Written by Pam
I recently read in one of my favorite magazines about the new Brazilian blowout hair treatment. This is a hair straightening technique that is apparently a kinder, gentler treatment than the Japanese treatments that have been popular in the past. Unlike the Japanese treatment, which changes the structure of the hair, the Brazilian washes out gradually over time. It appears to be effective for two to five months and costs between $ 350 – $ 500.
The Brazilian method is a keratin solution which is applied to the hair and sealed using a high-heat flat iron. It allows women the option to go as straight as they want. The more solution used, the straighter the hair. This treatment is featured in “People Magazine” and Nicole Richie is quoted as saying “Now I have the freedom to not have to blow-dry my hair every time I wash it.”
If you don’t have $ 350 plus to spare, there is an at-home treatment called Liquid Keratin 30 Day Straight -Smooth Starter Kit for $69. This product can be purchased from drugstore.com.
There seem to be more and more options available to those of us who suffer from attacks of frizz. Please share your thoughts about this new method and your past hair triumphs and disasters with us.
Loading ...
Comments
94 Responses to The Brazilian Blowout
I saw that story and was intrigued. I don’t have hair that frizzes, but my sister (the lovely Anya) and my niece do. My niece usually gets Japanese hair straightening a couple of times a year. I’m curious about the in-home treatment and whether it would work well enough in place of the Japanese treatment.
Jennie, same here with me. I don’t have the hair frizzes unless it is really humid out and then only really I notice it. But products like these fascinate me. I do have a lot of body and thickness to my hair and when it is humid it will become quite wavy. When my sister and I were in high school we both had really long hair. Hers was longer than mine. We would iron each others hair to get it as straight as possible. That was kind of the “in” thing back in the early 70s. If I did have a problem with the frizzes, I certainly would try the product mentioned above.
Keratin is quite popular here in Puerto Rico (humidity makes us all frizz queens) and actually a bit cheaper (maybe $150 a pop). And let me tell you ladies, IT WORKS! It really does give nice texture and makes the hair so much easier to manage and style. I’ve had it done a couple of times and considering I have no styling skills, it makes the time I have to deal with it easier to manage. I haven’t seen the at home kit but I’m intrigued! I say, go for it! But if you’re going to a place, make sure the person who puts it on you has done it times before and on different hair textures! It is gentle but there are still chemicals involved!
Soly, thanks for the advice!
I am very interested in this product.
I may start with the at-home product and see how I like the results. $69 seems reasonable compared to going to a salon.
Pam, I laughed at you ironing your sister’s hair. I do remember the straight-straight hair that was popular in the 70′s (kind of ala Marcia Brady?). It actually came back a few years ago (Avril Lavigne) and I didn’t care for it. Probably because I could never achieve it. I like a little wave/body in my hair, but I hate poofiness and frizziness.
Like many women, I think I have a love-hate relationship with hair!
Well, I would have used that product back in the 70′s even though I had long, straight hair. Like you, Pam, I used to iron my hair too, one time my friend forgot to put the wax paper over it and eeewww! It was gross.
I did the salon treatment about a month ago ($300). I have thick, shoulder length hair that fluffs and frizzes in the humidity . . .and I live in Florida. I LOVE the treatment. If I let my hair dry naturally it still has nice, loose waves which I can leave in there. But it doesn’t frizz even if I am outside in a drizzle. If I blowdry my hair, it actually goes straight without needing any flat ironing. And I can also flatiron it if I let it dry naturally – the iron slips through the hair quickly and it takes about 5 minutes to do it. In other words – the Brazillian Blowout worked for me. But it IS expensive and I am going to try the Liquid Keratin treatment next and see how that works.
Karen,
Welcome. Let us know if you try the Liquid Keratin. Maybe you can write a short review for us.
Getting my Brazilian Blowout next Wednesday. Hope it gives me the result I expect! Karen thanks for your review–
Robyn,
Let us know how yours turns out, too!
If anyone is looking for a Brazilian Blowout, by a professional in the Westwood Villiage Area, I can higly recommend, Melissa B. I’ve always had extra frizzy hair, while my sister has completely straight hair, it drives me crazy. Finally, it is one less thing to worry about. You will not ever look back!
http://www.melissabhair.com/
Okay ladies – I am the Karen from comment 6. I ordered Rejuvenol online and have done two of my friends’ hair with it. (I don’t yet need another treatment.) I picked that brand because it had the same application process as the one I had done in the salon.
So far? Rave reviews from my friends. One girl’s hair is fine, she has a lot of it and it’s fairly straight. But she had to flat iron it every morning, after usually going to sleep with it wet. Now she doesn’t flat iron it at all and it’s perfectly straight and really shiny. I saw it this morning.
Another friend has fine and kinda thin hair – very fluffy/frizzy, and some natural curl. I did her’s on Saturday night and haven’t seen her yet. But she emailed me this morning and said she loves it, she’s definitely “addicted” and can’t imagine ever not having it. She’s 56 and has lived with her hair a long time.
It’s not hard to do; it just takes time.
And as far as my hair is concerned, its been a little over two months since I had it done and I can still tell a serious difference. My hair is so much softer and still doesn’t frizz. I agree with my friend – I can’t imagine ever not having it.
If your hair is colored, highlighted or bleached, this won’t hurt it. In fact it makes it softer and shinier.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Karen,
Good information. I am going to move this post back up towards the top so other people will see you comment.
Thanks again,
Pam
i just got one love it !!
I am a stylist in Irving , Tx I just applied it to my hair it is what I have been looking for for 3 years! I dont try anything on my client until I have researched it and tried it on my self. My salon is Pure and Healthy Hair Salon. The cost is $250, you will love it.
I’m completely hooked on this treatment and use a Brazilian product called Zene Progress at home. Because I swim in the sea a lot, and also because I love the finish, I tend to use this product more frequently than suggested.
I never wait for it to completely wash out before re-applying and my hair is soft like a baby’s. Seriously, after a lifetime of abuse I thought my hair would be like straw forever, especially as I was a daily user of elctric irons.
Not any more. Escova Progressiva is a life saver for sure.
