If curly hair is driving you crazy, you've probably explored two popular treatments for frizzy, excessively voluminous, unruly curls:  keratin treatment vs. Brazilian blowout. 

Any woman will tell you that these are two of the most popular methods for giving you shiny, smooth hair. By now, you may have heard about the differences between Brazilian blowout and keratin treatments and which one is the best for your curly hair, but let's take a closer look.

What Is the Keratin Treatment?

Keratin is a protein that is produced by cells, called keratinocytes, in the skin and hair. The keratin protein is an important structural component in hair, skin, and nails. 

When the keratin is dissolved in water, it forms what we call keratin solution. The keratin solution is then applied to the hair, where it binds with the keratin molecules naturally produced by the hair. By bonding with the natural keratin already produced by the hair, the hair is strengthened, leaving it more resilient and smoother. 

What Is a Brazilian Blowout?

The marketing claims that Brazilian blowouts are scientifically formulated to penetrate the hair shaft to cleanse and shine while repairing the hair structure, giving the hair a healthy, revitalized look and feel. It should last for around six months, provided you maintain the "after-care" procedures that ensure the longevity of the results.

The Brazilian Blowouts technique does not involve mixing the solution with the hair. It is a form of separation between the bonds of the hair follicle fibers and the protein that's naturally produced by the hair. 

It is this separation that allows the hair to remain smooth and frizz-free throughout the day. They claim that the Brazilian Blowout uses proteins that are very similar to the natural proteins found in the hair.

Key Differences

1) Procedure

The Brazilian Blowout is a treatment that involves a blow-dry and flat iron for the smoothing process. This treatment is available in salons, sometimes in conjunction with a color or perm service. 

The keratin treatment is a solution that is applied to the hair, either in the salon or the spa. A blow-dry and flat iron is not used in the process of the keratin treatment. It is considered easier and faster than the Brazilian Blowout. The Brazilian Blowout lasts longer than the keratin treatment.

2) Intensity

Keratin treatments will last longer and be more intense than the Brazilian Blowout. The Brazilian Blowout contains a mild protein solution that is designed to bond with, and therefore soften, the hair. It is not designed to straighten the hair.

Keratin treatments, on the other hand, not only contain proteins but also contain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, that are designed to alter the structure of the hair permanently.

3) Cost

Cost is yet another important reason why you may choose one treatment over the other. The keratin treatment is typically cheaper than the Brazilian Blowout. This is because it is a non-invasive treatment that does not use heat or chemicals.

Conclusion

The end goal of both keratin treatments and the Brazilian blowout is to leave your hair with a smooth, frizz-free, silky texture. Both provide the same benefits, with their own share of differences.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get quality care from the best hair salon in Capitol Hill. The Glam House can provide any keratin treatment you may need for your hair. Get in touch with us today!