Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin For Curly Hair: What’s The Real Difference?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through the link at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Brazilian Blowout and a Keratin Treatment is? If so, this blog post is for you!
We're breaking down everything that makes these two treatments so different from each other. Keep reading to find out more about how these two smoothing treatments can be a game changer for your natural hair. As well as make your hair frizz-free! You’ll finally be given all the right information about each treatment that will help you better understand which one of these treatments is really might for your hair type.
Featured Products
Click on each image to shop the products
What’s the difference between a Brazilian Blowout Treatment and Keratin Treatment?
Many people think there are significant differences between the two hair treatments; however, they are wrong. The Brazilian Blowout is a brand name of Keratin that is sold to hair salons and professional hairstyles. The real difference between these two treatments when it comes down to it is based on what brand your stylist uses.
Both treatments are great for eliminating frizz, adding shine, and smoothing the hair shaft; This makes your hair easier to style and detangle. Both of these treatments can be used on color-treated hair. They also usually last up to three to six months, depending on your hair texture and the brand of treatment used by your hairstylist.
Who are the best candidates for a Brazilian Blowout or a Keratin Treatment?
Both Brazilian Blowouts and Keratin Treatments are appropriate for all types of hair. However, you would be a good candidate if you find that you have:
Thick hair
Curly hair (great for all curl patterns)
Wavy hair
Unruly hair
Frizzy hair
Dry hair
Your hair is prone to breakage
Lacks shine
Your hair is severely damaged
Unmanageable
Hard to detangle
Then you're in luck these treatments might solve your problems! In addition, these treatments are also excellent for anyone with textured curly hair that is looking to stop using chemical relaxers or harsh chemicals on their hair. You will be able to rock your natural curls while adding that protective protein layer to each hair strand that will allow your hair to become more manageable.
The application process
Keratin Treatment: The hair is first washed with a clarifying shampoo. This ensures that the hair has no excess product laying on the surface of the hair strand that could block the treatment from penetrating deeper into the hair strand's cuticle. Then the hair is towelled dried, and the treatment is saturated into the hair strand from root to ends. Once each strand of hair has been saturated, you will then have to allow the product to sit and process for 35-45 minutes. The time can vary depending on the brand of keratin treatment you are using. After the processing time has been completed, your hair will be raised at the sink to get all the excess product out. Your stylist will then finish off your treatment by blow-drying and flat ironing each hair strand multiple times. Depending on how much of the curl pattern you want to reduce will determine how many passes your stylist will make with the flat iron on each hair strand.
Brazilian blowout: The hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo. It is then towel-dried, and your stylist will take small sections of your hair and apply the product from root to end. The product will then be blow-dried and flat ironed into your hair. Once this process is completed, your hair will be raised to remove the excess product then it will be followed up with a deep conditioner. Finally, the hair will be blow-dried and styled.
What are the results after you wash out your Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Treatment?
After completing the entire process of treating your hair with either a Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Treatment, you will find that you have smooth hair, your curls are less frizzy, and feel softer. Your hair is also more sleek and shiny, easier to manage, dries faster, and will hold up better in the humidity. Lastly, you will also find that your hair is stronger and healthier. This is due to the fact that both treatments create a protein layer around your hair strands. This protein layer helps to straighten the hair's overall hair structure. Your hair will not permanently straighten with these treatments. When the hair is wet, your natural texture will still be intact.
Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment after care and maintenance tips
To ensure that you are getting the most out of your treatments, make sure to follow these aftercare tips and recommendations.
Tip #1: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfates can strip the hair causing the protein layer surrounding the hair cuticle to wash out quicker. By using a sulfate- free shampoo and conditioner like the Global Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, you will ensure that your treatment lasts longer.
Tip #2: Incorporate products that have keratin within them. A few different products that incorporate keratin protein within them are listed below.
Product Overview:
Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, Coiled, Tightly Coiled
Best For: Keratin-treated and damaged hair. This product is infused with keratin, it will enhance and restore hair while controlling frizz and preventing split ends.
Key Benefits: Detangle, Strengthening, Hydrating, Split Ends Repair, Softening, Smoothening, Nourishing, Moisturizing, Shining, Frizz Control, Conditioning, Anti-Age, Breakage Control, Heat Protection
How to use: Pump out 1-2 pumps of the product depending on damp hair. You may need more product depending on your hair's length and density. This product can also be used to enhance and condition your natural curls or it can be applied to damp hair before blow-drying out your hair.
Product Overview:
Hair Type: Stright, Wavy, Curly, Coiled, Tightly Coiled
Best For: An oily scalp or to prolong your hairstyle
Key Benefits: Formulated without talc or aluminum, which refreshes hair by absorbing excess oil and adding volume with natural rice starch.
How to use: Section off your hair and shake the bottle before spraying at the roots on second-day hair. Make sure you allow the dry shampoo to set on the roots for a few minutes before massaging it into the scalp.
Product Overview:
Hair Type: Stright, Wavy, Curly, Coiled, Tightly Coiled
Best For: Keratin treated hair, damaged hair, preventing breakage, frizzy hair, lack of shine
Key Benefits: A weightless hair oil that transforms your hair from dull and dry to beautiful smooth/ healthy hair.
How to use: Apply 1-2 pumps of oil into your hands. work the oil from your mid-length to the ends.
Tip #3: Extend the time between washing your hair by using a dry shampoo. Going longer without washing your hair will help the treatment from washing out faster. Dry shampoos such as the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo and the Living proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo are two great dry shampoos that will allow you to extend your hairstyle.
Product Overview:
Hair Type: Stright, Wavy, Curly, Coiled, Tightly Coiled
Best For: An oily scalp or to prolong your hairstyle
Key Benefits: Formulated without talc or aluminum, which refreshes hair by absorbing excess oil and adding volume with natural rice starch.
How to use: Section off your hair and shake the bottle before spraying at the roots on second-day hair. Make sure you allow the dry shampoo to set on the roots for a few minutes before massaging it into the scalp.
Product Overview:
Hair Type: Stright, Wavy, Curly, Coiled, Tightly Coiled
Best For: An oily scalp or to prolong your hairstyle
Key Benefits: Removes oil, sweat, and odour from hair while adding softness and shine without needing to wash your hair every day.
How to use: Section off your hair and shake the bottle before spraying at the roots on second-day hair. Make sure you allow the dry shampoo to set on the roots for a few minutes before massaging it into the scalp.
Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin Treatment FAQ
Will it make me have straight hair?
No, these treatments were not made to make your hair straight. They were made to strengthen your hair and make it more manageable. Depending on the brand of product your stylist uses, their application process, and how many times the flat iron is passed through the hair will then determine how much of your curl pattern will be loosened.
How long will it last?
These treatments typically last up to three to six months depending on how well your hair handles the treatment.
What is the average cost of a Brazilian blowout hair treatment?
The average cost of a Brazilian Blowout or Keratin treatment can run anywhere between $225 and up. The price is truly determined by the density and length of your hair, the location of the salon you are going to, and the level of experience the stylist has.
Who’s the treatment best for?
These two treatments are best for anyone with textured and unmanageable hair. All hair types will benefit from this service if they are looking to strengthen their hair. However, those with textured hair will benefit from these two treatments the most as they will give you more manageable hair.
Will keratin ruin my curls?
No, keratin will not ruin your curls. Keratin is protein for the hair therefore by adding keratin into your hair your curls will be stronger, healthier, and less prone to breakage.
Is keratin or Brazilian Blowout better for curly hair?
Both Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments will benefit your curly hair, but depending on your personal needs such as; how much curl pattern you want to reduce will determine which treatment works best for you.