Hi! The results of the Brazilian Blowout are outstanding!! If anyone needs it in the PR area, I am available.
http://www.brazilianblowoutpr.com
Karen – which salon treatment was it to which your home Rejuvenol was similar? trying to compare the various ones out there…….thanks! SLynne
ps had salon rejuvenol 4-5 months ago and enjoyed very much though it’s done now – only big drawback was having to cut back on swimming for it to last.
SLynne,
I can’t remember the name of the product he used. He did send me home with shampoo and conditioner of the same brand but I’ve used it and thrown it out. If I recall, I couldn’t find it online to purchase it, which is why I chose Rejuvenol (since the application method was the same). And I think what he used was manufactured in Brazil.
The other process I saw out there was one where you put the treatment on the hair and then shampoo it or something, instead of flat-ironing it in.
Since my last post I’ve done my own hair three times and I’ve done seven other friends. Some of them more than once. And a couple of my friends have done their friends as well. All of the “customers” have been thrilled with the results. We’re calling it “hair crack” because we can’t imagine living without it – I am not exaggerating either.
As far as the swimming bit – I hear you. I know it will affect your hair less if you wet it before you get in the pool but still, I am sure it makes the keratin wear off more quickly.
We’ve also found that there’s a L’Oreal line of shampoo, one of the color-care lines that are sulfate free, that doesn’t have sodium chloride in it. You can get it at any pharmacy, most grocery stores. And it helps preserve the treatment.
I hope this helps.
I just got the Brazilian 2 days ago at my salon. I did it right after my blonde highlight color treatment. My hairdressor charged me $250 ($100 off the regular price they are supposed to charge). I have VERY thick wavy hair that frizzes unless I blowdry and flat iron it, and even then it can frizz up if it’s humid out. And even when I spend lots of time on my hair, I know the back of my head still looks like a rats nest. So, I am IN LOVE with the results. It’s like I was born with silky, smooth hair. I only blew dried it this am and it looks sleek and smooth, even in the back. I have to warn eveyone though, the treatment stung my eyes throughout the whole process, and my scalp is tender and somewhat itchy from it. BUT, I can tell it was worth it and I will try the home version next to save money. Although, I am sure the salon cost will decrease dramatically in the next year.
I just got the treatment about two weeks ago. It IS beautiful BUT the treatment did sting my eyes, made my nose run and I have developed a rash on my neck. I don’t know if I will do it again. I’m curious about the at-home version mentioned earlier.
Erin,
Sorry to hear that you got a rash from it. When we do the treatment, our eyes do sometimes sting when using the flat iron. But no one has ever had a rash from it. (Or itchyness – like the post above yours.) The brand name I’ve used is Rejuvenol. I’ve used it probably three times or so on myself. And will be doing it again this weekend if I have the time!
Karen
Erin-
You could try keratin next time. I did. For 3 days you look like a wet dog but then its nice. My only complaint was that I couldn’t get much volume.
fine hair – are you sure? ( in humidity, it frizzes and gets overly curly). i don’t want it sticking to my head. i need volume.
Joan,
All I can tell you is that everyone I know who’s had it done, and the list is growing, does it again. Despite thickness of hair, fineness, limpness, length – you name it. EVERYONE wants it done again. It is the bomb.
Karen
thank you all so much for sharing your experiences.
i’d really like to know if anyone’s tried the $69 home BBO by now and how it is???
meanwhile, since i do have very fine, thin and frizzy hair – let me say to joan that i have been very happy with the volume from my 2 tries at this – it’s not a volumizer, but it doesn’t leave it sticking to the head (after the first week anyway), and the smooth shiny appearance looks like more and healthier hair than the un-keratined version did.
my first salon treatment was rejuvenol and my second was Brazilian Blowout. so far, i’m not finding the BBO to last as well as the rejuvenol, though it could be unfair comparison since it’s summer heat and humidity.
the biggest conflict i have is my desire to swim often – which noticeably diminishes the treatment (even after i wet it, coat it with protective gel as directed, etc) – anyone have any suggestions on that front, or is the only answer just to suck up the expense and do the treatment frequently?
which brings me back to dying to know who’s had success with the home treatment!
karen – are you in the hair industry, or were you able to do your own hair well enough even without professional skills?
thank y’all!
SLynne.
I’m not in the hair industry but have always had a general ability with hair. Did friends’ perms and such, back in the day when the look we were reaching for was the opposite of today!
Having said that, doing the rejuvenol treatment doesn’t take talent, just patience. I do it on myself. I have a bathroom setup where I have a mirror in front, and a mirror-front medicine cabinet on each side. So I can see the back of my head. I did my sister-in-law’s at Christmas and she’s done herself since then.
As far as expense, you can buy Rejuvenol online. A bottle is about $140 plus shipping. And I have thick hair and can probably get about four or five applications to my hair from one bottle. (You don’t need to use a ton of the product, you don’t have to saturate the hair.) So the per-treatment cost isn’t that bad. I have a bunch of hair clips on hand, gloves, and I use a comb to control the hair while I am flatironing it so I don’t get burned. I use drug store clarifying shampoo before the treatment — I think its Clarol. And I use L’Oreal EverPure shampoo between treatments.
Since not everyone may have the confidence or patience to do it themselves, I rec finding someone who will do yours and you can do hers.
i have an appointment tomorrow and i’m nervous as all getout i do not want my hair to straight.
Just had the Brazilian Blowout on Sunday … Washed for the first time this morning … Amazing .. I am having a hard time believing this is my very own hair … ! I went to a high end salon to have it done .. The cost was $350 which includes the products .. However when I left the salon .. they realized they were out of the shampoo .. conditioner and the serum which was promised .. (I am assuming it is some sort of kit they give you) The stylist who did my hair gave me a half bottle of the shampoo and said I could use my regular conditioner and they will mail the kit to me … I was a bit nervous to use my regular conditioner as everything I read suggested you needed to use the Acai sulfate free products .. This morning I looked at my regular conditioner and decided to try it .. I am thinking that most conditioners do not contain sulfates as it is more of a cleansing agent which typically I don’t think is found in conditioners .. Anyway .. the results after the first time of doing my hair myself are AMAZING .. I will do it again and again .. I have short .. very thick … curly hair that frizzes and could take me forever to blow try .. which is why I wear it short and wanted to have it done … If the results I got this morning continue I will get it done again and again .. I am wishing the cost were less … not sure I would try it at home … I am hoping the prices will go down over the next year or so .. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who might have tried other conditioners than those recommended by the salon … Also more from those who do the at home process themselves ….
