Brazilian Blowout to the Rescue!

by Kerry Andersen

It’s not being overly dramatic to say that a Brazilian blowout can change your life. Anyone who calls Southwest Louisiana home knows all about the battle to get your hair to act right when the humidity inches up, rain showers pop in and the dreaded frizz takes over. We buy endless thermal products and hot tools in the quest for sleek, straight tresses only to see our carefully coifed hair destroyed in the time it takes to make a run for it from the air-conditioned house to the car.  

In years past, those seeking a string of good hair days had to spend a small fortune and endure stinky, harsh chemicals to straighten their hair and protect it from our legendary southern humidity. Enter the Brazilian blowout, a liquid protein hair smoothing method that originated in Brazil using smaller molecules sealed with heat. The modern amino based treatment makes big promises: eliminate frizz, boost shine, lock in color and even cut blow-dry time in half. Sound too good to be true? Cosmetologist Stacy Leigh Hunt with Ginger Vine Salon says, “The Brazilian blowout delivers. The treatment will actually improve the health of color-treated, highlighted or even over processed strands by conditioning hair while sealing the cuticle for less frizz and radiant shine. The best part is that Brazilian blowouts do not permanently alter the hair’s texture and there is no down time like with a traditional keratin treatment which requires eight hours of avoiding hair clips, ponytails, sweating or moisture of any kind to protect results.” 

In the Salon

• Your stylist will shampoo, towel dry and divide your hair into sections.

• The semi-permanent protein treatment is applied to each section. 

• Your hair is blown dry and then carefully flat ironed to lock in results. 

• The entire process takes about 90 minutes. The minute you leave the salon you can work out, wash your hair, or wear a ponytail without worry. 

Things to Remember

• The process is not permanent. A good Brazilian blowout will last up to twelve weeks. 

• You’ll pay the price for frizz-free locks. A Brazilian blowout costs between $200-$500 depending on the length of your hair. An express version of the treatment is more affordable at around $125 but wears off after four weeks. 

• The Brazilian blowout is perfect for all hair types (curly, frizzy, damaged, course) but if you already have fine, straight hair, a keratin-based treatment might be a better option to combat frizz. 

Hunt advises to choose a salon with experience because if too much heat is applied during treatment your hair can be damaged.  

Aftercare 

• Your treatment will gradually wash away over time – choose a shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate and sodium free (Aveda, Sol Janeiro) to extend your results. 

• To stretch your style even longer, consider simply wetting your hair in the shower rather than washing it. 

Ginger Vine Salon, formerly Salon Mixx, is located at 4720 Nelson Road, Unit 150, Lake Charles. Contact 337-497-9499 or www.gingervinesalon.com for appointments.