With the rise in popularity of Brazilian Blowouts, many have wondered: do these treatments actually work on gray hair?
As someone who is no stranger to the struggles of maintaining a mane full of grays, I was determined to find out the answer. So, let’s take a look, do Brazilian blowouts work on gray hair?
What Are Brazilian Blowouts?
A Brazilian Blowout is a salon hair treatment aimed at creating smooth, frizz-free hair.
The process involves applying a liquid keratin formula to your hair, which bonds with each hair strand to form a protective layer.
This barrier helps to diminish frizz, seal the hair cuticle, and protect against external damage.
Procedure:
- Wash: Your hair is cleansed with a special shampoo to open the hair cuticles.
- Apply: The Brazilian Blowout formula is thoroughly applied to your hair.
- Seal: The hair is blow-dried and flat-ironed to seal in the treatment.
- Rinse: After the application, your hair is rinsed out, and a conditioner is applied.
- Final Touch: A final blow-dry and styling to complete the process.
Duration and Longevity:
- The entire procedure takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on hair length and thickness.
- Results typically last about 10–12 weeks with proper care.
Benefits:
- Reduces styling time
- Enhances hair shine and smoothness
- Manageable hair with less frizz
Considerations:
- It’s safe to use on various hair types, including color-treated hair.
- You can wash your hair immediately after the treatment, unlike other keratin treatments that require a waiting period.
- Maintenance involves sulfate-free hair products to prolong the effects.
The Brazilian Blowout Application Process
The proper application of a Brazilian Blowout can significantly enhance the look and feel of gray hair, leading to smoother and more manageable strands.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Before beginning, ensure your hair is clean and dry. Follow these steps for the Brazilian Blowout application:
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into four sections to manage the application easily.
- Apply Product: Starting from the nape of the neck, apply the Brazilian Blowout solution section by section, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Comb Through: After the solution is applied, comb through each section for even distribution.
- Blow-Dry: Blow-dry your hair completely using a round brush to initiate the smoothing process.
- Flat Iron: Section the hair once again and use a flat iron at a recommended temperature of 450°F (230°C) to seal in the treatment.
- Rinse and Apply Mask: Rinse the hair with water, then apply the Brazilian Blowout deep conditioning mask.
- Final Rinse and Style: Rinse out the mask, and then style your hair as desired.
Duration and Technique
- Time Invested: The entire process usually takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on hair length and thickness.
- Technique: The technique is vital for success. Use smooth and consistent flat iron passes—usually about 4-7 times over each section. The flat iron temperature should be adjusted for hair condition; for fragile or over-processed hair, reduce the temperature accordingly.
Do Brazilian Blowouts Work On Gray Hair?
Brazilian Blowouts are a popular hair smoothing treatment, and they can indeed be effectively applied to gray hair.
The process entails using a specialized solution to create a protective layer around each hair strand, which smooths the cuticle and eliminates frizz, leading to a sleek appearance.
Compatibility with Gray Hair:
- Texture: Gray hair often has a different texture, being more coarse and sometimes wiry compared to pigmented hair.
- Porosity: Gray hair can also be more porous, which means that it absorbs and releases moisture more quickly.
Given these characteristics, a Brazilian Blowout can have particularly beneficial effects on gray hair.
Treatment Duration and Effects:
- The results typically last around 10-12 weeks.
- The Blowout can make your gray hair appear shinier and feel softer.
- It also reduces frizz, which is common in graying hair.
When considering a Brazilian Blowout, it’s important to consult with a professional stylist. They will evaluate your hair’s condition and provide personalized advice.
Before and After Care:
After receiving a Brazilian Blowout, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the treatment’s effects.
Limit the use of chlorine-exposed swimming pools and salty seawater, as they can strip the protective layer from your hair.
Regular use of heat protectants while styling is also recommended to preserve the treatment’s results.
How Gray Hair Texture Affects Results
Gray hair often has a different texture compared to your original hair color. The cuticles are usually more resistant and can be less absorbent, affecting the Brazilian Blowout’s efficacy.
Porosity and Coarseness:
- Higher Porosity: Gray hair that is more porous may absorb the treatment more quickly and effectively.
- Coarse Textures: Those with coarser strands might need a more potent formulation or longer treatment time.
Application Adjustments:
- Product Quantity: You may require more product to ensure the hair is fully saturated.
- Processing Time: Professionals may adjust the processing time to ensure the treatment penetrates sufficiently.
Heat Application:
- Use of heat is essential in sealing the Brazilian Blowout product into the hair shaft. Your hair’s resistance to heat may lead to:
- Increased Flat Iron Passes: More passes with the flat iron at the appropriate temperature may be necessary.
Expected Results:
- While Brazilian Blowouts can smooth and add shine, the results on gray hair might not be as long-lasting or dramatic as on pigmented hair.
- Regular maintenance, including touch-ups and using recommended aftercare products, will help extend the life of your Brazilian Blowout.
Tips For Brazilian Blowout Post-Treatment Care
When you have a Brazilian Blowout, maintaining the results is key to enjoying smooth and manageable gray hair for longer. Here are practical post-treatment care tips:
Avoid Washing Your Hair Immediately: Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the treatment to bond effectively to your hair strands.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner:
- Shampoo: Sulfate-free to prevent stripping away the treatment
- Conditioner: Nourishing and sulfate-free to keep hair hydrated
Minimize Heat Styling:
- Limit the use of blow dryers and flat irons
- Use a heat protectant product when heat styling is necessary
Protect Your Hair from Chlorine: If swimming, use a swim cap or apply a leave-in conditioner beforehand to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine.
Schedule Touch-up Treatments: Plan for follow-up treatments every 10-12 weeks, depending on your hair growth and condition, to maintain the smooth texture.
Monitor Hair Condition: Pay attention to any changes in your hair’s texture or moisture levels, and adjust your hair care regimen accordingly.
Longevity of Brazilian Blowout Treatments on Gray Hair
When you have gray hair and opt for a Brazilian Blowout, the longevity of the treatment can be influenced by several factors.
Typically, Brazilian Blowout treatments last about 10-12 weeks on most hair types.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
- Porosity of Hair: Gray hair tends to be more porous, which can lead to quicker absorption and faster fading of the treatment.
- Hair Texture: Coarser gray hair may retain the treatment longer than finer hair.
- Maintenance Routine: Using the recommended sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can extend the duration of the smooth effect.
- Heat Styling: Frequent heat styling may shorten the life span of your Brazilian Blowout.
- Exposure: Chlorinated water and UV radiation can also reduce the treatment’s effectiveness over time.
To maximize the longevity of your Brazilian Blowout, you need to follow a proper hair care regimen:
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid chlorinated pools or wear a swimming cap.
- Limit exposure to the sun or use hair products with UV protection.
- Minimize the use of high-heat styling tools.
Your individual hair characteristics and how you maintain your hair post-treatment play a significant role in how long you enjoy the benefits of your Brazilian Blowout.
With diligent care, your gray hair can maintain the intended results of smoothness and reduced frizz for the average duration.