What To Know About Brazilian Blowouts & The Potential Downsides For Your Hair

We all know and love a good, voluminous blowout, especially when we get to treat ourselves by getting it done professionally at the hair salon. What's not to love? Everything, from the volume to the sleekness of a blowout, has us looking our best every time. But have you heard of a Brazilian blowout?

The Brazilian blowout isn't your typical blowout — it's that and much more. Simply put, a Brazilian blowout is a keratin hair treatment that aims to tame frizzy hair and straighten the strands to the client's desired texture, and which ends in a normal (perfectly sleek and volumizing) blowout. While you can achieve a regular blowout at home with your own tools, a Brazilian blowout consists of more steps than your usual round brush and blow dryer, including a long-lasting treatment that enhances the luxe, healthy look of the hairstyle. Plus, it's customizable to each person, so you can get the Brazilian blowout look without sacrificing your hair priorities. And the best part is, you can go on with your life without any of the restrictions of other similar treatments. "With the Brazilian blowout, you get it done, your stylist rinses it out, and that's it. You're back to your normal life again," Jennifer Matos, New York City hairstylist, told InStyle.

The downsides? Like any semi-permanent smoothing hair treatment, the Brazilian blowout uses harsh chemicals and heat tools to tame your hair's natural texture and frizz, which can cause damage if done wrong.

The Brazilian blowout's main ingredient, keratin, aims to tame frizzy hair and straighten the strands to the client's desired texture. Therefore, in addition to the blowout look, this treatment is similar to other hair-relaxing treatments, except with customizable results that are less damaging to the hair.

What's so special about a Brazilian blowout isn't its main wonder ingredient, keratin, which is found in a variety of salon treatments and results in shinier, more manageable hair and lasting results. Rather, what makes this blowout treatment great is its adaptable nature and thorough coating of the hair for more protective results. When applied to the hair, the silicone formula creates a layer around the hair strands to both relax and protect your hair against external damage. Plus, the treatment is great for people who seek customizable results, since the effects of the treatment can be toned up or down depending on both your current texture and ideal final look. "Just be sure to tell your stylist exactly what you want, and they can tailor the treatment to either preserve the texture of your hair or make it smoother," Jennifer Matos told InStyle.

The treatment is done like any other salon treatment and requires heat styling to properly activate. Because of this, the process involves a five-step application process: application, blow-dry, flat-iron straightening, rinse, and repeat blow-dry for that smooth-looking blowout look.

While Brazilian blowouts might sound like the customizable hair treatment of your dreams, there are still downsides to consider before deciding to get it done. Most, if not all, hair treatments come with the possibility of hair damage, and this professional blowout is no exception.

First, Brazilian blowouts aren't a permanent solution to untameable hair and unwanted frizz. While the results are considerably long-lasting — you'll notice them start to fade around the three-month mark — they don't last forever. Like all treatments, this one comes with upkeep, and the commitment to come into your salon every few months for renewed results — as long as you want it to last.

Second, and most important, this admittedly milder-than-most hair treatment comes with possible damage to the hair. Not every hair type does well with applying harsh chemicals for a blowout look, and textured hair is one of these. People with textured hair should be cautious of applying excessive amounts of heat, as is required by this treatment. In addition, the treatment includes a small amount of the controversial ingredient formaldehyde. Although the ingredient is known for having toxic effects upon being inhaled or coming into contact with the skin, the blowout product is FDA-approved due to its low concentration. Still, being aware of this ingredient is beneficial to making an informed decision. Before doing anything, consult a professional to see if the process of a Brazilian blowout is safe for your hair, and what alternatives they offer.