Esther from Cape Cod
Ester,
Congratulations! I know just how you feel about the results. I’ve been a BB devotee for a year now and I am still reveling in it.
I don’t use a special conditioner and haven’t heard that you need to worry about conditioner or any other hair products. The only thing you have to be careful with is the shampoo. You can buy L’Oreal Everpure shampoo in any drug store and, I think, most grocery stores. There’s no sodium chloride or sulfate in it and its about $6.99 or so. It’s billed as being for color treated hair but I’ve noticed that not all color-safe shampoos are sodium chloride free. So read the label before you pick a different color-safe shampoo if you want to try a different brand.
If you go swimming in the ocean or a pool, you should wet your hair before you go in to help keep the salt out of your beautiful new tresses.
Enjoy – Karen
Karen … Thank you so much .. I will try the L’Oreal Everpure Shampoo … ! I am amazed at my hair .. For years I have spent more time and money on products .. hair brushes .. flat irons … you name it .. No matter what though .. when it is humid .. it was curly and BIG ! ! Not this morning .. it isn’t big today for sure … I am hoping it will last the twelve weeks they told me it will last before having to do it again … Do you color your hair between BB treatments at all .. ? I think I read you should wait a couple of weeks before coloring … Curious if that changes the texture at all ..
Once again .. thanks Karen .. ! !
Esther
Ester,
I don’t usually color my hair (despite being 45, I don’t yet have much gray) but I sometimes do for fun. And I also do highlights. From what I’ve seen with my hair and with my friends’, it is best to get the BB right after a coloring or highlight. Coloring seems to strip the BB a little but not as much as highlighting it does. I don’t know how long you should wait to color after the BB, but I think it would make sense to wait a few weeks.
I have friends who color and BB, and they’ll do color and then the BB. The BB seems to lighten the color a little, am thinking because of smoothing the shaft of the hair and increasing the shine? I’m not sure, but that’s the feedback I get.
And it seems best to get a cut/trim right after you have the BB done.
The less often you wash your hair, the longer the treatment will probably stay in. Sometimes, instead of washing it, I’ll just get it really wet and rinsed out, and then do conditioner.
So, Ester, welcome to the wonderful world of the BB. I am totally with you in terms of I’d tried it all and never, ever expected to have hair like this. I love it. It also takes less time to dry. And I never use any gel, mousse, hairspray on it. Don’t need to.
Hi Karen … I received a call from the Salon where I had the BB done on Sunday regarding the after care products .. In the midst of the conversation I mentioned that although I was given a little shampoo I was not given any of the conditioner .. She told me that by not using the after care products I will be stipping away the treatment and it will not last for the twelve weeks … She said again and again do not use your regular conditioner … However they still do not have the products available to send out to me …. She said they would send me a small amount of the conditioner in the mail and until I received I should definitely not use my own regular conditioner … Would you comment on the length each BB lasts … Do you always use your regular conditioner ? HELP ! Please ..
Esther …
Ester, I am probably being cynical but it sounds like they want to make sure you buy the shampoo and conditioner from them after you use what they give you. But I could totally be wrong. They could also THINK it matters? I don’t know.
My BB lasts about three months exactly. And I run outdoors and sweat probably five times a week, getting my hair salty/sweaty all the time. I always use my regular conditioner. The first time I had this done, I had it done in a salon and he gave me shampoo and conditioner too. I didn’t like the conditioner and so I’ve never used a BB-approved conditioner, but I always shampoo with the EverPure.
I get my conditioner at Walgreens or CVS and it has keratin in it. I figured that since the BB had keratin protein it would help to use a conditioner with keratin in it.
I hope this helps!
girls – here’s some further experience of mine in case it’s helpful (following on my 7/27 note above). i have very fine, thin, curly/frizzy hair.
last fall i had the Rejuvenol keratin treatment in a wonderful small NYC salon ($350) – the kind where you have to wait 5 days before wetting it. it lasted 3-4 months, looking great — even with occasional swims (protective gel, cap, etc). Note that i shampoo no more than weekly (+ conditioner only, every other day or so) – because this is what’s recommended for hair health with or without keratin treatments! (used the rejuvenol shampoo and whatever conditioner i had)
this past spring i had the Brazilian Blowout keratin treatment at another wonderful NYC salon (also $350). no waiting time for wetting, a higher keratin percentage, and supposedly no formaldehyde – so it sounded like it’d be an improvement over the Rejuvenol. my hair looked spectacular (even while in Miami humidity!) for about 2 weeks, then began to revert to frizz and unshapeable ends. as a client courtesy when i complained after a month, they redid it for me. it’s now been 8 weeks since that redo, and i’d say it’s been totally gone since week 5.
i recently spoke to the expert at the first salon, which now offers the BB brand as well as the Rejuvenol. she said their consistent experience has been that for whatever reason, the BB just does not hold well on fine hair — even though it’s ok for coarse, thick hair. all her clients like me have had similar results.
(as an aside, she also said she’s convinced from the fumes and texture that it does have some type of formaldehyde equivalent.)
regardless of the brand, i do think it has done wonders for the condition of my hair, and is worth continuing to pursue.
hope this is helpful. and welcome any feedback from y’all as i try to choose what to do next – right now, it’s looking like a return to rejuvenol.
Karen … How many times a week do you shampoo and condition your hair ?
So sorry for all these questions … much appreciate your help for sure ..
Esther
Ester –
I don’t mind the questions. I feel like an evangelist for the treatment!
