You’ve heard the hype and seen the pictures of shiny, thick, straight hair, and you’ve decided that a Brazilian Blowout (or Keratin Complex Treatment) is exactly what your hair needs. But you might be wondering: what kind of maintenance is involved? How do I make it last and get the most bang for my buck? How big of a commitment is this going to be? Fortunately, maintaining your hair post- Brazilian Blowout is extremely simple!
First, depending on the treatment that you choose, the first few days after your treatment will be a little different. There are two treatments available right now: one that stylists often refer to as a “Brazilian Blowout” and one commonly called a Keratin Complex Straightening Treatment.
Both treatments have the same results. With the Brazilian Blowout, you can wash your hair immediately afterwards. With the Keratin Complex Treatment, you cannot wash your hair for four days, or kink it with any clip or elastic after the treatment. However, the Keratin Complex Treatment does not contain formaldehyde, while the Brazilian Blowout does. It all depends on which bothers you more; formaldehyde on your head, or not washing your hair for four days.
Personally, I went with the non-formaldehyde option. Not washing hair for four days may sound heinous, but after the treatment, your hair will be so soft and smooth that it won’t feel like your normal hair. Choose a weekend when you can stay home and not care if your scalp looks a little greasy on day 3.
You will want to purchase shampoo, conditioner, and any other products you want to use from a product line that contains no sulfates and not sodium. This is extremely important, as these compounds are in most beauty products and they break down the keratin that has been added to your hair during the treatment.
The stylist who performs your treatment can refer you to hair care products specifically designed for the treatment, but you can also purchase a less expensive product in your local drugstore, so long as the label reads “sulfate-free” and “sodium-free.” The Organix line has products that do not contain sulfates and come in a variety of delicious scents, for about $6-7.
When you shower or bathe, clip your hair up while using your normal soap or body wash, as most of these products also contain sulfates, and dipping your hair into sulfate-laden soap can break down the keratin compounds.
Limit the frequency of blow-drying or flat ironing your hair. With smooth, silky hair, why damage it so often with heat? If your hair had tight curls before the treatment, you can wash-and-go and have soft, beautiful, beach waves. If your hair was wavy before, you will now have smooth, straight hair without having to apply products or heat.
When it comes to swimming in lakes, pools or the ocean, an occasional dip won’t ruin the treatment, but frequent or prolonged exposure can. If you want the treatment to last, take added precautions by coating the hair with a sulfate-free conditioner or serum. For frequent swims in a chlorinated pool, tuck hair into a swimming cap.
Keep in mind that a typical Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Complex Treatment lasts 10 to 12 weeks. Exposure to sulfates will break it down sooner, but with proper care, you can prolong your treatments for 3 months.
