Brazillian Blowout? Not BKT...

[Aviah]

My sister wants to know if she should get a Brazilian Blowout. She says its not BKT though, or japanese hair straightening, but it sounds the same to me. Can anyone tell me the difference between the three and how they work?

http://www.brazilianblowout.com/home

 

[Whimsy]

My boyfriend's cousin just had it done. She's white but has curly/wavy hair so I don't know if the process is any different on kinky hair. She was explaining it to me like this: they put some "stuff" on the hair and flatiron it, then wash it, and blow dry and flat iron it and it stays straight for 3-4 months then slowly starts getting curly again.

Now it sounded a lot like bkt to me except no blowdrying prior to flatironing the first time....so I figured maybe cuz of her hair type/texture they did it that way...

But she was insistent that it wasn't BKT and was called a Brazilian Blowout.

::shrug;:

Her results were nice and silky smooth tho.....


(this post didn't help at all did it? LMAO....sorry OP)

 

[growinstrong]

Yeah, sounds similar to me erplexed. I dont mean to highjack this post, but Whimsy, your Avatar is gorgeous .​

Your hair and makeup are on point.

 

[belldandy]

a brazilian blowout...is this like a dominican blowout? I dont know the first about BKT or japanese straightening but I would be too scared to have either done.

 

[Nonie]

I know someone who knows someone that does the Brazilian Blowout minus the heat. She has type 3C/4A hair and it made her hair look more wavy. One big difference is that the Brazilian Blowout doesn't have Formaldehyde. I think if you wanna do either "as directed" then both use way too much heat for my liking. But if one can do the BB without using heat, maybe the BB is "safer" as there's no risk of inhaling Formaldehyde fumes.

Anyway, I haven't read too much into them coz I'm not really interested, but that's the little I've gathered from a quick browse.

 

[Kurlee]

the difference is no formaldehyde (supposedly) and no downtime. You can wash, put in a ponytail at any time. I read about this a while back

 

[Lucky's Mom]

Also - you cannot buy it on your own.... Pros only. I am looked for someone to get it for me... but - the company has the system on lock down....

 

[Aviah]

Wow. It seemed really similar to me. She says they're charging $250 for it (she's in NYC).
I was just concerned over the hit or miss results some have had with BKT, and was hoping this wasn't the same but it seems really similar. I can't tell the difference between BKT and Japanese straightening either...

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Japanese straightening alters your hair structure permanently like a relaxer.

 

[caribeandiva]

My stylist was just telling me about this an hour ago! What a coincidence. It takes an hour to do. It costs $75 at the salon. It straightens your hair just like the BKT but without having the 4 day wait to wash it. It stays straight for 3 months. No frizz, no flatironing needed!! just blowdry on cool and go. my stylist had it in her hair for the past 3 months and she made me touch her almost BSL hair to see how soft it was. IT WAS SO SOFT!! Also very straight like a fresh relaxer. She said she blowdried on cool this morning after washing and she was good to go. She said it also protects your ends perfectly. I'm seriously considering this as an alternative to the BKT.

 

[winnettag]

My stylist was just telling me about this an hour ago! What a coincidence. It takes an hour to do. It costs $75 at the salon. It straightens your hair just like the BKT but without having the 4 day wait to wash it. It stays straight for 3 months. No frizz, no flatironing needed!! just blowdry on cool and go. my stylist had it in her hair for the past 3 months and she made me touch her almost BSL hair to see how soft it was. IT WAS SO SOFT!! Also very straight like a fresh relaxer. She said she blowdried on cool this morning after washing and she was good to go. She said it also protects your ends perfectly. I'm seriously considering this as an alternative to the BKT.

Is she relaxed or natural?

 

[CoutureMe06]

BUMP! I meant to post about this. There was a girl that did this on CurlyNikki. She was natural and had good results with pics. I will look for that thread and post the link. You do have to be a member to view. HTH

I'm between this and the BKT. If its 250 in NYC, I can just get the BKT and do it myself but the brazilian blowout looks promising. These SSK are driving me crazy and I'm tired of my shrinkage. I'd rather do this bc I don't want to resort to getting another relaxer.

 

[Fhrizzball]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHySgkuSDc4

This goes through the steps of the bbo. At 7:15 she talks about a client who had type 4 hair who did it.

 

[caribeandiva]

Is she relaxed or natural?

she's relaxed.

