Hair-Smoothing Keratin Treatments: What You Need to Know

Table Of Content

• What Is a Brazilian Blowout? A Complete Guide
• Potential risks of keratin treatment
• Just because a stylist or hair-care company says a hair-smoothing treatment is formaldehyde-free, doesn't mean it is.
• Coloring & Highlights
• What Should I Do After Getting the Brazilian Blowout Treatment?
• Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Brazilian Blowout
• Don't do an in-salon hair-smoothing treatment more than three times a year.

Famed for its strand-softening and straightening abilities, keratin treatments have been trendy for the better part of the last decade, if not longer than that. To get the full lowdown, we grilled cosmetic chemists, as well as professional hairstylists, on what works (and what's safe). Here, find the eight things you — and your hair — need to know before you officially commit.

What Is a Brazilian Blowout? A Complete Guide

Every time you do one, your hair becomes more brittle and prone to breakage. Unless you're battling life-crippling frizz, save the treatments for when you need them most — like in the summer. That said, Friese points out that there is such a thing as too much protein. “If the hair is feeling dry after using a keratin product, stay away from that kind of treatment and use one with moisture instead,” she instructs.

Potential risks of keratin treatment

Finally, you should make sure you're not sensitive to formaldehyde, as Taylor notes that it can cause reactions such as stinging, itching and burning eyes, nose and throat irritation, and a runny nose in those with sensitivities. (As a side note, keratin treatments are not recommended for women who are currently pregnant). Although these hair-smoothing treatments wield benefits, there has been concern about the formaldehyde in their formulas. "I find that if they're done properly and in well-ventilated areas they are not harmful at all. But you can find formaldehyde-free versions if you are worried about that."

Just because a stylist or hair-care company says a hair-smoothing treatment is formaldehyde-free, doesn't mean it is.

There are a variety of keratin treatments to choose from, Brazilian blowout (where the hair texture is straightened out) being the most popular. "A keratin treatment is more for smoothing and frizz control compared to a straightening treatment, which is to straighten the hair," explains Lordet. A keratin hair treatment is a process that helps straighten and smooth frizzy or damaged hair. Keratin itself is a fibrous protein that the body produces naturally and acts as a protective shield against humidity (what causes frizz).

Coloring & Highlights

Most experts say that the real harm from the chemical is not to those who get the treatment, but to the professionals who are exposed to it regularly. Some newer keratin treatments may allow you to shampoo right away, but plenty do not. For the first several days after more traditional treatments, you won't be able to wash your hair or get it wet at all. You also won't be able to exercise because sweating is a no-no, as is putting any kind of product on your hair—in addition, you should avoid putting your hair into a ponytail, pinning it up, or even tucking it behind your ears. Any of these typically harmless things can lead to kinks that will stick in your hair as long as your treatment does. If you're curious about the keratin treatment, but don't want to grow out your hair in the same way you have to with a traditional relaxer, we have some good news.

What Should I Do After Getting the Brazilian Blowout Treatment?

The hours-long, in-salon remedy works to de-frizz and de-puff, but how does it work? To get some answers, we talked to the team at Keratin Complex along with pros in the hair industry. Plan on blocking out some time for the treatment, since it will take about three hours to do the treatment. “It starts with a clarifying shampoo, then we blow dry, apply the product, dry again and flat iron.” When you walk out of the salon—you’ve got a whole new hair texture. For those hoping to embrace their natural texture, while retaining length, the keratin treatment can help.

How Is a Brazilian Blowout Different From Other Keratin Treatments?

"Keratin coats the hair strand and sits on the top of the cuticle, whereas the relaxers and texturizers break down the chemical bonds of the hair," Dixon explains. What this means is that if you don't want your hair completely straight, your stylist can tailor the treatment so that your natural hair texture isn't completely lost. They'll still seal the treatment with a 450-degree flat iron, and you'll still have smooth, voluminous waves when they're all done. As with all chemical processes for the hair, a keratin hair treatment should be done by a professional, and you should always discuss any required preparation with them. That said, Lordet advises to lay off coloring your locks pre-treatment, as the chemical can strip out the color and alter it.

Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Brazilian Blowout

Over time, the hair loses keratin from things like sun exposure, styling, and chemical services. Keratin treatments essentially fill in the gaps where keratin has been depleted, so that hair looks and feels healthier. Actually, since natural hair can be quite dry, keratin can help hair health by providing it with a nice protein and shine boost. In the pursuit of silky, swingy, frizz-free hair, there are a dizzying number of tempting in-salon hair-smoothing options to choose from, including, of course, the ever-popular keratin treatment.

There are so many types of beautiful Black hairstyles to choose from, it can feel impossible to pick. With that said, those who choose to straighten their hair know the damage that such a process can cause, and ultimately it leads to breakage. That's why keratin treatments, aka Brazilian keratin treatments (BKT for short) and Brazilian straightening treatments, have become increasingly popular among those looking for straight, sleek, and frizz-free hair.

For example, keratin-infused shampoos and glossing treatments provide a short-term smoothing effect that you can achieve at a salon or in your very own shower. A Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent hair treatment involving a unique liquid keratin solution that creates a protective layer around each individual strand of hair, explains celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe. Before recommending either treatment to a client, Michael considers their current and desired hair texture. "People with coarse hair are able to handle the Brazilian blowout treatment with minimal damage," says Michael. "People with finer hair sometimes can create more damage with the Brazilian blowout. The keratin treatment is a softer way of treating the hair." "After doing the treatment, avoid washing hair right away and using any hair products to allow for the keratin product to sit in," says Lordet, who recommends waiting at least three days before you wash with a sulfate-free shampoo.

As both a Brazilian native and professional stylist, he’s very familiar with the treatment. If you have fine and very straight hair, Lordet advises against doing keratin treatments, as they can make the hair appear flat and bodiless. The keratin in these treatments may be derived from wool, feathers, or horns. Certain shampoos and conditioners contain keratin, but you’ll typically get the greatest benefits from a salon treatment done by a professional.

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If you’ve ever hoped for smoother, frizz-free hair, chances are, you’ve heard of keratin hair treatments—or, at the very least, Brazilian blowouts. These smoothing hair treatments—which are one in the same—are known for their ability to make hair look straight, smooth, and shiny for up to six months. The only problem is, they’re loaded with chemicals and often get a bad rap as a result.