the length and volume of your hair).
The Procedure
In addition to the treatment process’s time, another difference is the overall procedure. While both methods get completed similarly, a keratin treatment completely dries the hair after the clarifying shampoo by using a blow dryer then the keratin solution is applied to the hair and flat ironed at 450 degrees.
In contrast, a Brazilian blowout leaves moisture in the hair after the clarifying shampoo. The keratin solution gets applied to the damp hair, and the hair is entirely dried by blow drying it and flat ironed at 450 degrees.
Next, the keratin solution gets rinsed from the hair, a deep conditioning mask is applied, and then it’s blow-dried again.
The End Results
Another essential difference between these two treatments is the result. A keratin treatment is more time-consuming and uses a different method of straightening the hair, resulting in your hair’s natural curls and waves getting replaced by perfectly pin-straight frizz-free hair.
In contrast, a Brazilian blow is the simpler of the two and will give you smoother, frizz-free hair that maintains your natural style.
Convenience
Another difference between a Brazilian blowout and a keratin treatment is convenience. A Brazilian blowout gives instant results, while a keratin treatment typically requires 72 hours of downtime for the process to set correctly.
So, with a Brazilian blowout, you can immediately go about your usual styling routine.
What’s Better for Your Hair Type: Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Treatment?
Determining whether a Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment is better for your hair type depends on your desired result.
Typically, a keratin treatment is suitable for a pin-straight hairstyle. It does well with getting very curly or very voluminous hair to behave but isn’t ideal for hair that is naturally straight or very fine because it will lose too much volume.
On the other hand, a Brazilian blowout if you want to keep some volume, and it does well with fine to medium textured hair with a slight natural wave or looser curls.
Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatment Comparison
| The Differences: | Brazilian Blowout: | Keratin Treatment: |
| Customizable | Yes | No |
| Downtime | 0 Hours | 72-96 Hours |
| Treatment Time | 1-2 Hours | 3+ Hours |
| Results | Smoother, frizz-free hair that still retains some volume. | Smoother, frizz-free pin-straight hair. |
| Convenience | You can immediately return to your regular styling routine. | You can return to your regular styling routine after the required downtime. |
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions after reading this article, below are a few common questions and their accompanying answers.
Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatment: Which One Causes Less Hair Damage?
Both treatments use high heat temperatures to attain the result of smoother, frizz-free hair, which can cause damage to the hair.
However, keratin treatments are known to heal damaged hair by healing the hair shaft’s cuticle by using more moisturizing and conditioning ingredients and fewer chemicals like silicones.
Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Treatment: Which Lasts Longer?
A Brazilian blowout usually lasts between three to four months, while a keratin treatment lasts between three to five months. How long they last depend on how often you wash your hair. The more you wash it, the quicker the solution will leave your hair.
Can I Do a Brazilian Blowout Treatment After a Keratin Treatment?
Yes, but not immediately afterward. If you decide that a keratin treatment didn’t get you the results you wanted or realize that a pin-straight hairstyle isn’t right for you, you can get a Brazilian blowout after three months of getting the keratin treatment.
Now you know the differences between a Brazilian blow and a keratin treatment. You should understand what each treatment is, the differences in the result of each treatment, and the length of time the procedures take.
You’re prepared to decide which hair straightening, frizz-fighting option is best for you.