 

[Sugar]

I know someone who knows someone that does the Brazilian Blowout minus the heat. She has type 3C/4A hair and it made her hair look more wavy. One big difference is that the Brazilian Blowout doesn't have Formaldehyde. I think if you wanna do either "as directed" then both use way too much heat for my liking. But if one can do the BB without using heat, maybe the BB is "safer" as there's no risk of inhaling Formaldehyde fumes.

Anyway, I haven't read too much into them coz I'm not really interested, but that's the little I've gathered from a quick browse.

Don't believe the hype. They all have formaldehyde in them. Its just under different names.

I've seen and have video of the Brazilian Blowout being done. Its a very similar concept to all the BKTs out there. The amount of heat used is unreal. I watched this chicks hair turn a different color until it cooled off.

 

[Nonie]

Don't believe the hype. They all have formaldehyde in them. Its just under different names.

I've seen and have video of the Brazilian Blowout being done. Its a very similar concept to all the BKTs out there. The amount of heat used is unreal. I watched this chicks hair turn a different color until it cooled off.

Question: do you know for sure that the Brazilian Blowout has formaldehyde? I ask not because I care for it, but the website for it brags about the absence of formaldehyde like it's gospel so it'd seem really odd if that was big fat lie.

I read a comparison of the Keratin treatment and BB by someone who did both and she stated that Keratin treatments stunk to high heaven but BB did not. I had guessed the absence of formaldehyde was the reason for this. But I will stand corrected when you tell me how you can be so sure BB has formaldehyde.

I don't deny they both use heat like crazy, but seems like the BB can skip a lot of that heat from what I've heard and just use a diffuser. But I've only heard; never actually witnessed it. And it seems my friend's friend wasn't lying because if you FF to 6:12 on the video below of NaturallyCurly.com's Michelle's hair getting the BB, you see her curl loosens even before heat is applied. So methinks that's all my friend's friend gets done...and just skips heat altogether.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHySgkuSDc4

 

[Nonie]

Liz, a stylist in Andy LeCompte's salon who gives Nicole Richie her Brazilian Blowout says this about it:

Can you explain to our readers what exactly a Brazilian blowout is, and how it's different from Japanese straightening?
Liz: The Brazilian Blowout is different from Japanese straightening and other Brazilian straighteners because it doesn't completely straighten the hair. The hair still has plenty of volume and body and can still be worn curly or wavy. The Brazilian just softens whatever curl or wave you have. If the hair is air dried without a blow dryer, it will still have wave or curl but no frizz. On the flip side, if you want to blow dry your hair straight, you can do that, without a brush, in a fraction of the amount of time it would have taken without the Brazilian. Also, with other methods, there is a line of demarcation, meaning that when new hair grows in, it is curly/ wavy while the rest of the hair is straight. This blowout method washes away with time and is diffused, so there is no noticeable difference between new hair and treated hair. Other methods also have harsh chemicals in them like formaldehyde. The Brazilian Blowout does NOT have formaldehyde in it. And none of the chemicals in it are carcinogenic.[color/highlights, mine]

Source

 

[Solitude]

Liz, a stylist in Andy LeCompte's salon who gives Nicole Richie her Brazilian Blowout says this about it:


Source

So, I wonder then what is the ingredient that "softens the hair?"

I remember when the BKT craze started, it was noted that some companies that said there was no formaldehyde in the product actually had a small amount. If there is less than a certain percentage, they can claim the product is "formaldehyde-free."

Here's a pretty good explanation....

Basically, if it lasts more than one wash, there is formaldehyde in the formula.

 

[Nonie]

So, I wonder then what is the ingredient that "softens the hair?"

I remember when the BKT craze started, it was noted that some companies that said there was no formaldehyde in the product actually had a small amount. If there is less than a certain percentage, they can claim the product is "formaldehyde-free."

Here's a pretty good explanation....

Basically, if it lasts more than one wash, there is formaldehyde in the formula.

