Ladies' Brazilian Blow Dry: Is It For Me?

We’ve all been there when we’ve spent hours meticulously styling our hair, achieving the perfect silky, smooth look. But as soon as we step outside, the humidity and elements wreak havoc on your hair. Your once sleek locks begin to frizz and revert to their natural state, leaving you feeling frustrated and questioning why you even bothered in the first place. Sound familiar? 

Unveil the magic of Brazilian Blow Dry treatments and say goodbye to frizz and hello to silky, smooth hair. At RUSH, we’ve mastered the art of this popular treatment, giving our clients confidence in their hair no matter the weather. 

Originating from the vibrant country known for its stunning Copacabana beach and lively carnivals, the Brazilian Blow Dry has taken the beauty world by storm. Celebrities like Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Halle Berry have all embraced this transformative treatment, leaving many wondering: What’s all the fuss about?

What is a Brazilian Blow Dry?

A Brazilian Blow Dry, also known as a keratin treatment, is a semi-permanent treatment which aims to smooth and improve the condition of your hair for up to four months, making it more manageable and saving you precious time in your daily styling routine. 

The treatment itself takes around 2-4 hours, depending on your hair length and thickness. It involves applying a keratin formula to your hair, which is then sealed in with several passes of a flat iron, section by section. Once complete, the treatment forms a waterproof coating over each strand of hair, protecting it from the elements and ensuring long-lasting smooth and shiny results with improved manageability. Simply put, it’s like having a perfect blow dry that lasts up to 6 months!

The Brazilian Blow Dry has its roots in the vibrant country of Brazil, where it was developed using ingredients indigenous to the region, such as Acai berry, Camu Camu, and Annatto seed. These natural components work together to nourish and strengthen your hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier than ever before.

The Benefits of a Brazilian Blow Dry

One of the most notable advantages of a Brazilian Blow Dry is its smoothing and straightening effects. By sealing keratin into your hair, the treatment helps to relax any existing curls or waves, leaving you with sleek, straight tresses. Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways, as the treatment works to tame even the most unruly hair.

But the benefits don’t stop there. A Brazilian Blow Dry also improves the manageability and styling of your hair. Wash days will become a breeze, and you’ll find that styling your hair takes significantly less time. On some days, you might even choose to skip the styling tools altogether and let your hair air dry, as the treatment leaves your locks full of texture but without the frizz.

What sets the Brazilian Blow Dry apart from other treatments is its highly customisable nature. 

Your stylist will work with you to understand your desired results and apply the treatment accordingly. Whether you’re looking to simply tame your curls or achieve a sleeker, straighter finish, the Brazilian Blow Dry can be tailored to your specific needs. Plus, it’s suitable for all hair types, making it a versatile choice for anyone seeking a hair transformation.

Lastly, one of the key benefits is the natural appearance of regrowth. Unlike other treatments that can leave an obvious line between untreated new growth and treated old growth, the Brazilian Blow Dry allows your natural curl or wave pattern to continue seamlessly. 

Who can benefit from a Brazilian Blow Dry treatment?

The Brazilian Blow Dry is a versatile treatment that can benefit a wide range of hair types and textures. Whether you have curly, fine, frizzy, or coarse hair, this treatment can work wonders in transforming your hair into smooth locks.

While the Brazilian Blow Dry is suitable for all hair types and lengths, those with fine hair should be aware that the results can be quite straight, which may cause hair to appear a bit flat initially. However, with the right styling techniques, you can easily add volume and bounce to your look.

One group that can particularly benefit from a Brazilian Blow Dry is those with frizzy or damaged hair, often caused by processing, colouring, bleaching, or excessive use of styling tools. The treatment works to improve the overall condition, look, and feel of your hair, leaving it healthier and more manageable.

If you have wavy hair, the Brazilian Blow Dry will work to naturally straighten your hair, creating a sleek and healthy appearance. For those with curly hair, the treatment will help to eliminate frizz and define your curls, giving you more control over your hair’s natural texture. And if you have straight hair that’s prone to frizz, the Brazilian Blow Dry will tame those unruly strands, leaving you with glossy hair. It’s important to note that while the treatment will significantly smooth your hair, it won’t leave you with a blade-straight look.

Precautions to take before and after a Brazilian Blow Dry

While a Brazilian Blow Dry can transform your hair, it’s essential to be aware of the precautions you should take before and after the treatment to ensure the best results and maintain the health of your hair.

Before booking your appointment, it’s crucial to discuss the treatment with your stylist and ask about the ingredients used in their specific Brazilian Blow Dry formula. In recent years, one ingredient that has raised concerns when present in high levels is formaldehyde. While formaldehyde is effective in achieving poker-straight hair, it can pose a health risk when used in excessive amounts.

