Brazilian Blow Dry - FAQ

 

What is a Brazilian Blow Dry?

Brazilian Blow Dry is a semi-permanent treatment that lasts 3 to 4 months. It originated in Brazil, a nation obsessed with having straight, frizz free hair.

Which hair types does a Brazilian Blow Dry suit?

It's perfect to resolve frizzy hair and for those that use hair straighteners on a regular basis. Suitable for Caucasian, Asian and Mixed Afro hair types.

Can I have a Brazilian Blow Dry if my hair is damaged?

For hair that is extremely damaged, weak or if you are experiencing hair breakage, I will recommend Olaplex treatments to strengthen the hair first. If you are unsure about the condition of your hair, please email me to arrange a phone or video consultation before booking your Brazilian Blow Dry.

Will the Brazilian Keratin make my hair fall?

Hair is made of a tough protein called Keratin. Accumulative use of any Keratin treatment will harden the hair structure over time as it may reduce the hair's elasticity which could contribute to hair fall, but this will also depend on your hair condition, ie. If you have virgin or colour-treated hair.

Can I have a Brazilian Blow Dry if I have hair extensions?

Real hair extensions can be treated with the Brazilian to match your hair texture. I strongly advise against treatment for other extensions as they are specially treated by the manufacturer and very different to your real hair. Extensions must be removed before the Brazilian and fitted again at least 7 days post treatment.

What are the benefits of a Brazilian Blow Dry?

Your hair will be left frizz-free, shiny, manageable with plenty of bounce and movement. After the initial 2 days post treatment, and once you have shampooed your hair, you have the option to curl or add waves to your hair. You will also notice that you are able to blow dry your hair in a fraction of the normal time. I do not guarantee ‘wash & go’ this will depend on your hair texture.

Will my hair be very straight?

If your hair is wavy you can expect to have straight hair. For very curly and/or mixed race hair it will minimise the frizz, especially in humidity, but I cannot guarantee straight hair on the first treatment. However, after 2 to 3 Brazilian Blow Dry treatments, your hair will be as straight as Yuko due to the accumulative coating of the product. Some Asian hair can be resistant, I'll be able to advise you accordingly based upon your hair type.

Would I get the same results if I did the Brazilian blow dry every 3 to 4 months indefinitely?

This will vary with every client. Factors that could affect the results of the Brazilian blow dry long term are:

Age
Grey hair
Hormones
Use of certain contraceptives
Menopause
Stress
After pregnancy
After Covid
Non sulphate free shampoo

Can I have this treatment with coloured or highlighted hair?

Absolutely yes! The Brazilian Blow Dry will improve the health of coloured or highlighted hair, sealing the cuticle to help lock in your colour. I recommend that you have a 5-7 day gap between your Brazilian Blow Dry treatment and colour/highlights service to avoid aggravating your hair. For best results I recommend your colour or highlights are completed after your Brazilian Blow Dry. Please be aware in most instances the Brazilian Blow Dry may lighten your colour after the treatment.

Can I have this treatment if my hair is relaxed or chemically straightened?

Yes, provided your hair has not been damaged by the relaxer or straightening product. The Brazilian Blow Dry will enhance the look of your hair and give more movement. It is a great touch-up treatment if you've previously had Yuko Straightening to avoid over processing your hair with chemicals.

Will I lose hair volume post treatment?

Some clients experience a reduction in volume for the first month post treatment. This is especially true for hair that is fine and/or already straight before having a Brazilian Blow Dry (reduce frizz = reduce volume).

Can I go swimming after having a Brazilian Blow Dry?

Yes, but not for the first 2 days post treatment and you must have shampooed your hair in accordance with our aftercare instructions before going swimming. The treatment will be affected by chlorine and/or sea water. You should use sulphate free shampoo and use a quality conditioner after swimming regardless of whether you have a Brazilian Blow Dry or not. I recommend Philip Kingsley Swimcap hair mask before swimming.

Can I tie my hair up post treatment?

This should be avoided for the first 2 days and you must have shampooed your hair at least once before tying your hair up and using hair accessories.

Can I use any shampoo and conditioner post treatment?

No. You must use sulphate free shampoo and any conditioner post treatment. I will recommend the best sulphate free shampoo and conditioner according to your hair type.

Does the Brazilian contain Formaldehyde?

Yes, I have 2 options depending on client requirements. Original Formula 0.2% Formaldehyde. Mid Formula 0.1% Formaldehyde.

Read more about Formaldehyde >

Do you have an organic (Formaldehyde Free) Brazilian Blow Dry?

Yes, I have 2 variations of organic formula which are 100% free of Formaldehyde. This treatment lasts between 4-6 weeks and is mainly used for pregnant women and young teens to control and manage frizzy hair.

How long does the treatment take?

The original formula takes around 1.5-2.5 hours from start to finish, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. The organic formula takes between 2-3 hours due to the waiting time for the product to sit on the hair.

Can I have the Brazilian if I'm pregnant?

I personally don't recommend any treatment during pregnancy but the organic formula can be used on pregnant women. Ultimately, it is the clients choice.

Are there any side effects doing the Brazilian Blow Dry?

In some cases, clients may experience flaky or itchy redness on their scalp post-treatment. This is due to how sensitive your scalp is generally and if the product goes near your scalp. In most circumstances, this is inevitable because if you have frizzy curly roots, the product may have to touch your scalp to cover the hair or regrowth. Fortunately, this is not permanent and flakiness will go away after a week or so. During the treatment you may also experience a little eye irritation and smell, this due to the vapour it produces during the drying and ironing process this is why it's extremely important to have good ventilation specially is small confined spaces. Most clients may only experience this on there first time having the treatment and don't notice it on there second treatment. It may sound like an intense and unpleasant experience but the results outweighs the negatives, a small price to pay for beauty!

How old do I need to be to have a Brazilian Blow Dry?

The organic Brazilian can be done from 12 years old upwards. The original Brazilian can be done from 16 years old onwards.

Can men have the Brazilian Blow Dry?

Yes, the hair has to be at least two inches long or more for the ironing process.

How do I prepare for a Brazilian Blow Dry at home?

It is very simple...to save time you need to wash your hair with any cleansing shampoo and do not apply conditioner unless I ask you to use it. Let your hair dry naturally before I arrive for the appointment. We need to be in a room where we can have plenty of ventilation (open doors or windows) for the vapour to escape, a table for my equipment and a chair for you to sit in comfortably... that's it!

Got a burning question that's not listed here? Contact me. To see my work (before and after) please follow my Instagram account @straightenmyhair