Before I booked my first Brazilian Blowout, I had the same question you probably have right now: how long will this actually last?
I wasn’t about to drop several hundred dollars without knowing if I’d get my money’s worth. Here’s the thing.
The longevity of this treatment makes or breaks whether it’s a smart choice for your hair routine and your wallet. After doing my research and talking to stylists, I learned exactly what to expect.
In this post, I’m sharing how long Brazilian Blowouts typically last, what can shorten or extend that time, and how to maximize your results.
What Is a Brazilian Blowout?
A Brazilian Blowout is a salon treatment that smooths frizz using liquid keratin and heat. Your stylist applies the formula and seals it with a flat iron.
It started in Brazil and hit U.S. salons around 2005.
Unlike permanent straightening, it doesn’t make hair stick-straight. It reduces frizz while keeping your natural texture. Permanent straightening chemically changes your hair forever.
Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin Treatment
Both use keratin and heat to smooth hair and reduce frizz.
The difference? Brazilian Blowouts let you wash hair immediately and keep natural volume. Traditional keratin treatments need a 3-4 day wait before washing. They create straighter results but remove volume.
Brazilian Blowouts smooth your existing texture. Keratin treatments change it more dramatically.
How Long Does a Brazilian Blowout Last?
Most Brazilian Blowouts last between 3 to 4 months. The results don’t disappear overnight. Instead, they fade gradually as you wash your hair over time.
The keratin formula slowly washes out with each shampoo. Your natural texture starts coming back little by little. You’ll notice more frizz appearing and your styling time increasing again.
By month three or four, your hair is mostly back to its original state. That’s when most people book their next appointment.
Top Factors That Affect How Long a Brazilian Blowout Lasts
Several things determine whether your treatment lasts three months or four. Let’s break down what matters most.
Hair Type & Texture
Coarse or thick hair holds the treatment longer. The keratin penetrates deeper and stays put better in dense hair strands.
Fine or curly hair tends to lose the treatment faster. The formula washes out more quickly from thinner strands. Tight curls also fight harder to return to their natural state.
Maintenance Routine
Your hair care products make a huge difference. Sulfate-free shampoos are a must. Sulfates strip the keratin right out of your hair.
Stay away from chlorine too. Swimming pools can cut your treatment’s lifespan in half.
Heat styling actually helps maintain results. Using a flat iron or blow dryer seals the keratin into your hair. Just don’t go overboard with the temperature.
Environmental Factors
Where you live matters. Humidity makes the treatment fade faster as moisture gets into your hair shaft.
Sun exposure breaks down the keratin over time. Water quality plays a role too. Hard water with lots of minerals can shorten your results.
Hot, humid climates are the biggest challenge for keeping your blowout fresh.
Hair Porosity
Porosity means how well your hair absorbs moisture. High-porosity hair soaks up water like a sponge.
This works against you with Brazilian Blowouts. The more moisture your hair absorbs, the faster the treatment washes out.
If you have high-porosity hair, expect to need touch-ups more often.
Frequency of Washing
Here’s the golden rule: less washing means longer-lasting results.
Washing your hair daily will cut the treatment’s lifespan significantly. Each wash removes a bit more keratin.
Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week maximum. Use dry shampoo between washes to keep it fresh.
Some people stretch it to once or twice a week and see their blowouts last five months or more.
What Is the Brazilian Blowout Process Like?
Expect to spend 90 minutes to 2 hours at the salon, depending on your hair length and thickness.
Your stylist washes your hair with clarifying shampoo to open the cuticles. Then they apply the keratin formula section by section.
Next comes blow-drying on low heat until your hair is completely dry.
The final step is flat ironing. Your stylist uses high heat (around 450 degrees) and goes over each section multiple times.
Heat sealing is critical. The high temperature locks keratin into your hair. Without it, the treatment won’t work properly.
Post-Treatment Waiting Period
You can wash your hair the same day with a Brazilian Blowout. You can also style it immediately.
Some stylists recommend waiting 24 hours before washing. This lets the keratin set in better and can extend your results by a week or two.
Benefits of a Brazilian Blowout
- Frizz Control: Your hair stays smooth even in humid weather. No more puffiness or flyaways when you step outside.
- Quick Styling: Blow-drying takes half the time it used to. Your hair cooperates instead of fighting you every morning.
- Shiny Finish: The keratin adds serious shine to dull hair. Your hair looks healthier and more polished without extra products.
- Easy Maintenance: Daily styling becomes simple and stress-free. Your hair holds styles better and needs less product.
- Natural Grow-Out: There’s no visible line as your natural hair grows in. The treatment fades gradually so you don’t look like you need a touch-up.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Brazilian Blowout
- Hair Condition: Severely damaged hair might not handle the treatment well. If your hair is already brittle or breaking, adding heat and chemicals can make it worse.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Talk to your doctor before booking an appointment. Some formulas contain chemicals that may not be safe during pregnancy or while nursing.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: Check the ingredient list if you have skin sensitivities. Ask your stylist for a patch test 48 hours before the full treatment to avoid reactions.
- Previous Chemical Treatments: Wait at least two weeks between color services and your blowout. Overlapping treatments too quickly can cause serious damage and breakage to your hair.
How to Make a Brazilian Blowout Last Longer
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner every time you wash. Skip chlorinated pools or wear a swim cap.
Wash your hair only 2-3 times per week maximum. Dry shampoo helps between washes.
Apply a heat protectant before styling with hot tools. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Avoid tying your hair too tight. These small changes can extend your results by several weeks.
Conclusion
After weighing the costs and benefits, I think Brazilian Blowouts work best for people who struggle with frizz or spend too much time styling daily.
If you’re looking to cut your morning routine in half, the investment makes sense. The treatment really shines for thick, coarse, or curly hair types.
But here’s my biggest tip: don’t cheap out on the salon. A skilled stylist makes all the difference between amazing results that last months and a disappointing waste of money.
Choose your professional carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I color my hair after getting a Brazilian Blowout?
Yes, but wait at least two weeks after your blowout before coloring. This prevents overprocessing and keeps your hair healthy.
Will a Brazilian Blowout make my hair completely straight?
No, it won’t make your hair stick-straight like chemical relaxers do. It reduces frizz and smooths your texture while keeping some natural movement.
How much does a Brazilian Blowout typically cost?
Prices range from $150 to $400 depending on your location and hair length. Salons in major cities usually charge more than smaller towns.
Can I swim after getting a Brazilian Blowout?
Wait at least 24 hours before swimming. Chlorine and salt water can strip the keratin from your hair faster.
Do I need special products to maintain my Brazilian Blowout?
Yes, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner are required. Regular products with sulfates will wash out the treatment much faster.