I shampoo maybe 3 or 4 times a week? More like 3 than 4, probably. Normally, pre-BB treatment, I washed my hair probably every day. I live in Florida and exercise outside 5 to 7 times a week. Since last summer when I Changed My Life with my first treatment (just kidding) I shampoo it a lot less than I used to.
When I just wet my hair, rather than shampoo it, I always use condition in the shower. And I also follow up with a leave-in after I get out.
I have 7 friends who use the rejuvenol treatment too. We all use the Everpure shampoo but I don’t know anyone who does anything different with any other hair product. And everything I’ve read online says that you can use whatever products you normally use.
SLYnne – interesting info about the BB brand not being good on fine hair. This girl I work with, fine hair, had it done in a local salon and it lasted about two weeks. I hadn’t ever heard that before so now I can tell her what happened with you. I will say that the second time you use rejuvenol, it has even “more” effect than the first time.
Karen
Hello Karen …
You truly are an angel ! ! I have received more info from you than the salon .. ! !
I did get an email back from the gal at the salon … so stating that if I just used a very small amount until I receive the conditioner she sent .. I should be okay … so you may be on to something … My fear is that it will disappear in two weeks and then the people at the salon will say it was because I didn’t use their conditioner …. After reading Slynne’s comments I am wondering how they would handle a situation where it didn’t last as long as they say … I have very thick … BIG … curly/wavy hair … or I did have … So far it seems to be just what they said it would be .. however it has only been since Sunday afternoon … I am anxious to see how long it will last … I will continue to pursuit this … it is just so much better than having to deal with all that hair every morning … I am going to try to wet it down and then use a conditioner instead of washing every day as I used to … I did look for the L’Oreal Everpure Shampoo and/or conditioner but could not find today but I will check at our local CVS as well …
I live in MA so the humidity isn’t anywhere near what it is like in Florida .. You are a hero having to deal with hair year round prior to BB .. … I only wish Karen they had come up with this product years ago … !
Thank you so much ..
Slynne … keep us posted !
Esther
For Karen,
I want to try the Rejuvenol at home. Our salons here in Scottsdale, AZ charge a fortune. What website did you go to? I went to a Rejuvenol website and there lots of different products and no one that just did everything. How do I know what to order? Do you use your own flatiron? My hair is fine but I have quite a bit of it. It’s got some natural wave, but not curly. I have a stacked bob and it never looks like it does when I walk out of the salon after getting it cut/styled. If I would stand in front of mirror every morning and flat iron it and work on it, it may but I just don’t have the time. I would like it to be straight so this style would work well for me but don’t want to pay $300 for the BB. I am also worried about it making my hair more fine or sticking to my head with no body. Any help you can offer would be great!
Thanks…
Robin
http://www.amazon.com/Rejuvenol-Brazilian-Keratin-Treatment-Collagen/dp/B002RS7EYS
Robin – the link above takes you to a bottle of what I’ve been using. They just redesigned the bottle, etc, so you may be confused by looking at the last design and comparing it to the new one. But its the same stuff.
I am pretty sure you have to be a professional to buy this from the official Rejuvenol site. I’m not one. I’ve bought online from amazon and some of the beauty supply sites – whoever’s got the best price/shipping at the time.
I bought a flatiron at Sally Beauty Supply. I think it was about $80, on sale. You need one that you can set the temp to 450 degrees – just ask the people who work there. And get a good one - I think its worth it. I only use that heat setting when I am doing the treatment, I don’t use it that hot on a normal basis.
So far, no one I know has had any problem with hair getting finer or having no body whatsoever. For me I have normal-width hair (not fine or coarse), and lots of it. If I let my hair dry naturally it still has wave and I naturally have lots of body and still do. If I blow dry it, it is straight, shiny but not superflat. And if I flat iron it after blow drying, then its really flat, shiny.
All I can tell you is the same thing I’ve said above: everyone I know always wants it done again. Believe it or not, it seems to improve the health of your hair.
When you do the treatment, and you leave it on, it will be pretty much superflat and not very shiny, until you shampoo. Then the magic happens.
The other thing that experience has taught me is that you don’t need to wait four days to shampoo for the first time. I’ve washed it the next day and it doesn’t seem to affect how long it lasts. Also another warning is “no clips or hair bands for four days.” That’s not true either. This isn’t a permanent wave. You can use whatever you want when the treatment is in. When you wash your hair, the dent is gone.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Thanks for the information Karen! It it easy to use by myself? Are the directions self explanatory..how long to leave it on etc? What about shampooing right after? Do you recommend waiting a day? I read online that people wait 4 days..yuck. I can’t walk around with my hair plastered and flat to my head for that amount of time! Glad you told me about the better flatiron. I have one but I’m sure it doesn’t get that hot etc! I guess my salon only charges $150 for my length hair. Wonder if it would be worth it to give it a try first to see if it’s something I want to invest in and do myself? Do the salons use something different than the Rejuvenol that you use? Are they all basically the same or do they do offer the same results?
Thanks!
Robin
Thanks for the information Karen! It it easy to use by myself? Are the directions self explanatory..how long to leave it on etc? What about shampooing right after? Do you recommend waiting a day? I read online that people wait 4 days..yuck. I can’t walk around with my hair plastered and flat to my head for that amount of time! Glad you told me about the better flatiron. I have one but I’m sure it doesn’t get that hot etc! I guess my salon only charges $150 for my length hair. Wonder if it would be worth it to give it a try first to see if it’s something I want to invest in and do myself? Do the salons use something different than the Rejuvenol that you use? Are they all basically the same or do they do offer the same results?
Thanks!
Robin,
There are clear directions on the bottle and its really not hard. It just takes patience. Not really skill. And there are some videos online, or step by step photos you can refer to.
1) Wash your hair until its squeaky clean with a clarifying shampoo (there’s a clairol brand you can buy at most drug stores that works fine). Put nothing else on your hair – no conditioner, etc.
2) Blow dry your hair completely.
3) Put on gloves. Paint the solution on your hair, kinda like you would a color. From scalp to root, you don’t have to saturate it completely. As you apply the rejuvenol, twist and pin the treated hair up. You start on the top of your head and work your sides and back of your hair, again like you’d apply a color.
