Amanda.Love.Hair 

Q. What is a Brazilian Blowout?   A. It is a smoothing treatment that heat seals actual keratin protein onto the cuticle of the hair shaft, to make the hair silkier, shinier, and healthier.  It eliminates frizz and softens curl, while still maintaining bounce and volume.  A great candidate is someone who spends a lot of time blowdrying and/or flat ironing their hair.  The Brazilian Blowout cuts blowdry time by half, and it ensures that humidity will not effect your finished result...even on vacation!

Q. Can it be used on any hair type?   A. Yes.  It can be used on ANY type of hair, from highlighted, colored, relaxed, permed, virgin, and ethnic hair.  Since it is not a chemical that penetrates the hair shaft, just coats it, there is no way for it to cause further damage. 

Q. How long does the process take?   A.  It can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the length and density of the hair.

 Q.  Will my hair be stick straight?   A.  No.  This is not your typical relaxer.  It does not change the chemical structure of the hair, therefore it will not change the natural curl pattern.  It will soften the natural curl pattern, and it has been found to reduce the curl by up to 50%, however results do vary.  The beauty of this treatment is that it reduces blowdry time and enables the hair to "smooth out" extremely easily with the heat of a blowdryer and a flat or round brush.  You can use hot tools, such as a curling iron or flat iron, to achieve the look you desire for the day, but with extreme ease.

 Q.  How long does the treatment last?   A.  The treatment will last anywhere from 10-12 weeks, as long as proper after-care is followed.   It will gradually fade from the hair shaft, just as a semi-permanent color fades.  

Q. Is there formaldehyde in the products you use?  A. The Brazilian Blowout has been found to produce a small amount of formaldehyde fumes during the flat iron process.  The amount found during testing is WELL below OSHA's action limit, and still considered safe.  Amanda will give you the option of wearing a carbon filtered mask if desired.  She also uses an industrial grade chemical air purifier during the process, to ensure the comfort and peace of mind of her clients.     

Q. How is the treatment done?   A.  First, the hair is clarified with an anti-residue, color protecting shampoo.  Then, the hair is towel-dried to 75% dry.  The treatment is applied with a bowl and brush off the scalp to the ends.  The hair is then blowdried and smoothed with a flat iron heated to 450 degrees, to seal the solution.  After the sealing process, the hair is rinsed and and styled as usual.  At this point, you are done!  You are free to wash your hair the same day as the treatment.  There is no down time or "wait period" with Brazilian Blowout.  With a keratin treatment, there is typically a 48-72 hour wait period before the hair may be washed.

Q.  Can I used regular shampoo after the treatment?   A.  Sulfate and Sulfide-Free is the key.  Sulfates, salts, and keratin do not get along well.  Sulfates will wash 2 hours worth of keratin treatment right down the bathtub drain.  It is important to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to ensure your results last as long as possible. I recommend the Brazilian Blowout Acai aftercare line.

Q.  If I want my hair really straight, will this treatment work?   A.  Yes and NO.  If you want stick straight hair, you will still have to style it.  This can be done with either a flat iron or blowdyer, but it will not take you long at all!  You can even let it mostly air dry, and then hit it with a quick blowdryer and flat iron.  And IT WILL STAY STYLED.  Humidity will not affect it the same way it does without the treatment.  If you want stick STRAIGHT hair without heat styling (wash and wear), I recommend a thio based straightener.

Q.  How much $$$?   A.  The treatment starts at $200.  It all depends on hair density, length, and time.  It will NEVER exceed $350.  I recommend a conultation for a proper estimate.  

*As far back as 1987 the U.S. EPA classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen and after more studies the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 1995, also classified it as a probable human carcinogen. Further information and evaluation of all known data led the IARC to reclassify formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen associated with nasal sinus cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, and possibly with leukemia in June 2004.