Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Brazilian Blowout

Stylists share pros, cons, and considerations on the Brazilian Blowout.

Looking for long, ultra-sleek, pin-straight strands with zero frizz? The world-famous Brazilian blowout—also known as “hair botox”—might just be a game changer for you. This semi-permanent hair treatment is akin to a standard salon blowout on steroids, and works to seal the cuticle and impart a glossy sheen. We spoke to a handful of professional hairstylists about what Brazilian blowouts are, considerations to keep in mind, and who’s a good candidate for the treatment.

What Is a Brazilian Blowout?

A Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent hair treatment involving a unique liquid keratin solution that creates a protective layer around each individual strand of hair, explains celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe.

“Overall, the process smooths your locks and helps fight frizz,” Uribe says. “You may also notice that your hair is more resilient to heat styling, and your hair will have the most fabulous, glossy sheen to it.”

In Brazil, it is actually referred to as the "Progressive Blowout" because of its gradual straightening effect, notes Rogerio Cavalcante, stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon. As both a Brazilian native and professional stylist, he’s very familiar with the treatment. The more treatments, he says, the straighter the hair becomes.

Does the Brazilian Blowout Use Formaldehyde?

Yes, Brazilian blowouts may contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. This has set off alarm bells in a few different regards. First, formaldehyde is considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Though it exists in small quantities in these treatments, it’s still important to note the potentially harmful effects. Another issue, Cavalcante says, is that the treatment alters both the cuticle and the cortex. This can result in a damaged appearance once the treatment’s worn off.

There are alternatives to Brazilian blowouts that are considered safer for your hair and body. For example, keratin-infused shampoos and glossing treatments provide a short-term smoothing effect that you can achieve at a salon or in your very own shower.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Brazilian Blowouts?

A Brazilian blowout can work for anyone who wants to manage volume, control frizz, and have smoother and straighter hair. Cavalcante adds that the treatment’s customizable to your preferences and allows you to control just how straight your strands are when all’s said and done.

“It's not just about achieving a particular look,” Cavalcante says. “Some people opt for the treatment to simplify and speed up their hair care routine. For instance, those who've had a keratin process find their hair drying much faster. Some even manage to ditch the hair dryer altogether, as the keratin process leaves their hair naturally frizz-free and smooth.”

Who Shouldn’t Get Brazilian Blowouts?

Don’t get a Brazilian blowout if you love your natural texture and volume. This treatment works to sleek and smooth, so there's a chance it’ll completely nix your curls and waves. Uribe says, “If you have ringlets, I don’t advise doing the treatment unless you are willing to take a chance, as some curls do not go back to their original curl pattern once the process grows out.”

He also recommends skipping this treatment if you’ve got damaged or brittle hair, are sensitive to strong smells, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Much Do Brazilian Blowouts Cost?

The cost of a Brazilian blowout varies, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $600 depending on your hair density and length, salon, and products used.

“It's worth noting that cheaper products can indeed straighten the hair ,but may have a lower amount of benefits combined within it, or even an excessive amount of formaldehyde, which can cause allergies in clients and damage to the hair,” Cavalcante says. “More expensive products are usually packed with hydrating ingredients to balance out the damage caused by the acid and the heat applied to hair.”

What Does a Brazilian Blowout Look Like?

Go ahead and plan for a long day in the salon chair when getting a Brazilian blowout. Uribed says that the treatment usually takes a minimum of three hours, but can take longer if you’ve got long or thick hair. This includes applying the treatment, letting it set, drytime, and flat ironing. Flat ironing seals the cuticle while making the product penetrate the hair follicle

“The immediate aftercare is do not get your hair wet for at least 72 hours, and absolutely do not style or put anything in your hair that can cause dents—think hair clips, pony tails, and barrets,” Uribe says. “No hair products, as well. I always tell my clients if they can, avoid putting their hair behind their ears and to avoid the sun if possible, too.”

How Long Does a Brazilian Blowout Last?

Although it depends largely on your hair type, texture, and styling routine, a Brazilian Blowout usually lasts around three to four months on average as long as you follow the proper aftercare protocol.

How Do You Maintain a Brazilian Blowout?

Your hair is in a fragile state following a Brazilian blowout. As Uribe says, you should steer clear of all products and hairstyling in the 72 hours following your appointment.

Conditioning

After those first 72 hours, it’s time to go into operation hydration. “Ideally, after the treatment, you should do a hair mask at least once every two weeks; I advise my clients to do it once a week,” Uribe says. “Remember, your hair just went through a sort of trauma with these chemicals. It needs some love—even if it looks stunning.”

Roots

As your hair grows out, the roots will have your natural texture and appearance. Uribe recommends using a blow dryer and/or flat iron to help smooth them out. Once they’ve grown about an inch, you can make an appointment for a touch-up treatment.

Coloring & Highlights

Also keep in mind that you shouldn’t get your hair colored for at least two weeks after your blowout. Cavalcante says to wait a couple weeks between treatments, and to do your coloring before the blowout.

“Ideally, you'd color first, wait three months for the Brazilian Blowout, touch up color roots, then hit the Brazilian Blowout again. It's a bit of a commitment juggling both, but it pays off,” he says.

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