Keratin vs. Brazilian Blowout: What’s the Difference?
We get this question all the time at SMOOTHED:
“What’s the difference between a keratin treatment and a Brazilian Blowout?”
Both are popular smoothing treatments, both are protein-based, and both are designed to reduce frizz and make your hair more manageable. But they’re actually very different in how they work—and how they leave your hair feeling afterward.
Let’s break it down.
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The Basics:
• Brazilian Blowout is an amino acid-based treatment that coats the hair on the outside.
• Keratin treatments are based on the keratin protein (what your hair is naturally made of), and work by penetrating the inside of the hair shaft.
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How Brazilian Blowout Works:
Brazilian Blowout uses a large molecule that wraps around the outside of your hair, creating a smooth, sealed layer. This heavy coating is what gives it that super straight look and sleek finish. It locks in moisture—which sounds great at first—but it also locks out future moisture.
What happens over time:
At first, hair feels soft and sleek. But as the product starts to wash away, many clients notice their hair feeling dry and brittle. That’s because the coating was suffocating the hair, preventing it from breathing and receiving the moisture it needs. And since it forces itself onto the surface—whether your hair needs it or not—it can leave your hair feeling over-treated.
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How Keratin Works:
Keratin is a much smaller molecule. It doesn’t coat the outside of the hair—it penetrates inside the hair shaft to fill in gaps, repair damage, and smooth from within.
The best part?
Keratin only goes where it’s needed. If there’s no damage, there’s nowhere for it to “stick,” so your hair never gets overloaded. Your hair stays light, soft, and breathable—just healthier, smoother, and way easier to manage.
Unlike Brazilian Blowout, keratin is not designed to straighten. It’s designed to de-frizz, reduce volume, and enhance manageability while keeping your natural texture intact.
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Our Clients Say It Best:
Every client who has switched from Brazilian Blowout to keratin with us has said the same thing:
“My hair is so much softer, shinier, and healthier.”
They also report that:
• Their curls are still there—but more defined and less frizzy
• Their hair feels less coated and more like their own
• Styling takes less time, and the results last longer
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Can You Switch from Brazilian Blowout to Keratin?
Absolutely. You can even go back and forth between the two. They don’t interfere with each other, and you don’t need to “wait it out” to start keratin. But once clients experience the softness and natural feel of keratin, they rarely go back.
At SMOOTHED, we choose not to carry Brazilian Blowout because we’ve found keratin to be a healthier, more breathable, and more customizable alternative that respects your hair’s natural beauty.
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Still have questions about which treatment is right for you?
Call or text us at 619-674-4061 or book a consultation online at smoothedsalon.com. We’re always happy to guide you toward the best treatment for your hair type and lifestyle.