If you want to straighten or smoothen your wavy or curly hair and tame frizz, there are many options to choose from. According to experts, relaxers work best for coily or curly hair that can handle chemical treatments to straighten it permanently. On the other hand, keratin or Brazilian blowout treatments provide partial and temporary straightening. These options are less harsh and are great for frizzy hair if you want smooth, straight hair for a long time.
What are relaxers hair treatment?
Hair relaxers are permanent hair-straightening chemical treatments designed for highly coiled hair. They work by breaking and restructuring disulfide bonds in the hair. The product comes in kits with a relaxing cream, protective gel, liquid activator, and a neutralizing shampoo.
What is a Brazilian blowout hair treatment?
A Brazilian blowout is a branded salon procedure using a proprietary product line to smoothen hair. It forms a defensive protein layer around the hair shaft, seals the cuticle, and eliminates frizz for a smoother look.
What is a keratin hair treatment?
A keratin treatment is a temporary hair smoothing treatment that infuses hair with keratin, a fibrous protein found in the fingernails, skin, and hair. It’s perfect for people wanting to tone down natural curly texture and make styling easy.
Relaxers Versus Brazilian Blowout Versus Keratin Treatment on Specific Aspects
| Relaxer | Brazilian Blowout | Keratin | |
| Process | Permanent treatment | Semi Permanent treatment | Semi Permanent treatment |
| Hair Type | For coily, wavy, curly, and fine hair | For frizzy, curly, or wavy hair and not for fine hair | For frizzy, damaged, and thick hair and not for fine hair |
| Duration | Lasts for 6–8 weeks until your hair grows out | It lasts for 12 weeks | It lasts for 3–6 months |
| Cost | Low-cost process | Less expensive than keratin treatments | Expensive |
| Result | Straightened hair | Smooth and frizz-free hair | Smooth and shiny hair |
Process
Hair relaxers are chemical treatments that permanently straighten highly coiled hair by breaking and reconstructing disulfide bonds.
A Brazilian blowout is a semi permanent treatment that smoothens hair temporarily, seals the cuticle, and uses a liquid keratin solution.
When comparing Brazilian blowout vs Japanese straightening, the latter permanently straightens hair by restructuring bonds, while the Brazilian blowout offers a more temporary solution. Keratin treatments also smoothen hair temporarily and strengthen it with heat and a keratin solution.
Procedure for Relaxers, Brazilian Blowout, and Keratin Treatment
Relaxer treatment
A relaxer hair treatment can be done at a salon or at home. Lye relaxers are often used by professional hairstylists in salons, while no-lye relaxers are more popular for at-home usage. For those transitioning to silver hair from brown, relaxers can help manage texture during the process.
How it’s done:
- Hair examination is performed to choose the ideal relaxer based on hair porosity, coarseness, curliness, and previous treatments.
- The hair is shampooed to remove sebum and buildup that could interfere with the straightening solution.
- The ears and hairline are protected using cotton balls or petrolatum to prevent skin burns from the alkaline solution.
- The clean hair is parted, and chemical relaxers are applied.
- The hair is smoothed section by section until fully straightened.
- The duration depends on hair thickness and porosity, following the producer’s guidelines.
- The hair is rinsed thoroughly, then shampooed with a neutralizing shampoo to restore pH and close the cuticle.
Brazilian blowout treatment
An authentic Brazilian blowout is done by professional hairstylists in a salon. However, with proper precautions, you can achieve a similar Brazilian blowout effect at home using a DIY keratin treatment or by mixing hair dye with conditioner for smoother results.
How it’s done:
- Wash your hair with an ionic cleanser and towel-dry it.
- Part into four sections and apply the smoothing solution from roots to tips, then comb.
- Use a boar-bristle brush to blow-dry with medium heat.
- Flat iron small sections to lock in the treatment.
- If you’re wondering, can you bleach wet hair, it’s not recommended.
- Finish with ionic bonding spray and style as preferred.
Keratin treatment
Keratin treatments are performed by experienced salon professionals.
Mechanism of action
In a relaxer treatment, lotions and creams with calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or guanidine hydroxide are applied to the hair shaft to break disulfide bonds in coily or curly hair and reconstruct them into straight bonds.
A Brazilian blowout uses a preservative liquid solution and keratin to coat the cuticles and fill damage. Blow-drying and flat ironing then seal and smoothen the hair. In a keratin treatment, liquid keratin enters the cortex, reacting with the hair and improving its smoothness.
