The Latest Hair Craze: The Brazilian Blowout

A new form of straightening treatment has hit the market – and this one has certainly earned its bragging rights. Unlike other treatments that use harsh chemicals to alter your hair, the Brazilian Blowout soothes it with its conditioning properties.

In fact, the developers of this new craze suggest using it on damaged hair because it can help repair it! Not only that, but it won’t strip your hair of a color treatment like other formulas will.

First, it is important to know that the Brazilian Blowout is a brand name for a specific treatment. There are many different types of Brazilian hair treatments, but only one by the name “Brazilian Blowout.”

Other treatments can take much longer and be much more damaging for your hair. These treatments have similar properties to the just-as-popular Japanese straightening techniques. Brazilian Blowout is different, though.

While it boasts its ability to turn curly hair into loose waves (or even pin straight), the amount of straightening depends entirely upon the way you style it afterwards. The way it works is revolutionary.

Instead of treating your hair with harsh chemicals, the Brazilian Blowout nourishes your hair; it coats every strand with a protein to not only heal damaged hair, but also to prevent frizz. Because of this, the treatment will slowly wash away (similar to the way temporary hair color does).

Its effects are said to last up to three months before it begins to fade.

The whole process takes only about an hour – much less than similar treatments. First, your hair is shampooed. Then the Brazilian Blowout formula is applied.

Once the hair has dried, it is straightened with a flat iron to strengthen the solution. The hair is then washed again and a conditioner is applied to lock in its effects.

The whole treatment costs about the same as other straightening treatments if not a bit less. The reason for this is probably because it takes less time; since time equals money to a salon, the one that takes the least amount of time will cost the least amount of money.

Despite its claim to be lacking in harsh chemical ingredients, it can still cause adverse reactions. Some individuals who have gotten the Brazilian Blowout report an irritated scalp, watery eyes, skin rashes, and an itchy throat while getting the treatment.

It is not known why this happens, but makers of the Brazilian Blowout insist that it is safe to use and free of harsh chemicals.

Unfortunately for their entire marketing strategy (which brags about how safe it is), recent studies have shown that the formula does show traces of Formaldehyde.

For those who don’t know, Formaldehyde is known to cause irritation, and if it is inhaled for enough time, it can even cause cancer!

Really, though, the choice is up to the consumer.

Is it worth the risk? Most salon straightening treatments on the market are damaging to your hair in some way, so debunking the belief that the Brazilian Blowout was chemical-free isn’t exactly shocking news.

No matter what treatment you choose to get, always do so in moderation.

Contributed by Carol Montrose

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Comments

Samantha9:22 AM
I am currently pregnant (6 months) and wanting a Brazilian blowout. i think that it would make my life a lil easier once the baby was here. I was just curious if any pregnant women out there have gotten it done.
Anonymous9:24 AM
Seriously you not supposed to dye, bleach or even try Brazilian Blowout for your hair while your pregnant or when you are breastfeeding. It's clearly mentioned in one of the Brazilian Blowout websites.
Anonymous9:29 AM
To learn the exclusive technique and be certified as a Brazilian Blowout stylist, salon professionals must attend a one-day workshop to master the process. So before scheduling the Brazilian Blowout, make sure that it is done by a trained personnel and ask if it is formaldehyde-free.
phyllis11:52 AM
Wow excellent hair color.
Sarah Helfgott12:00 PM
I loved the treatment when I got it, but it burned my eyes during the process. I've also heard of women being so badly affected by the side effects that it hurt their vision for days after the treatment. The formaldehyde levels found are supposed to be dangerous levels. You can read more about it here http://www.theconfessionsofaproductjunkie.com/?p=857.

But yes, at this point it's up to the consumer whether he or she wants to get the treatment. I am, however, questioning how much longer it will be legal in the US because the formaldehyde levels are higher than I think code allows.

Sarah Helfgott
pinksuzanne8:43 PM
They had a news story on this product in Canada and hairdressers are removing it from their shelves as the formaldehyde content is very high and one woman from Calgary was interviewed and her hair was coming out in handfuls. I think it would be dangerous for anyone let alone a pregnant woman to get it done.