Brazilian Blow Out - Anyone Try It?

[BraveMaroon]

So, I'm thinking about getting this done to my hair - I've read and read up on it, but I don't know anyone who has had it done - so I'm looking for empirical data.

I know, formaldehyde, expensive, temporary... but has anyone done it? If so, what did you think - and would you do it again?

I did a search on this, didn't see a thread, so I started this one. Any anecdotes would be greatly appreciated.

[AOII Angel]

I did something similar called "cold smooth" about 5 years ago and loved it. My hair was straight as a board even in Louisiana humdity. The problem came when I got it done the second time and my timing with my highlights was off by a month. I had too much regrowth so my hairdresser left it on too long and a lot of my hair broke off a quarter of an inch from my scalp. Talk about not being happy! I never did it again after that, but I also moved to MD where less humidity helped my hair stay straight anyway.

[Leslie Anne]

I was thinking about starting a thread on this topic myself. I've been wondering if anyone on here has tried it. My sister-in-law did it and it was pretty incredible. She had extremely tight ringlets. After the blow out her hair was absolutely stick straight. It looked healthy too. She's been trying to get me to try it but I really don't want stick straight hair. I'd rather have loose, wavy, bouncy hair. I'm desperate to try something though. I've hated my hair for 40 years.

I talked to a hairdresser about something that's along the same lines as the Brazilian Blow Out but not as harsh. I have a brochure for it somewhere on my mess of a desk. I think it's called a Keratin something treatment.

[AnotherKD]

While I haven't done it, I have wanted to. But, I had 2 friends (who were twins) that did. Both had an awful lot of breakage and honestly, it didn't look great up close. It dried their hair out really badly, and since their hair was frizzy and somewhat wavy to begin with, it didn't completely straighten the hair. They still needed to run a straightener over it.

I hear they have formulas without formaldehyde in it now, but I think that ingredient was only part of the problem. I wanted to do it and still do to some extent, but I personally haven't seen a good result in person.

[AnotherKD]

Speaking of, there is a blow out treatment by Garnier that is found in the shampoo and hairspray aisles. I have been meaning to try that, as it lasts for a few weeks and doesn't damage the hair. I've heard good things about it. I will probably try it for the humid spring that we will have.

[victoriana]

I have always been curious too. I don't think it would work for my hair type though. I have very dry, thick, and wavy hair that gets easily frizzy. I mean, I love my second-day hair, but that first day is a killer, especially in winter.

[Xidelt]

Try a keratin treatment by global keratin. I did one over Christmas and am happy with the results. It will loosen up your curl pattern and reduce frizz. It makes your hair easier to straighten, but I still wear my hair curly because of time and convenience. It doesn't have formaldehyde. I think the brand name is juvexin. You can make the treatment last longer by using shampoos that don't have sulfates. Keep an eye on Groupon. Sometimes salons will run deals on keratin smoothing treatments. That's how I got mine.

[Xidelt]

Victoriana, it can work! My hair is ungodly thick and coarse!

[Benzgirl]

^^^ Co Sign. I get ethnic relaxers and without a flat iron, looks wild. The relaxer removes the curl but not the frizz and it's still as thick as a rug. There is only so much one can to with this hair.

I can't remember the brand she uses but it is flat against my head for one week before it looks good. But, mine is healthy, has little dryness and does not break off.

One thing my stylist always told me was to never switch systems. If you have had your hair relaxed, do not to a blow out because it will break. They are different systems and are not compatable.

The positive note is that my hair stylist only charges $65, and that includes the cut.

[psusue]

Originally Posted by Leslie Anne

I was thinking about starting a thread on this topic myself. I've been wondering if anyone on here has tried it. My sister-in-law did it and it was pretty incredible. She had extremely tight ringlets. After the blow out her hair was absolutely stick straight. It looked healthy too. She's been trying to get me to try it but I really don't want stick straight hair. I'd rather have loose, wavy, bouncy hair. I'm desperate to try something though. I've hated my hair for 40 years.

I talked to a hairdresser about something that's along the same lines as the Brazilian Blow Out but not as harsh. I have a brochure for it somewhere on my mess of a desk. I think it's called a Keratin something treatment.

My mom gets the keratin treatment on her hair and she loves it. It is expensive, but she was the same way, she never liked her hair until she had it done. Now however our salon doesn't do it anymore because of concerns with OSHA (so while getting the treatment wasn't an issue, the repeated reapplication of it was) so she's trying other options.

She loved the keratin treatment though, and recommends it to everyone. I could definitely tell the difference too, he hair was easy to straighten, shiny, and so much less frizzy. Her hair is dyed (naturally all gray) and also naturally wavy. It was smoother, softer, and far easier to style. She loved it.

[Leslie Anne]

Originally Posted by psusue

My mom gets the keratin treatment on her hair and she loves it. It is expensive, but she was the same way, she never liked her hair until she had it done. Now however our salon doesn't do it anymore because of concerns with OSHA (so while getting the treatment wasn't an issue, the repeated reapplication of it was) so she's trying other options.

She loved the keratin treatment though, and recommends it to everyone. I could definitely tell the difference too, he hair was easy to straighten, shiny, and so much less frizzy. Her hair is dyed (naturally all gray) and also naturally wavy. It was smoother, softer, and far easier to style. She loved it.

Oh, great! Thanks for letting me know! I think I'm going to have it done. I've been hesitant because the treatment at the salon nearby is $400 and I'm a little nervous. I've got to try it though. I just can't stand any more frizz.

[WCsweet<3]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

While I haven't done it, I have wanted to. But, I had 2 friends (who were twins) that did. Both had an awful lot of breakage and honestly, it didn't look great up close. It dried their hair out really badly, and since their hair was frizzy and somewhat wavy to begin with, it didn't completely straighten the hair. They still needed to run a straightener over it.

I hear they have formulas without formaldehyde in it now, but I think that ingredient was only part of the problem. I wanted to do it and still do to some extent, but I personally haven't seen a good result in person.

Boyfriend's sister had it done to her hair. It looked awful and she had a ton of breakage. I also think it made her hair look super thin and leggy (you know when hair gets too long?), even though she just cut off a large chunk.

[BraveMaroon]

OK - I may put a hold on the Blow Out - start looking at Keratin...

Thanks for all the input - if I end up doing one of these, I'll keep you posted.

[glittergal1985]

I too had less-than-desirable results when I tried Brazilian treatment, in addition to having to deal with the scent of the chemicals again every time I washed my hair for the following month. I've gotten the Keratin many times and have never had a problem with it, though you may be warned against coloring your hair.

[Munchkin03]

It sounds like the Brazilian Blow-Out, like most chemical straighteners, dries out your hair immensely. Do hairdressers recommend a hair oil or anything like that? It sounds like that might help a lot, along with regular maintenance.