Hair type
Relaxers with lye or no lye work for coily, wavy, or curly hair. Sodium hydroxide is best for coily hair, while calcium hydroxide suits every hair type. A Brazilian blowout is ideal for frizzy or coarse hair, but may damage fine hair. Keratin treatments work for frizzy, damaged, and thick hair, but not for fragile fine hair. If you’re wondering what is a hair glaze, it adds shine and smoothness without chemical damage.
Result
A relaxer treatment flattens the cuticle and straightens hair by removing wave or curl. A Brazilian blowout straightens and smoothens hair, adds shine, and reduces flyaways with a keratin film on the cuticle. Keratin treatments also strengthen and smoothen hair by infusing keratin, adding protection and shine.
Damage
Hair relaxers can cause scalp eczema, inflammation, burns, and pain. They also lead to hair loss, shaft damage, and hair weakening. Brazilian blowouts may result in hair loss, breakage, and dryness. Experts warn that overuse and using a flat iron with maximum heat can further damage hair health. Keratin treatments can weaken hair by destroying its protein structure and causing moisture loss.
Duration
A relaxer treatment is permanent and lasts 6–8 weeks until the hair grows out, requiring touch-ups to keep the roots straight. A Brazilian blowout is temporary, lasts 12 weeks, and needs special conditioner and shampoo. A keratin treatment is also temporary, lasts 3–6 months, and requires special products to prevent the keratin from rinsing.
Cost
A relaxer treatment is low-cost and can be done at a salon or home with cost-effective products. Brazilian blowouts are less expensive than keratin treatments, but still not inexpensive. A keratin treatment is expensive and requires trained professionals for longer-lasting results.
Relaxers, Brazilian Blowout, or Keratin Treatment: What to Choose?
Your choice depends on your expectations, needs, and professional hair expert advice. Relaxers are permanent and work to straighten coiled hair using chemical treatments that break and reconstruct disulfide bonds. Brazilian blowouts are semipermanent, helping to smoothen and seal hair for 12 weeks. Keratin treatments last 3–6 months, strengthening and protecting curly, wavy, or frizzy hair from damage and moisture loss.
Which Is The Best Hair Treatment For You?
- Your lifestyle matters—if you’re active, swim, or sweat often, a Brazilian blowout is more resistant to heat and water.
- For fine or damaged hair, choose a Brazilian blowout.
- If your hair is thick or coarse, a relaxer treatment may be better.
- Consider cost, as a hair relaxer can be more expensive.
How to Choose
Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments both eliminate frizz and boost shine. They are safe for all hair types and work on color-treated hair. To decide what’s best, consider your hair’s specific needs.
Consider Your Current Hair Texture
Before recommending a treatment, Michael looks at the client’s current hair texture. If you have coarse hair, the Brazilian blowout can work with minimal damage. For finer hair, the keratin treatment is a softer choice to avoid more damage.
Figure Out Your Desired Outcome
If you want straightening, a Brazilian blowout is better for a straightening system. For finer hair or de-frizzing and smoothing, keratin treatments may be safer and provide desired results.
Decide on Customization
Brazilian blowouts are more customizable than keratin treatments. According to Cristina B, the market is saturated, making it hard to choose the best option. The Brazilian blowout can be adjusted for different hair textures, using a flat iron at varying temperatures to achieve different looks like smooth or voluminous waves without losing your natural texture.
Conclusion
When deciding between a Brazilian blowout, relaxer, or keratin treatment, consider your hair type, lifestyle, and the results you desire. Relaxers provide permanent straightening for coily or thick hair, while Brazilian blowouts offer temporary smoothness and shine for frizzy or curly hair. Keratin treatments are ideal for those seeking to improve hair texture and reduce frizz without permanently altering it. Consulting a professional hairstylist can help tailor the best treatment to your specific needs.
FAQ’s
Which is healthier, keratin or relaxer?
Keratin treatments use chemicals that are generally less harmful than the ones found in harsh relaxer treatments. This makes keratin a healthier option for smoothing and straightening your hair.
Are Brazilian blowouts damaging to your hair?
Hair damage from a Brazilian Blowout is a genuine concern. The chemicals used can weaken hair strands, leading to breakage and split ends. Some experience scalp irritation or allergic reactions during or after the treatment.
What is the difference between a Brazilian Blowout and a straight perm?
Brazilian Blowout does not break or open the hair cuticle like Japanese Hair Straightening. The results last from eight weeks to four months. Avoid using shampoo with sodium chloride or sulfate to maintain the treatment.
Can you get a Brazilian Blowout with a relaxer?
Yes, you can get a Brazilian Blowout with relaxers. It works well on chemically treated hair and helps improve the hair condition by fortifying each strand with amino acids.