Not all Brazilian Blow Dry treatments are the same, so it’s important to inquire about the formaldehyde content in the formula your stylist uses. A reputable salon will be able to confirm the amount, which should be very low, typically around 0.1-0.2%. If the concentration is any higher, consider opting for a different treatment or seeking out another salon to ensure your safety.

As for side effects, some people may experience mild scalp irritation or itching immediately after the treatment, but this should subside within a few days. If you have any pre-existing scalp conditions or sensitivities, consult with your stylist before booking your appointment.

The Brazilian Blow Dry Process 

Step 1: The process begins with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up and impurities from your hair. This step is crucial, as any residue or grease left on the hair could create a barrier that prevents the treatment from fully penetrating the hair shaft. Conditioner is avoided at this stage for the same reason.

Step 2: Then the Brazilian Blow Dry product is applied to your hair in thin sections, thoroughly covering each strand from root to tip while avoiding direct contact with the scalp. Before application, the hair is usually rough-dried, although some systems allow for the treatment to be applied to damp hair.

Step 3: Once the treatment is applied, it’s left on the hair for anywhere between 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the product guidelines and your hair’s thickness. During this time, the keratin formula works its magic, penetrating the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticle.

Step 4: After the processing time is complete, the product is blow-dried into your hair in sections. Once your hair is completely dry, a flat iron is used to seal the product further. As the heat is applied directly to the chemically treated hair, the process can produce some steam, especially if your hair is coloured. To reduce irritation from the fumes, many stylists and clients choose to wear a mask and goggles during this step.

Step 5: Depending on the specific treatment used, the next steps may vary slightly. Older methods require the hair to be left untouched for 1-3 days before washing and styling as normal. Newer systems involve lightly washing and conditioning the hair 30 minutes after the straightening process to remove any remaining product. The hair is then either left to air-dry, showcasing its new frizz-free silkiness, or softly styled as desired.

It’s important to note that a Brazilian Blow Dry or any keratin treatment should only be performed by a professional stylist after a full consultation and patch test. Incorrect application of the chemical product could lead to irritation and damage to the hair, so it’s best to trust the expertise of salon professionals rather than attempting any DIY home treatments.

How Long Does a Brazilian Blow Dry Last?

Typically, the effects of a Brazilian Blow Dry can last anywhere between 2-6 months, depending on several factors.

The duration of your results will largely depend on the specific treatment you choose, your hair type, and how well you care for your hair post-treatment. Much like the aftercare for hair extensions or vibrant hair colours, the key to prolonging the life of your Brazilian Blow Dry is to wash your hair less frequently. Each time you wash your hair, a small amount of the treatment is stripped away, so reducing your washing frequency can help maintain the smoothing effects for longer.

Another important aspect of aftercare is to avoid products that contain sulphates and alcohol, as these ingredients can strip the treatment from your hair and affect the longevity of your results. Opting for gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners will help preserve the treatment and keep your hair looking smooth and frizz-free for longer.

In addition to your hair care routine, several other factors can impact the lifespan of your Brazilian Blow Dry:

1. Hair texture: Those with finer hair may find that their results last closer to the 2-3 month mark, while those with thicker, coarser hair may enjoy the benefits for 4-6 months.
2. Exposure to heat and humidity: Frequent heat styling and exposure to high humidity can break down the treatment more quickly, leading to a shorter lifespan for your smooth, frizz-free look.
3. Swimming: Chlorinated and salt water can also affect the longevity of your Brazilian Blow Dry, so if you’re a regular swimmer, consider wearing a swim cap or wetting your hair with fresh water before diving in.

Aftercare and maintenance 

According to our RUSH experts, the key to maintaining your Brazilian Blow Dry at home is to treat your hair with plenty of TLC. This means incorporating weekly deep conditioning treatments into your routine to keep your hair nourished and healthy. Additionally, using smoothing oils on the ends of your hair can help prevent split ends and maintain the sleek, polished look you achieved at the salon. Read our 15 expert tips to achieve healthier hair for more advice on aftercare and maintenance.

Here are some additional aftercare tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after the treatment to allow the keratin to fully penetrate and settle into your hair.
2. Minimise the use of hair ties, clips, or anything that could create indentations in your hair for the first week after the treatment.
3. Avoid swimming in chlorinated or salt water for at least two weeks post-treatment, as these can compromise the effectiveness of the Brazilian Blow Dry.
4. Book a trim every few months to keep split ends at bay and maintain the healthy, glossy appearance of your hair.

Book Your Hair Appointment Now 

Now that you know all about the amazing benefits of a Brazilian Blow Dry and how it can transform your hair, it’s time to experience the magic for yourself! At RUSH, our skilled stylists are experts in delivering exceptional keratin treatments that will leave your hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free for months.

Have you ever tried a Brazilian Blow Dry? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how this treatment has transformed your hair.

Don’t wait – Find your nearest hair salon and take the first step towards the hair of your dreams and experience the RUSH difference for yourself! Book your appointment here.