4) No waiting. As soon as you’re done applying it, you blow dry it again. I pull the hair down in segments, like I put it up but in reverse. Starting this time at the back of the head, neck, and up to the crown, reverse of how I applied it. I also use a wide-toothed comb for this part to comb and control the hair as I blow dry. This is when doing it in a well-ventilated area will help. The heat causes some fumes to get in your eyes. It’s not as bad as peeling an onion or anything, but ventilation is good!
5) Heat up that flat iron to 450 degrees and clip your hair up again, in segments. Start flat ironing at the nape of your neck in very small, thin segments. Go over each area 4 or 5 times, pulling somewhat taught as you flat iron it. Again, do this part in the same sequence you blow dried, top of your hair is the last bit to flat iron. I use a fine-toothed comb to hold the hair as I flat iron it. The iron is HOT and the comb keeps your fingers from burning. The steam will, again, cause the chemicals to waft up nicely into your eyes. (Don’t worry though — totally worth the discomfort.)
6) And you’re done! Buy some shampoo without the sodium ingredients we’ve talked about in these postings. I use the EverPure brand by L’Oreal (drug stores, grocery stores) but I am sure there are others. I try to leave it in for at least 24 hours before I shampoo. I flat iron it a couple of times during that time, maybe twice if I leave it in for 24 or more if I leave it in longer. But not at 450 degrees, more like 400 or 350.
7) Another tip – I wear Crocs when I do this to myself or anyone else. Standing that long is hard and the Crocs definitely make it more comfortable.
It will probably take you around 2 hours to do it, doesn’t sound like your hair’s that long.
Supplies: hair clips, plastic bowl for the solution, gloves, hair paint brush, blow dryer, 450 degree flat iron, fat-toothed comb and fine-toothed comb. All can be found at a normal beauty supply store. And, of course, the straightening solution!
I would rec having it done in a salon first if you’re willing to pay for it, and watch how it’s done. That’s what I did, to the tune of $300 plus tip. I think $150 is worth it. If you read the postings on this site, you’ll see that someone was told that the Brazillian Blowout actual brand of solution seems to not work so well on fine hair. So you may want to select a salon that uses another brand. The place I had it done didn’t use BBlowout or Rejuvenol, but I can’t remember the name of what he had.
The other thing – some other brands of solution have different application methods. What I did was choose a brand online that had the same app method as the one the stylist used on my hair.
I hope this helps. I think you should go for it!
Thanks again for the information Karen. I am going to give it a try in a salon first. My salon I normally go to only does the BB. I will have to call around since it sounds like the BB doesn’t hold too long on finer hair.
Has anyone tried the Liquid Keratin at home treatments or one of those treatments (at home) where you don’t use a flat iron? Other than the Rejuvenol…
Robin
I had the keratin treatment done at Ulta on August 12th. I love it. A good hair day every single day and I didn’t think I had bad days before, but, man, what a boost having your hair look good every single day. I, too, live in FL, could not wash my hair for four days, but I am now an addict, will never ever go without it again. Want to do my teen daughter’s here at home. I think I’m going to give the Rejuvenol a shot. Thanks for the info, Allison
Have posted before ..
I had the Brazilian Blowout just about a month ago … I do have a supply of Brazilian Blowout Acai Shampoo/Conditioner/Masque .. which work really well .. (I used the masque before I color my hair) I also use L’Oreal Everpure and I honestly don’t notice any difference … I do notice a difference in my hair since day one .. It is still wonderful .. I love it but I see a little wave here and there .. initially it was stick straight .. I am going to have my hair colored this week .. I am hoping it won’t change my hair … I would love to think I could get 10 to 12 weeks each time I do it .. I had it done in a very high end salon and did not have any problem with fumes/rash or anything at all .. I wondered for those who have had it done more than once … Does it come out as well each time .. ? Are you as pleased as you were the first time you had it done … ? When reading the blogs some are complaining it never comes out as well as it did the first time they had it done .. Yet the BB site says it gets better and better and it lasts longer and longer …
Would love to hear your comments …
GOOD EVENING…..
I AM A HAIRSTYLIST AND I AM INTERESTED TO KNOW HOW CAN I BUY THIS PRODUCT EASILY” BRAZILIAN BLOW OUT” BY THE WAY I AM FROM KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
THANK VERY MUCH YOUR COOPERATION IS HIGHLY APPRECIATED.
I’ll try this again…I’ve had trouble with the link:
You can get the product online here. Welcome, DHUHA!
I’ve been looking at all the posts and some others not on this page. Many of the products have formaldehyde in them. I found a product that does not. Has anyone tried
Advantage Brazilian Vanilla Keratin Treatment? It is formaldehyde free (less smelly and better for your health).
I had the Brazilian Keratin treatment done and was wondering if there is a certain time I should wait before having another treatmeant done ?
Ivy – I think most people wait two or three months, because that’s when they can tell the protein is starting to come out. But I haven’t heard that any time is “too soon.” I do mine usually about every three months, when I can tell I need it.
Stacy – I have read that the formaldehyde-free products don’t work as well/last as long. I don’t know whether that’s true or not. The way I look at it, if I was a hairdresser and doing these all the time, I’d probably want to use the formaldehyde-free stuff. But since I use it so infrequently, I doubt it matter much. And we live in a world where things in our environment are offgassing formaldehyde all the time anyway. New carpets and furniture. Even our dry cleaning.
i can say that on my fine hair at least, the Brazilian Blowout brand did not last nearly as well as the Rejuvenol – not even close, and i’m told i’m not alone in that. however, BB’s maintenance products (esp the masque) are very helpful.
also i’ve been told by various stylists to be wary of using it too often – it is a very strong chemical process, it weights down the hair, and so 2 or mayyyybe 3 times a year is the most that’s recommended.
has anyone tried the Lasio brand and can you tell me how it stacks up please?
thanks!
By now you may have read about the suspected high levels of formaldehyde in the BB product resulting in adverse effects:
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101009/brazilian-blowout-caution-101009/
Thanks Christopher,
I was not aware of that. This post is over a year old and continues to receive interest and comments so I know this must be a popular product or concept. I personally do not use these products but I do know that it has become extremely popular. I know my hairdresser has built quite a clientele with these products. It will be interesting to see what comes of this.
