Hearing the word 'Brazilian', some might think waxing. But for those who yearn for smooth hair, the Brazilian Blowout has long been the answer to bad hair days.
First surfacing in Brazil in 2005, the treatment became immensely popular in the United States. Following complaints of eye irritation and breathing difficulties, the manufacturers have released a plant-based version; the Brazilian Blowout Zero. It uses keratin to lock in amino acids, and is also suited for coloured and chemically treated hair.
We tried it at the Philip George Salon in Central. The new process is similar to the original. Two rounds of shampoo get rid of any build-up, then the product is combed through with a brush. The hair is blow-dried straight then ironed at a high temperature.
Steam is released as plant oils evaporate, which helps seal in the formula. No scary face masks, no eye irritation and no unpleasant smells.
After another wash, this time without shampoo, hair is blow-dried. The treatment takes 90 minutes and can last up to 12 weeks, and there's a special shampoo and conditioner to maximise results.
Does the Zero work as well as the original treatment? Yes and no. The Zero works best on fine, soft hair that is not too frizzy or curly, according to Philip George. We are told the new treatment will help smooth out hair that has a bit of a wave, while keeping the volume.