Everything You Need to Know about Brazilian Blowouts

You’ve probably seen the miraculous makeovers. You might have liked an Instagram picture or two with the caption “swipe for a before and after.” Maybe you’ve even researched the craze yourself. But for many, it’s still a beauty mystery. What are we referring to? The Brazilian Blowout, of course. 

This hairstyle trend originated almost two decades ago in Brazil where frizzy, humidity-wrecked hair is a common symptom of the hot, muggy weather.  A Brazilian Blowout is basically the opposite of the overly curly perm trend of the 1980s and early 90s; it is a semi-permanent smoothing treatment done in a professional setting that leaves your locks sleek for up to three months. 

The Buzz Of Brazilian Blowouts: Celebrity Supported Since the Y2K Days

Brazilian Blowouts seem almost supernatural. Even the kinkiest locks somehow come out stunningly smooth. The finished look is reminiscent of Hollywood glam, and many of our most beloved celebs rave about the treatment. However, you don’t need your own personal beauty squad to achieve the same look. The shocking before and afters that result from a Brazilian Blowout are quite simple for your stylist to achieve. The liquid formula binds to your hair to create a shield around each strand. The entire process takes less than two hours, which we think is well worth paparazzi-worthy pictures for days. The finished look is sealed in the cuticle which protects your hair from heat damage and bad hair days (for a few months, at least). 

As is typical of the trendiest people on Earth, celebrities jumped on the Brazilian Blowout train over a decade ago, before it reached the rest of the world. Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Richie, Halle Berry and Lindsay Lohan were some of the earliest adopters of the smoothing magic, and the treatment soon became sought after by beauty fanatics. While there are always controversies related to getting treatments in a salon setting versus trying a DIY route at home, the beauty industry has responded to demand and created products that yield incredible results. 

Products like Perma Luxe Mane Tame offer similar results to a Brazilian Blowout for a fraction of the price and in the comfort of your own home. Some beauty publications claim stars like  Maya Rudolph, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Lopez are all DIY-ing it these days. It’s good to know there are options out there, but ultimately it’s up to you and your level of comfort in going for the glam without going to the salon.

The Lowdown On Blowouts: Comparing Treatments And Ingredients

If you’re into haircare and a frizz victim yourself, you’re likely familiar with a variety of available smoothing treatments. The Brazilian Blowout is very similar to a keratin treatment with just a few minor differences in ingredients and desired results. Both products contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that can be rough on scalps and hair health, but your stylist will be able to let you know if you’re the right candidate for the craze. 

Keratin treatments are known to make your mane a hair heavier, and they tend to take away more of your natural look when it comes to curls. Brazilian Blowouts are more about shine and maintaining your look pre-treatment. But while both treatments calm frizz and smooth strands, there is a difference when it comes to intensity. With either treatment, your hair will never come out pin-straight ,as most companies are adapting their formulas to keep as close to your natural look as possible. Brazilian Blowouts have many of the same components as keratin treatments but also contain acai berry, annatto seed, and camu camu, all of which hail from the treatment’s namesake country, Brazil. 

Though there are some wave-related worries and chemical concerns, overall most stylists agree a Brazilian Blowout can actually make your hair healthier. Its deep conditioning and smoothing properties can add proteins back into your locks and kickstart a natural shine and healthy glow. The process generally includes washing the client’s hair, applying the formula, rinsing it out, blow-drying it, and sealing in the product with a straightener. As time goes on and hair professionals stay on top of trends, smoothing formulas are becoming safer. As always, do your own research.

Keeping Up With The Keratin: Brazilian Blowout Cost And Maintenance

If you opt to work with your stylist in getting a Brazilian Blowout, you should research price points and how to effectively maintain your look post-treatment. The average cost can range anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on your salon’s location, the length and texture of your hair, and how thick your locks are. Most people who opt for a professional Brazilian Blowout are more than satisfied with their results and think the splurge is worth the splendor of smooth, manageable hair.

To make sure you are getting the most out of your investment, you’ll want to ask your stylist about maintenance routines and products to pick up. Some hair experts suggest washing your hair only once or twice a week and forgoing any shampoos with sulfate. If you want to lock in the lush, many professionals say ditch the shampoo and just rinse and condition. You might not feel comfortable with this non-wash routine, so buying shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated to maintain blowouts can restore your regular shower routine. Stylists will be able to offer advice on hair masks and deep conditioners that will continue to work on your locks long before you get your next treatment. 

Hit Us Up For The Hair How-To

Haircuts for Humans always tries to keep it real. When you’re looking for the inside scoops on hair trends and tricks, we have your back. We do a deep dive into what styles and services work for certain types of hair, if new fads are worth the splurge, and how to incorporate new haircare products into your beauty routine. As far as the Brazilian Blowout goes, we think trying it out is worth any associated risk. The results are ravishing and the upkeep is low maintenance, making it a style treatment that will stay on trend for years to come.