Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin: What’s the Difference?

Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin: What’s the Difference?

If your hair is frizzy, puffy, or hard to manage—especially during Indiana’s humid summers or dry winters—you may have heard about smoothing treatments like the Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatments. But what’s the difference between them? And more importantly, which one is right for your hair?

At The Hair Department in Fort Wayne, we specialize in texture and treatment services that simplify your hair routine while protecting your natural texture and hair health. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between Brazilian Blowouts and keratin treatments, break down the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which smoothing solution best fits your hair goals and lifestyle.

What Are Smoothing Treatments?

Smoothing treatments are salon services designed to reduce frizz, improve shine, and make styling easier. They do not permanently straighten the hair but instead work by sealing the hair cuticle with protective proteins.

While both the Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatments fall under the smoothing category, they are not identical. Each has different ingredients, application methods, and results.

What Is a Brazilian Blowout?

A Brazilian Blowout is a specific brand of smoothing treatment originally developed in Brazil. It creates a protective layer around each strand, smoothing the cuticle and eliminating frizz while preserving volume and natural movement.

Brazilian Blowouts are known for their fast processing time, immediate styling results, and ability to customize the level of smoothness.

Key features of a Brazilian Blowout:

• Lasts up to 12 weeks
  
  
• Eliminates frizz but maintains natural wave or curl
  
  
• Customizable—can be flat-ironed for sleekness or styled with body
  
  
• Washes out gradually, no harsh grow-out line
  
  
• Styling time reduced by 30 to 50 percent
  
  
• No downtime—you can wash or tie your hair the same day
  
  

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatments use a blend of smoothing proteins, usually including keratin, to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and improve texture. Unlike Brazilian Blowouts, traditional keratin treatments may require a waiting period before washing or styling.

They are typically stronger in smoothing effects, and in some cases, may slightly loosen curl patterns for a straighter finish.

Key features of a keratin treatment:

• Lasts up to 3 to 5 months
  
  
• Reduces frizz and adds intense shine
  
  
• Can slightly relax curls or waves
  
  
• Requires 72-hour downtime (no washing, tying, or clips)
  
  
• Improves hair strength and texture over time
  
  
• Best for thick, coarse, or unmanageable hair
  
  

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of the Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatment services we offer at The Hair Department:

Which One Is Better for You?

Choosing between a Brazilian Blowout and a keratin treatment depends on your hair type, goals, and how much downtime you’re comfortable with.

Brazilian Blowout may be best if:

• You want to reduce frizz but keep your waves or curls
  
  
• You’re looking for a fast, zero-downtime service
  
  
• You have fine to medium texture that gets puffy in humidity
  
  
• You want a smooth, polished look but not pin-straight hair
  
  

Keratin treatment may be best if:

• Your hair is coarse, curly, or highly textured
  
  
• You want longer-lasting smoothing
  
  
• You’re okay with waiting a few days before washing or styling
  
  
• You’re dealing with extreme frizz or damage from coloring or heat tools
  
  

Still unsure? At The Hair Department, we offer consultations to evaluate your hair in person and help you decide which option will deliver the results you want without compromising your hair health.

Common Questions About Smoothing Treatments

How long does each treatment last?
Brazilian Blowouts typically last 10–12 weeks. Keratin treatments last a bit longer—often up to 4 to 5 months with proper care.

Will my hair be completely straight?
Not unless you want it to be. Both treatments are customizable. If you’d like to retain your natural wave or curl, we’ll tailor the application to reduce frizz without removing texture.

Can I get either treatment on color-treated hair?
Yes. Both are safe for colored hair and can actually help seal in your color, reduce fading, and improve shine. We often recommend a smoothing treatment after blonding or lightening to restore moisture and reduce porosity.

Is there formaldehyde in these treatments?
We offer formaldehyde-free and low-formaldehyde versions of both services, depending on your sensitivity and preference. During your consultation, we’ll review ingredients and ensure you're comfortable with your treatment plan.

What’s the difference between a smoothing treatment and a relaxer?
Relaxers are permanent chemical treatments designed to straighten textured hair. Smoothing treatments like Brazilian Blowout and keratin are semi-permanent, gentler, and designed to improve manageability without permanently altering your curl pattern.

How to Maintain Your Smoothing Treatment

Proper aftercare extends the life of your smoothing treatment and keeps your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

Recommended tips from our Fort Wayne stylists:

• Use sulfate-free, smoothing-specific shampoo and conditioner
  
  
• Avoid chlorine and salt water, or wear a protective cap
  
  
• Use heat protection when blow-drying or styling
  
  
• Limit washing to 2–3 times per week
  
  
• Schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep ends fresh
  
  

We’ll recommend products during your appointment that are safe and effective for maintaining your treatment at home.

Who Should Avoid Smoothing Treatments?

While most clients see excellent results, you may want to skip or postpone smoothing treatments if:

• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (always check with your doctor)
  
  
• You’ve had a recent scalp injury or chemical sensitivity
  
  
• You’re planning to lighten your hair significantly within a week of treatment
  
  

Your stylist will evaluate your hair and scalp health during your consultation to ensure it’s safe to proceed.

Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin in Fort Wayne: Our Take

At The Hair Department, we believe in customizing every service to the guest. Both Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatments are powerful tools when applied correctly and paired with the right aftercare.

We’ll never upsell a treatment that isn’t right for your hair. Instead, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons, your styling habits, and the overall condition of your hair to create a plan that saves time, reduces damage, and leaves you feeling confident.

If you’re ready to wake up with smoother, shinier, frizz-free hair—schedule a consultation with our Fort Wayne team today.

Book Your Smoothing Treatment in Fort Wayne

Let’s simplify your hair routine. Whether you want softer curls, polished waves, or just less time with the flat iron, our customized Brazilian Blowout and keratin services deliver results without the guesswork.

Call us at (260) 432-3505 or book online at http://thehairdept.com/contact

We’re conveniently located at 2464 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804—just minutes from Time Corners and Jefferson Pointe.