Keratin Treatment vs Brazilian Blowout in Orlando

In humid Florida weather, you’ve found yourself in more mornings than you can count, fighting with your hair. Before you even arrive at the car, you’ve seen perfectly-groomed blowouts fall apart. You’ve looked at all the research, scrolled through all the TikToks, and heard the words “Brazilian Blowout” and “keratin treatment” used interchangeably, but they are not the same, and you may find yourself disappointed for months if you use the wrong one for your hair type. We will compare keratin treatment vs Brazilian blowout for all main aspects.

Orlando’s humidity is a part of our everyday experience at Bonne Vie Salon, Winter Park! We have done both treatments on hundreds of clients ranging from fine hair to thick coils, to color-treated extensions, to swimmers’ hair, and all the in-between! This guide has been created as an honest breakdown to have when booking an appointment.

What Each Treatment Actually Does

Brazilian Blowout: The Humidity-Fighter

A Brazilian Blowout is an expert smoothing procedure that uses a fluid keratin formula straight onto the hair, smoothing it with a flat iron at a high temperature. It is a formula (usually made of amino acids and hair conditioners) that coats the hair shaft with a barrier of protein instead of entering the hair.

The result? Major reduction in frizz, increased shine, and much less blow-dry time. Your hair moves naturally, and a bit of its natural texture is still there except when Florida weather gets its own way and makes it puffy and frizzy. One of the most popular aspects of the Brazilian Blowout is the fact that you can go through the procedure and wash your hair the very same day. No waiting, no creases in ponytail, and no awkward in-between phase.

The Brazilian blowout is also one of the most customizable smoothing treatments on the market. Your stylist will be able to set them fully to ensure that your curly-haired clients can retain their curls while still smoothing out any frizz, or they can be even more intense, for clients who want maximum smoothness.

Keratin Treatment: The Deep Restructuring Option

A keratin treatment (also referred to as a keratin smoothing treatment) takes place at a different level, at the structural level. It is absorbed by the inside of the hair (cortex) and gets bonded with the hair’s natural proteins (keratins) with the help of a bonding agent. Then, the heat is applied to establish those bonds.

The impact is more transformative. Keratin treatments transform the look of hair from within and create straighter, smoother, silkier hair, which is not only protected from the outside but also physically changed on the inside.

The catch: once you are done with your appointment, you should refrain from washing the hair, getting it wet, creating a ponytail, or pulling it back in your ear for 24-72 hours (depending on the formula the stylist uses). This delay will help ensure that the bonds are set fully. However, the results will remain longer after it is done and will be more dramatic than after a Brazilian blowout.

Key Differences Side by Side

How Long Each Treatment Lasts

Brazilian Blowout: 2 to 4 Months

The majority of clients in Orlando experience this dissipation of Brazilian Blowout anywhere between the 8-16 week mark. It’s not like there’s a definite “it’s gone” boundary the treatment gradually softens, and after a while, the frizz makes a comeback as each wash takes its toll on the protective layer.

Keratin Treatment: 4 to 6 Months

Most of the keratin treatments will last for about 4-6 months, after which the hair will start to relax. The formula is effective within the hair structure and not on the outside of the hair; it is more effective in the long term.

What Affects How Long Either Treatment Lasts

• The number of times that you wash is the most important factor. The treatment tends to slowly wear off during each shampoo, and therefore, shampooing daily will result in a faster breakdown of the treatment than shampooing two or three times a week.
• There is no compromise in the choice of shampoo; it must be sulfate-free. The most common shampoos (those that contain sulfates) pull the treatment right out of your hair much quicker than more gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. After the appointment, it’s not an option to invest in the right shampoo, but it’s what ensures that you protect your investment.
• There’s humidity and chlorine, too, particularly in Orlando. Breakdown will be hastened by swimming without a swim cap, heavy sweating, and exposure to heavy rain. If you swim regularly or spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, estimate the life expectancy at the low end.
• Styling habits are important. After your treatment, it’s ironic that your smoothness can be extended with frequent use of a flat iron or blow dryer because the heat reactivates and re-seals the bonds slightly with each application.

Which Is Right for Your Hair Type?

Fine Hair

Fine hair will benefit from a Brazilian Blowout. The treatment only coats the outside of the hair and doesn’t go into the strands, making them heavy, so it helps to protect strands without weighing them down. Depending on the hair type, Brazilian Blowout may be a better choice as it does not result in heavy and overly flat hair.

Thick or Coarse Hair

If you suffer from naturally thick, dense, or coarse hair that can take ages to dry and has a tendency to frizz in the slightest amount of moisture, then a keratin treatment is for you. The deep-bonding formula is a formula that can truly tame high-density hair; a surface formula cannot do this.