That article is talking about the Keratin products but I seem to keep seeing Brazilian Blowout being differentiated from Keratin products. Is that just a mistake? At least this article seems to separate them: http://thejetsetgirls.blogspot.com/2010/02/brazilian-blowout-vs-keratin-treatment.html

 

[Nonie]

Solitude, you do ask a good question about what it is that keeps the hair from reverting. But I dare say formaldehyde can't be the only thing out there that can do that, can it? IIRC, Diva Smooth didn't seem to have any weird ingredients but it is supposed to last a while too. Some people likened it to the caramel treatment...which I understand is all natural and loosens the curl. Of course I've never tried any of these products so I just go by what I read or hear from members. *shrug*

 

[Solitude]

Solitude, you do ask a good question about what it is that keeps the hair from reverting. But I dare say formaldehyde can't be the only thing out there that can do that, can it? IIRC, Diva Smooth didn't seem to have any weird ingredients but it is supposed to last a while too. Some people likened it to the caramel treatment...which I understand is all natural and loosens the curl. Of course I've never tried any of these products so I just go by what I read or hear from members. *shrug*

It is confusing....

I did try Diva Smooth...did a thread on it early last year...it worked, but it didn't last more than one wash for me. The honey and molasses smoothed the hair and deep-conditioned it, similar to the "caramel treatment." My new growth was super-soft and easy to straighten. (Wow, writing about it makes me want to order some more lol).

I see your point, because there was a lot of "to do" about Diva Smooth with folks believing that it had to have some kind of chemical in it to smooth and help straighten, but it actually didn't....

 

[Sugar]

Question: do you know for sure that the Brazilian Blowout has formaldehyde? I ask not because I care for it, but the website for it brags about the absence of formaldehyde like it's gospel so it'd seem really odd if that was big fat lie.

I read a comparison of the Keratin treatment and BB by someone who did both and she stated that Keratin treatments stunk to high heaven but BB did not. I had guessed the absence of formaldehyde was the reason for this. But I will stand corrected when you tell me how you can be so sure BB has formaldehyde.

I don't deny they both use heat like crazy, but seems like the BB can skip a lot of that heat from what I've heard and just use a diffuser. But I've only heard; never actually witnessed it. And it seems my friend's friend wasn't lying because if you FF to 6:12 on the video below of NaturallyCurly.com's Michelle's hair getting the BB, you see her curl loosens even before heat is applied. So methinks that's all my friend's friend gets done...and just skips heat altogether.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHySgkuSDc4

I don't have any bottles of the product to prove it to you. I wish I did. I went to a beauty industry trade show here in Los Angeles back in 2009. They were demonstrating the Brazilian Blowout there and I got to talk to the owners of the product. I don't think its possible to get the product unless you're a stylist.

I also spoke to someone with the tradeshow office about the BKT products and he told me about a confidential study that was done which confirmed that ALL the brands have formaldehyde in them...even those that claim to be formaldehyde free. That burst my little excited bubble (and no, I couldn't get my hands on it). He did mention however, that the real danger was to the stylists who inhale it everyday as opposed to the customer who gets its done every few months.

In watching it being done on someone's hair I watched them pass a 450 degree iron over this girl's hair at least 10 times...each section. Her hair changed colors temporarily until it cooled off. I was alarmed, but it didn't seem like anyone else was.

I remember something about Rusk making a couple versions that are formaldehyde free...but one of those is permanent and can't be used on relaxed hair. I gotta see if I can find the names of them and I'll get back to you.

 

[Nonie]

I wonder though, if you don't heat it up...like if you did it like my friend's friend (I need to give her a name coz this is beginning to sound dumb. Let's call her "Shirley". ) ie just stopped at the application point then airdried or diffused, since you're not creating fumes with heat, I wonder whether it can be considered "safer". I mean, that'd be just like applying nail polish with formaldehyde, serait-il pas?

I guess you do have a point Sugar about there being traces of formaldehyde. Here's something on that note by a Brazilian Blowout Specialist:

“It is true that the original formulas used in Brazil (and which may still be used there) contained high levels of formaldehyde, and that Mauricio Ribeiro reformulated the treatment to contain less when he premiered the solution in the US. However, it is important to note the date of this article quoting him (January 2008), because Brazilian Blowout changed their formula later that year (I waited for the formaldehyde-free formula to come out before offering the service, and I received it in September 2008). While I am a highly-trained and experienced technician in applying the treatment, I am neither a doctor nor a chemist, but what follows is my understanding and experience with BB.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a Brazilian Blowout exec, and this was one of our topics of discussion as I have received many questions regarding the chemical make-up of the treatment. I have learned that the current formula (as of last fall, including the newest one released just this month and the one I used on Tammy) does contain a chemical cousin, also in the ‘hyde’ family, and therefore can cause irritation in some individuals (though it occurs in fewer cases, which I believe is why they chose it). He said that if a client has had an allergic reaction to formaldehyde in the past, they are not a good candidate for this treatment and I have since added this question to my consultation/analysis process.

