We hear it all the time: “What’s the difference between a Brazilian Blowout and a Keratin?”. It’s an excellent question, so let us walk you through it. While both are smoothing treatments that will eliminate frizz, add shine, lock in color, and cut your drying time in half, there are some key differences.
We offer three types of Keratins: Keratin Blowout, Full Keratin, and KC Texture. All are from the brand Keratin Complex. While there is only one Brazilian Blowout, it can be customized for every hair type and texture.
The price and time spent in the chair is comparable for each. All of the treatments will run between $275-$350 (call us for exact pricing) and you will spend about two and a half to three hours in the chair, except for the Keratin Blowout, which costs $175 and takes around an hour and a half depending on the thickness of your hair.
Difference #1: The After-Treatment Waiting Period
Full Keratin + Keratin Blowout treatments have a waiting period after you leave the salon where you can not get the hair wet or use any accessories that would crease your strands. Think headbands, clips, hats, sunglasses, and ponytail holders. While it’s tough in the Alabama heat…avoid sweating where you can. Take a rain check on the hot yoga class or running session until your waiting period is over!
Brazilian Blowouts and KC Texture treatments don’t have this waiting period. You can immediately wash your hair, sweat, exercise, or put your hair up in a clip with no issue.
Key Difference #2: Longevity
No Keratin or Brazilian treatment is permanent. The amount of time each treatment stays on your hair depends on the consistency your at-home care and how frequently you wash your hair. The more you wash it, the faster the treatment comes out. Here are the average times you can expect from each treatment:
- Keratin Blowout: Up to 6 weeks (best for first timers to make sure you love it!)
- Full Keratin: Up to 5 months
- KC Texture: Up to 3 months
- Brazilian Blowout: Up to 4 months
To extend the longevity of your Brazilian, use the Brazilian Blowout brand shampoo and conditioner (which you can purchase at Wheelhouse). We provide a complimentary Ionic Bonding spray to help extend the life of your treatment as a part of your service. Regardless of what products you choose to use on your hair, they must be sulfate free and without sodium chloride. Always check the label!
Key Difference #3: Curls, Waves, and Coils are Affected Differently
Keratin treatments won’t permanently change your curl pattern, but it will loosen your curls until the treatment wears off. Brazilians are customizable, so you can work with your stylist to loosen your curls more or less depending on your preference.
If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine.
If your curls are top priority, consider the KC Texture treatment, the keratin formulated specifically for textured hair. This treatment is completely heatless unlike all other methods, and is super hydrating. It nourishes and preserves your curl pattern, adds softness and shine, and gives you stronger hair with zero downtime.
Safety Note
Wheelhouse does not offer any of the smoothing treatments above for to those who are pregnant or nursing. Each treatment releases trace amounts of formaldehyde due to the heat applied as a part of the application process. Do any additional research as necessary and make sure that you are comfortable with exposure to this chemical during your treatment.
If you have more questions, reach out to our team at wheelhousesalon@gmail.com and check out the treatments section of our website. We would love to help!