Curly Hair

The interesting thing here is the nuances. Lower intensity, but still a favorite amongst those who love their curls, but hate all the frizz and puffiness that comes with them, a Brazilian Blowout can make your curls look much cleaner and crisper. Keratin wavy products will loosen and relax your curls a lot, and can even change tight curls to loose waves. Both answers are correct; it just depends on what you would like to do with your curls: preserve curls or decrease curls.

Wavy or Frizzy Hair

The treatments are effective for both wavy and frizzy hair. Typically, there is a tradeoff between the amount of change you desire and the other factors. Brazilian Blowout will smooth and define your waves, and a keratin treatment will eliminate them for the most part, making your hair straighter and sleeker.

Color-Treated or Damaged Hair

Both treatments are suitable for color-treated hair, but it depends on the hair color. It is best to color your hair before having a smoothing treatment, as this will not affect the outcome or strip color from your hair. Some keratin treatments feature deep conditioning agents, which may help to enhance the health of hair strands over time. Your Bonne Vie stylist will evaluate your hair in order to determine the formula to use.

Active Lifestyle and Swimmers

If you exercise on a regular basis, work out outdoors, or spend your weekends in the pool, you will need to take some time to plan. Neither treatment is very tolerant of chlorine and saltwater. Brazilian Blowout is available without a waiting period, and it’s less expensive to get, so you aren’t as worried about maintenance. A tight swim cap prior to entering the water will provide a good amount of protection to either treatment for swimmers.

Downtime and Aftercare

Brazilian Blowout Aftercare

The Brazilian Blowout’s main bonus is that there isn’t really any downtime. So you can shampoo, exercise, tie, and do your hair the same day. To make your results last longer, wash with a sulfate-free shampoo from day one, wash every other day or less, and, as much as possible, avoid chlorine.

Keratin Treatment Aftercare

Following the treatment, your hair should not be wet, tied up, tucked behind the ears, or cut during a 24 to 72 hour period after the appointment. The reason for this is that the bonds are still forming, and any crease, kink, or wave during this time will be permanent until the treatment grows out.

Once the waiting period is over, the same care and attention are required: use a sulfate-free shampoo, and take care to minimize chlorine and saltwater contact. During the wait, you will want to use dry shampoo.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can I color my hair before or after keratin or Brazilian blowout?

Prepare the colors first, and then apply color to hair before treatment; then wait 2 weeks or more before scheduling a smoothing treatment. The alternative is putting the fresh color into the water; it will either not lie down evenly or it will wash off. If you’re thinking of a complete makeover for your hair, your stylist can perform both services sequentially.

So, which is the longer lasting: a Brazilian Blowout or keratin treatment?

On average, keratin treatments last longer, that is, 4 to 6 months as opposed to Brazilian Blowout treatments, which last 2 to 4 months. But, maintenance of the treated hair after the process is key to its longevity, such as choosing the right shampoo and the frequency of washing.

So, which one is more suitable for damaged hair?

This will depend on the extent of the damage. If hair is just slightly damaged or dry, many keratin formulas contain proteins that will help to condition hair over time, which means it will be less damaged. If you are considering any smoothing service for severely damaged, overprocessed, or chemically treated hair, your stylist might recommend a bond rebuilding treatment to make it easier to smooth. Brazilian blowouts are usually the least aggressive of the hairstyles for weak strands.

Is it safe to get a keratin treatment or Brazilian Blowout during pregnancy?

The first step in this is to consult your doctor, who is your OB-GYN. Some health care providers avoid using many smoothing treatments, including those that are free from formaldehyde, because they contain other chemicals. But Bonne Vie is not going to allow you to have any of these treatments while you’re pregnant, no matter what the formula is. Please always advise of pregnancy when booking, and seek medical clearance prior to booking.

When will I be able to get the touch-up?

As long as 8 to 12 weeks after application, it is safe to have a touch-up applied for a Brazilian Blowout after noticing that frizziness is resurfacing. Most stylists will suggest waiting at least 3-4 months from your last keratin treatment to make sure that the formula doesn’t get soaked into the hair. During your consultation, your Bonne Vie stylist will determine the health of your hair as well as the time you want the hairstyle.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match? Book at Bonne Vie Salon in Winter Park

There’s no need to guess which treatment will work best for your hair; it’s the consultation that’s intended for this. Our stylists at Bonne Vie Salon in Winter Park examine your hair, hair texture, lifestyle, and objectives, and then suggest the treatment that will really provide you with what you desire.

Orlando’s humidity is something we work with every day, and we know what’s effective and what isn’t in this environment. From first-timers wanting to know more about smoothing treatment to experienced keratin clients who simply want something different, we will devise a plan that suits your hair, lifestyle, and budget.

Make your appointment today at Bonne Vie Salon and put an end to that hair struggle in the Florida heat.

Book online or give us a call to reserve your place in Bonne Vie Salon in Winter Park, Orlando, FL.

The results and longevity are dependent on each individual’s hair care routine, post-treatment care, and lifestyle. Ask your stylist about recommendations to fit your individual needs.

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