Has anyone tried the royal keratin brand distributed by keratin connection o used at saks + other salons? If so I’d be grateful to hear your experience asap as I’m considering trying it tomorrow. Bonus points if you’ve also tried other brands + can compare. Thank you!
has anyone tried a brand of keratin conditioning treatment called royal keratin, distributed by keratin connection and used in some chain salons including saks? if so i’d be grateful for your feedback on it asap as i may try it tomorrow. bonus points if you’ve also tried rejuvenol and/or brazilian blowout brands and can compare results from this one to those!
thanks so much!
Had Brazilian blowout this past Tuesday and will go back to to have it washed out this Saturday. I am wondering about the difference between the Keatin treatments that wash out the same day and the one that was applied to my hair that takes 4 days before it is washed out. I asked about the formula and was told that it DOES NOT have formaldehyde in it and unlike the original process does not leave your hair stick straight, just healthy, shinning and frizz free.
Guess I just don’t understand why some can be washed out the same day and I have to look like a wet and flat headed poodle for 72 hours.
thanks
I got the Royal Keratin done twice, professionally (the chocolate flavor…which smelled like kulula). Both times it was $175 for 2 oz. of product, plus a $20 hair cut, plus tip. Soooo, i listened closely to the jibber jabber that the professional was talking about in the salon and decided to do some extended research online. I found through the keratin connection website that basically anyone could order it. so i did. and after 4 months from the professional job, i did it myself. It was well worth it! although you have to be skilled in holding a hand mirror and applying product, blow drying your hair with gloves and hot ironing each section 10 times to get the desired result…it took approx. 3 hours to complete (just like in the salon) the drawback is, you might get tired arms. (p.s. because it is a strong chemical i did the blow out and hot iron outside) BUT the keratin connection sends you a cd on how to do the treatment step by step. So if you have the patience and the skills to do your own hair, go for it.
Hello everyone!
I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind. =)
I just had a BB done professionally for the first time this past Wednesday…and I am in love! My hair is how I have always wished it would be! As you see, I am already interested in having it done again and I’m looking for ways to have it done at home.
I have looked up the Rejuvenol everyone seems to be raving about, but I have a question about it. Is there a “masque” or a conditioner treatment you need to use while processing? (When I had my BB done in the salon, they washed my hair, towel dried it, put in the BB, put me under a hairdryer for about 10 minutes (with a shower cap on), then blew it dry with a hand-held blow-dryer. Once they were done with that they flat ironed it straight…but then took me back to the bowl, wet my hair, and put this conditioner type stuff on it, rinsed, then blew it dry and flat ironed again.)
Also, I see that there is a formaldehyde-free formula, like my BB was suppose to be, and was wondering if anybody had tried it? I only saw 1 review on it and it wasn’t a good one at all.
I just wanted to make sure I was getting everything I would need to do this a home in a few months. I don’t ever want to go without this procedure done to my hair…but I can’t afford $275 every 3 months to have it done! lol.
Thanks again for your time! I look forward to hearing from you.
Gail,
Welcome to the club. I laughed when I read “My hair is how I always wished it would be.” Yep. True that!
It sounds like you had a different type of processing than I have used or had done. When I was looking online to buy a product, I remember reading the application processes for other products and there was washing, etc.
As far as formalhehyde-free, I have heard they don’t work as well or last as long. If I was a hairdresser and did this all the time to people, I’d probably use that because I wouldn’t wan to be inhaling the fumes constantly. But since I just use it every few months (window open, fan on) I feel okay with the strong stuff.
Hope this helps,
Karen
I agree the BB gives me e hair I always wantecand wished for …
I have had three B&B’s to date .. Def am noticing a difference from the first to the third .. Hair is flat .. Not as shiny.. Not as easy to blow dry .. All of my B&B’s were done in hair salons … Three different stylists did them .. The first was the best … I spoke with the gal who did my hair this last time telling her my concerns … She told me that I should not be doing every ten weeks .. I should be waiting five or six months between applications … She did not tell me this prior to doing the treatment .. She told me only after I called a week later .. However the b&b site says differently … Saying the more you do the longer it lasts … I wonder if anyone who has had repeated B&B’s see much of a difference from the first time as they continue to have it done … Texture .. Manageability .. Or otherwise ?
I would say I am feeling concerns about the process health wise …but truth is I love it so much it would be really hard if possible to go back to big and frizzy …
Esther
hi how can i buy blowout in sanjuan ?? pleas help me thanks
Does anyone know of a reputable salon in Orlando Florida? (my hair is not dry just extremely frizzy)
I had the Brazilian Blowout 2 months ago and it is still looking good. No side effects, no smells during it. Only thing is, the shampoo and conditioner is expensive. Anything we can use different that doesnt cost as much and doesnt ruin the procedure?
I do use the BB Acai products but I also use L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner which you can buy almost anywhere from CVS to the Stop and Shop ! ! They often have specials on it .. The most I have ever paid is $6.99 for each … I found this information in an earlier post .. I have been using since last August when I first had my BB done .. You can also google sulfate free products .. there are several but the L’Oreal is the least expensive and seems just fine for me .. I also started using Keratin Complex Infusion but L’Oreal also has a smoother as well which I have not tried .. I found my hair getting limp after the second BB but this product helps ..
I just got my second BB. LOVED it the first time!!! Absolutely no problems!! I did notice it seemed to not be as smooth and straight after about 6 weeks, but nothing like how it used to be! So, like I was saying, I had it done for the second time. It’s been 5 days, and my scalp is itching like CRAZY!!!! I’m wondering if it’s a reaction to something in the BB product? I would have thought if I was allergic to it, I would have had some sort of reaction the first time, right? Any thoughts or please some help on how to get my scalp to stop itching?
I just got it done 2 days ago. They told me on the paper instructions to not wash for 4 days, but my hairdresser said 48 hours. I usually wash my hair every day so as I approach my 48 hrs my hair is definitely looking oily now. What is the true story, does it matter how long you wait to wash?
