If you're looking for silky, frizz-free hair that lasts through washes, the Brazilian Blowout and other similar keratin treatments are the gold standard—after all, they’ve been go-to treatments many women have turned to since the early 2000s. But as with any permanent or semi-permanent hair treatment that involves chemicals, it's important to research before jumping in headfirst. Show
We've heard women asking if the Brazilian Blowout has an age limit or if they can pull off a Brazilian Blowout after menopause. Are Brazilian Blowouts safe for fine, thin hair? For gray hair? We are here to tell you that whether you're 40, 50 or 60 years old, there is no Brazilian Blowout or keratin treatment age limit. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are all safe for the delicate disposition of aging hair and its long-term health. If you’re curious about what these treatments entail, or are confused about their differences (we wouldn't blame you, the names are often used interchangeably!), we have everything you need to know about the Brazilian Blowout vs other keratin treatments for your delicate, aging tresses. Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin Treatments: What's the Difference?
What Does a Brazilian Blowout Do to a Woman’s Hair?
Why Does the Brazilian Blowout Get a Bad Rap?
Why Do Keratin Treatments Contain Formaldehyde?Despite being called keratin treatments and containing keratin, keratin isn’t actually the star of the show—formaldehyde is what straightens your hair. It’s a necessary evil to ensure that the keratin treatment actually binds to the hair. This is why the Brazilian Blowout is known as the superstar in the world of hair smoothing and straightening. In fact, a comparison study found that the original Brazilian Blowout brand solution
contained formaldehyde concentrations of 11.5%, which was almost
three times higher than other brands. How Safe Is a Brazilian Blowout for Thin Hair?
Are Keratin Treatments Customizable?
All this being said, there is one caveat with any keratin treatment: Everyone’s hair responds differently to these treatments and factors like the porosity of your hair all play a role, so it’s quite possible if the goal for your naturally curly hair is sleek poker-straight strands, you may be out of luck. Why a Smoothing Treatment May a Better Option for You
Other advantages of these safer Brazilian Blowout alternatives include the option to color your hair on the same day if you desire (though if you’re having more than one process done in a visit, request a hair protectant between treatments) and not having to worry about the treatment weakening your hair follicles over time. If the harmful consequences of formaldehyde have prevented you from trying a Brazilian Blowout on your gray hair, a formaldehyde-free keratin smoothing treatment is certainly something to consider. Just beware of brassiness: Because keratin treatments penetrate the hair shaft, hair strands containing blonde or silver colors can turn yellow. But there’s an easy fix for brassiness from Brazilian Blowouts on blonde or gray hair. If you notice your light-colored locks look a bit yellow following treatment, use a purple shampoo like our Silver Lining Purple Brightening Shampoo to combat brassiness, and follow it up with our cuticle-sealing Silver Lining Purple Butter Masque to help extend the life of your keratin treatment. But Are Smoothing Treatments Safe for Aging Hair?Even when you strip formaldehyde out of the equation, keratin smoothing treatments require heat to close the cuticle and lock the ingredients into the hair. This makes even gentler smoothing treatments (not to mention formaldehyde-laded keratin treatments like the
Brazilian Blowout), problematic for fine hair due to its fragile nature. Damaged and delicate, aging hair is highly vulnerable to this high-heat aspect of these types of treatments. But there are some brands out there these days that are developing keratin smoothing treatments for fine, fragile hair. They are activated at a lower heat, which makes them a lot safer, plus they even promise not to compromise the color of blonde or silver
hair. Do Keratin Treatments Strengthen Aging Hair?Keratin is a protein found in our hair. And while keratin smoothing products do add fortifying proteins to our tresses, their primary goal isn’t to strengthen hair but rather smooth it and add shine (and when formaldehyde is involved, straighten it). But since a side effect of shinier, smoother strands is less breakage, your hair will certainly look healthier and stronger and feel more manageable after a keratin treatment. If you are considering a keratin treatment for its hair-fortifying benefits and straightening isn’t a goal, make sure you ask your stylist for a keratin treatment that’s formaldehyde-free. How Can I Make Keratin Treatments Safer?One way to lower the risks of a keratin treatment with formaldehyde is by receiving your treatment in a
well-ventilated salon and wearing a mask to your appointment. To make keratin treatments, like the Brazilian Blowout, safer for thin hair and the overall long-term health of your hair, the best route is to consider a copycat treatment that’s formaldehyde-free. This is an especially good option if your hair goals don’t include super-straight strands as one of the safest Brazilian Blowout alternatives is a relaxant-free smoothing treatment. A low-heat formaldehyde-free keratin treatment designed for fragile, aging hair is a terrific option, too. Before You Head to the Salon…
Tell Us: Have you tried a keratin treatment, Brazilian Blowout, or another safer alternative? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Like what you read and want more hair-care content delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters for the latest hair intel and exclusive promotions for your hair needs! To maintain your sleek, glossy style regardless of which keratin hair treatment you choose, Better Not Younger has sulfate- and paraben-free products to support gorgeous aging tresses! If smooth, frizz-free strands are what you crave, check out our entire line of frizz-fighting vegan hair-care products, and let us help you achieve the sleek style you envision! Is a Brazilian blowout good for thin hair?As nice as perfect, smooth and silky hair sounds, a Brazilian Blowout won't be able to give you those results if you have fine or thin hair. A Brazilian Blowout is a fairly intense treatment, so if you don't have the appropriate hair type, you can expect damage instead of your desired results.
Which hair treatment is best for thin hair?6 Treatments for Hair Thinning That May Actually Work. Minoxidil (Rogaine). This medication is a foam or a liquid that you put on your scalp. ... . Finasteride (Propecia). This prescription medication is a pill you take by mouth. ... . Microneedling. ... . Hair transplant. ... . Low-level laser therapy. ... . Platelet-rich plasma.. Is Brazilian keratin treatment good for thin hair?This treatment may prove to be beneficial for thick and unmanageable hair stands, but it would help very little in treating thin hair. Fragile and thin hair strands may be overwhelmed with a Keratin treatment and may result in further hair damage and hair breakage.
Does a Brazilian blowout repair damaged hair?We've all heard about Brazilian Blowouts, and how they can be game-changers for shine and smoothness, but in addition to giving you super manageable Hollywood hair, they can also improve the condition of damaged hair for up to 12 weeks.
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