I perform the service several times a week as well as having it done on my own hair without any trouble, and this is the case with most clients. Some do feel eye irritation (as Tammy did), and I have heard of (but not witnessed in my 100+ treatments) other reactions as the reader described. It sounds as though she has a true allergy, which may have been apparent during biology class and would likely prevent her from using many widely marketed body lotions, anti-perspirants and nail polishes. Now that I know about this, I ask before proceeding with the service. I am also investing in a special air filter to minimize (hopefully eliminate) superficial irritation for those who have had minor discomfort but wish to continue with BB.

Of course, I don’t like to turn anyone away if I can help it! I want to be able to help as many people as possible fight their frizz. For clients with allergy, sensitivity, or those who are specifically concerned about ‘hyde’ exposure, I have researched, tested and have been using a different keratin treatment called Global Keratin. I was planning to suggest Tammy might try this for her next treatment to avoid irritation, and I would definitely recommend this for the reader.

Global Keratin offers treatments with or without formaldehyde, and I use only the latter, which has no ‘hyde’ of any kind. The results are shiny, smooth and semi-permanent just as with Brazilian Blowout, and my clients have been very happy with it. By using this option, one does lose a major convenience associated only with BB; it requires that the keratin settle into the hair for 48-72 hours following the treatment. That means no washing, wetting, curling, clipping or ponytailing during that time. But in order to avoid irritation, that may be worth the wait! An excerpt from my website regarding Global Keratin:

“Global Keratin is the most flexible of Jordana’s keratin treatments; it can be used for simple frizz elimination while maintaining curl, or to achieve varying levels of straightness. Jordana only uses their formaldehyde-free formula, which is also free of ANY other “hyde family” ingredients (most other treatments do contain some form of “hyde” and should not be used on individuals with formaldehyde allergies). GK contains ultra-fine keratin molecules in a moisturizing base which can be adjusted to your hair type to provide a wide range of results.”

Source

 

[CoutureMe06]

I can't get into CurlyNikki Forum. My log in isn't working. If you're a member, you can search Brazilian Blowout and I'm sure you will find the thread.

 

[lawyer2be371]

the Vici Capalli salon I go to for coloring, does the Japense straigthening technique thingy..but they charge 450.00 yes 450.00 I dont know what in the world they could do to my hair that makes me pay that much

 

[Sugar]

I wonder though, if you don't heat it up...like if you did it like my friend's friend (I need to give her a name coz this is beginning to sound dumb. Let's call her "Shirley". ) ie just stopped at the application point then airdried or diffused, since you're not creating fumes with heat, I wonder whether it can be considered "safer". I mean, that'd be just like applying nail polish with formaldehyde, serait-il pas?

I guess you do have a point Sugar about there being traces of formaldehyde. Here's something on that note by a Brazilian Blowout Specialist:

I guess my question would be what is it about these BKT products that is supposed to eliminate the frizz? The keratin? The formaldehyde? The heat?

Side Note: While I was at the tradeshow a (white) stylist that was watching the Brazilian Blowout demonstration with me said "Protein's not even that good for your hair. If you use too much your hair gets hard." I looked at her liked she'd grown a 2nd head and told her "Duh, that's why you use a super moisturizing conditioner afterwards."

 

[Nonie]

I guess my question would be what is it about these BKT products that is supposed to eliminate the frizz? The keratin? The formaldehyde? The heat?

Side Note: While I was at the tradeshow a (white) stylist that was watching the Brazilian Blowout demonstration with me said "Protein's not even that good for your hair. If you use too much your hair gets hard." I looked at her liked she'd grown a 2nd head and told her "Duh, that's why you use a super moisturizing conditioner afterwards."

Well, I know serums do eliminate frizz, and they are just cones...so there could be a lot of other things out there that can eliminate frizz if they can smooth and coat the cuticles on hair to make them lie flat and therefore keep the strands smooth and shiny. I imagine a low pH followed by a serum would give even better results than a high pH then serum. So perhaps someone clever could find a combo that is the optimum cuticle smoother and sealer. *shrug*