Amy … Am thinking you may not have had the Brazilian Blowout .. Maybe the Keratin Complex … With the BB you can wash it immediately .. no restrictions .. I believe with the Keratin Complex you have to wait three or four days ..
Karen .. If you are out there am wondering if you are still doing .. and if you are still loving .. ?
I have had three BB’s .. one Keratin Honey .. one Keratin Express .. My hair has changed .. The first BB was incredible .. The next two were not great .. I found my hair limp with the second and third was awful .. so I decided I would try something different .. I am not sure if I will continue .. It doesnt seem to take as well .. I have not yet tried the new BB Zero .. My concern are that repeatedly treatments along with coloring are not really good for my hair and I know they say it serves to make the hair more healthy .. I am not finding that ..
Anyone out there feeling the same ?
Good morning ladies,
Ester – yes I am still here and I still use Rejuvenol. I do my hair about every three months or so. Ester – I can tell you that my friends who highlight and color their hair say that rejuvenol only makes their hair feel better. I’ve never used BB so I don’t know what the difference is.
And Amy – my experience has been that the “wait 4 days” or 2 days or however long is more a wives tale than the truth. With Rejuvenol it says on the bottle to wait four days (I think) but I’ve been washing mine the next day and it doesn’t make a difference.
I’ve been doing the treatment now for coming up on two years and I seriously can’t imagine living without it!
Karen .. thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly …
Very interesting that you are still doing and no problems .. Also that your friends are still loving and their hair is better .. I wish I knew why I am having such a difficult time … I loved it the first time .. I was sort of thinking that maybe I did the treatment to soon or I was overprocessing because I am coloring at least twice between BB’s ..
I have gone to different stylists as well because I thought maybe it was them .. I do appreciate your help and info .. From day one you have been a great resource ! ! Thank you again .. Esther
Ester – it could be the product you’re using. If you order the Rejuvenol online it costs about $140/bottle. And you at least 4 or 5 treatments out of it. So the cost is well worth it.
I washed my hair today at the 3 day mark. I’m definitely disappointed in it, it’s still frizzy. Not as frizzy and didn’t get as big as it can, but definitely not what I was hoping. It definitely feels softer, but I don’t see how that was worth $250 including tip at the salon.
I have blonde highlighted hair, shoulder length with layers and I have a lot of hair, but it is fine and the humidity can do a job on it.
Amy,
You should definitely go back to your hairdresser and let her/him know. That isn’t “okay” especially with that kind of fee.
But I have heard from other people I know that if you have fine hair, the “Brazillian Blowout” brand of keratin treatment doesn’t work as well. One girl I know (fine hair) had it done and it lasted about two weeks. She went back and her hairdresser told her she’d learned that it doesn’t work as well on fine hair. I did her’s with Rejuvenol a few months later and it lasted for months.
So you should ask your stylist to do it again with a different brand. You shouldn’t have any frizziness; no one I know has.
Karen .. Thank you .. I worry that I won’t be able flat iron the back … I have spent well over a $1,000 on B&B’s and would love to be able to cut back on the cost .. For me in addition to the B&B’s I have hair cuts and color .. I try to do at least one color myself but I can’t do the cut … So costs are a consideration for me .. I will look into the product you use .. maybe my hairdresser would consider using … They stopped using B&B and switched to Keratin Honey which is all organic but maybe she would consider trying the product you use ..
Thank you again Karen … ! ! Esther
I called my hairdresser and told him that although my hair is softer, there is no noticeable difference in my hair. He said they used the formaldahyde free formula and he heard his other salon had complaints about it not working after he did my hair, so I’m going back in and having it redone using the other product.
I’ll report back and let you know if this other stuff works on me.
Great !
I heard the same too .. “Treatments without the formaldehyde do not work as
well as those with .. !”
Hope you love it !
Let us know ..
Esther
I got it redone today with the regular brazillian blowout. I had to keep my eyes closed they kept stinging during the blow drying and it did burn my throat a bit. That being said – it looks way smoother and straight at this point than it did with the zero. Now the hairdresser said I only needed to wait 24 hours before washing. I think I’ll wait 2 days in any case. I’ll check in after the first washing, but it’s amazingly straight and may actually be too flat at this point.
Amy – congrats! Don’t worry about the “too flat” part. That will fix when you wash it for the first time. I hope this one works for you.
Many days in from the BB. It has definitely worked, however I’m not so certain I would do it again. I don’t know that I like the always straight look – it tends to make my hair look greasier and a little lifeless. I’m not sure I like my layers so straight. Maybe the grass really was greener. On the good side, it is temporary and will wash out eventually, and in the meantime I don’t have to worry about summertime frizz.
Amy .. I am glad it worked .. I did find my second to prove not as great as the first .. leaving me with hair that was limp .. It should get a bit better as the process wears away .. I too am undecided if I will do again .. I have done four or five times and the last was not so good .. It left me with almost stringy and limp hair .. not pretty .. Not sure if is because I color my hair frequently and perhaps have had the BB done too frequently as well .. I think it is time to give my hair a break .. I had it cut last week and sort of liked seeing a little curl .. Nothing compared to the first treatment for me so we will see .. I am sad that the summer is here as that is when I would want the treatment the most .. I have also read horror stories so I think for now anyway I will back off .. In the meantime enjoy your new hair .. It was life altering for me in the beginning …
I did love it !
Good luck .. Esther
I exercise and sweat a LOT. Will the Rejuvenol
treatment last?I just bought it but I’m waiting for next week when I’ll have a few days off when I can skip the sweating for the 4 days. I’ll apply it at home.
I am now thinking that, since sweat has so much salt in it (sodium chloride,) I may have made a mistake in buying this expensive product. Hope not! Does anyone know?
is the Brazial blowout safe? does anyone had any side effects, like the hair falling off? I been considering having it done but I am scare when I read some reviews that say that it contains chemicals that give you cancer .
I mean Brazilian blowout…
I had the original Brazilian Blowout Acai done in August 2011 .. There is a new BB Zero out that is supposed to be much safer … I had my last treatment done May 5th .. Prior to that time I had been doing every six to eight weeks .. After my last BB in May I found my hair starting to fall out … For me I think I probably did too frequently considering I was coloring my hair as well .. My hair is fine now .. It has been over five months since my last BB and I am wanting to try BB Zero but like you I am reading a mixed bag of reviews .. so still not sure if I will do .. I had lunch with a friend this week who had it done and her hair looked so beautiful it has made me start to think again about haviing it done .. If I do I will only do it every six months certainly not as frequently as I did … It was life altering for me having had curly frizzy and big hair all my life .. I have been using products and am still seeing smoother hair than I would not have had prior to the BB .. If you do decide to have it done I would suggest you go to someone who has had lots of experience .. and have a consultation before deciding .. Talk to them about what their other clients have experienced .. It is addicting in a way .. for those of us who had to spend so much time .. energy and money trying to tame our hair the BB offers a whole new world just not sure at what price ..
Good luck to you …
Esther
I’m touristing in San Juan next week. Can someone help me find BB aftercare-products to bye? Im staying at Hyatt at Dorado.
Thank you!!!
Karen,
Thanks to your words, I bought the Rejuvenol and did it myself today. However, I feel my hair heavy and weighted down, and not smooth but kind of sticky like candy got on your hair . Does your hair feel the same way after you flat iron it? Also, I should I continue to flat iron everyday the next 4 days?
Yes – my hair feels the same “sticky” way because we use more of the solution than we probably need to. The more you flatiron it over the next few days (and I do mine at least twice a day, but never as thoroughly as when you do it the first time) more of the solution will mist off and your hair will feel more normal. But it doesn’t feel totally right until you wash it. So it’s kinda icky but totally worth it in the end!
Thank you for answering so quickly!!!!!!! I was thinking isnt it kind of funny when you have to put your hair under such extreme heat and usually damages in order for it to look healthy and smooth at the end?I was afraid to keep flat ironing my hair multiple times. (I still did it though,lol…)But anyway, I’m in my 4th day now and will wash tomorrow and find out how it works on me. Hopefully my hair will be as wonderful as yours and your friends, Karen!!!!
So now you need to tell us how your hair came out! Do you love it?
So I washed my hair today with the Everpure shampoo and boy was I excited!!! My hair feels so so much smoother, light-weighted and flowy. My bangs fall effortlessly that I start to get annoyed (hahaha, in a good way!!). I live in FL and my hair did not get “mad” with the humidity, for the first time today! My bottom line is: I LOVE REJUVENOL KERATIN TREATMENT! And of course, BIG BIG THANKS goes to Karen and all the ladies who contributed to this topic. I will never go without this treatment ever again!
Welcome to the collective!
I have been online trying to locate a local salon in the Dallas/Ft.Worth are that uses the Rejuvenol Brazillian Keratin Straightening Treatment. I have had my hair done 4 times in almost 4 years, the first and last with Rejuvenol and the others with Coppolla and one called Chocolate (not sure who makes it). I have had the BEST results with the Rejuvenol, because not only did my hair grow by leaps and bounds the first time, but the treatment stayed in my hair for 6 months! The other products lasted maybe 3 months tops, for the same price! Plus, if you have the treatment done in a salon with Rejuvenol, you will get their after treatment shampoo and conditioner included in the price. They are both wonderful and smell great. They also make a product called “Frizz away Hair Shine” and it works great on wet and dry hair and reminds me of a baby powder smell. It’s a nice way to freshen up your hair and make it smell good! In addition, make sure you don’t use any kind of clarifying shampoo while the treatment is in your hair because you can actually strip away the product! I never have to use a flat iron on my hair to straighten it…it does great with a round brush. My hair is medium texture, a little on the dry side and it’s very thick. I will always use the Rejuvenol because it makes my hair dry faster and it looks really shiny and pretty, and it’s long now. Prior to getting the treatment, I spent literally years trying to grow my hair out and it grew maybe an inch in a years time. Now, my hair is so healthy and it grows longer MUCH faster than it used to. It makes me feel like I am in Junior High School again! I constantly get compliments on my hair cuz it looks so healthy and I am 46 years old and I color treat my hair. If you are thinking about getting this treatment done, it’s best if you color your hair a couple of days prior so the keratin will actually SEAL in the color for you. I am still on the quest to find Rejuvenol here in Dallas, so if anyone knows of a salon that uses it, please post something here so I can check it out. I have been out of all 3 of my products for a month or so and I really miss it!
You could try ordering the Rejuvenol online and then asking a stylist to apply it for you if you can’t find someone who uses that product. But if you’re good at flat ironing your hair, you can do it yourself.
A student in our college had it done in Argentina 6 months ago and needed it again. I told her which product I use and how to apply it. She stopped by my office on Monday with Hollywood-quality beautiful silky long black hair. She looked like Cher from the 70s!
Just look up Rejuvenol online, you can order it, do it yourself and save money.
Karen,
I am confused about exactly which product you have used. The link to Amazon that was posted last year by you doesn’t work an more. Should I purchase Rejuvenol Brazilian 24 Hour Keratin Treatment 2oz? Could you please advise me as to exactly which one you recommend? Thanks so much for your help!
Laura,
Here’s the link to the product I use: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=tiP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=rejuvenol+keratin+treatment&gs_sm=sc&gs_upl=124964l132799l0l134340l22l13l9l0l0l0l120l963l9.4l22l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1583&bih=1023&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5670068482413006132&sa=X&ei=ndUvT9imHsGbgwfU_fmoCg&sqi=2&ved=0CI8BEPMCMAI
I haven’t used the 24-hour treatment and I haven’t used the vanilla one either. I don’t know if the formulas are any different than the normal one. I don’t leave the normal one in for 4 days — maybe two at the most and I’ve left it in for 24 hours too.
I use Clarol clarifying shampoo before the treatment. And L’Oreal Everpure shampoo in between, which is sodium sulfate and sodium chloride free. And I have been using conditioners that say they have keratin protein in them, which seem to work well.
Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
Karen