The Brazilian Blowout vs The Clarisonic

Welcome readers, to a very special edition of Skin Deep. This week, I will be giving my verdict on two hot new beauty trends that launched in Hong Kong last year: the Brazilian Blowout and the Clarisonic. I know that lots of you out there have been hemming and hawing about whether to give these a go, and hopefully these two reviews will make it easier for you to decide.

The Brazilian Blowout: My Take

For those of you worried about “Brazilian” referring to another kind of personal topiary, fear not. This process coats each individual strand of hair (on your head) with a keratin treatment, which keeps your hair looking salon-fresh and easily manageable for up to three months without damaging the hair itself. The technician coats the hair in a layer of the stuff, before drying and sealing it with a set of hot irons. One final wash n’ blow later, and salon-fresh hair is yours for months.

The pros: I’ve had tons of compliments so far. I’m also delighted that I can wash my hair and leave it to air-dry without looking like Stig of the Dump.
The cons: As my hair is very fine, it’s looking a leeeetle bit too Morticia Adamsy for my liking, though now I’m a couple of washes in and it’s starting to show more body.

Also, if you tend towards the greasy side, you run the risk of looking lank.

The upshot: It’s expensive, but heaven-sent for women who despair about the state of their tresses when the humidity sets in. Sure, it doesn’t last that long, but even with permanent straightening you’ve got to do your roots regularly anyway.

Do it if: Your hair in the summer takes on a “Bon Jovi in the 80s” shape. Or if you don’t have time to blow-dry in the mornings.
Don’t bother if: You’re looking for volume.

Available at top salons around Hong Kong, including Paul Gerrard, 1/F, Wah Hing House, 35 Pottinger St., Central, 2869-4408. Price ranges from $1,900 to $3,600, depending on hair length. Price also includes the BB-branded shampoo and conditioner.

The Clarisonic: The Final Word

It’s a face brush. That vibrates. It costs $2,100. The internet is stuffed with rave reviews of the thing, but is it really worth the price tag? Designed by the people behind the famous (and similarly pricey) electric toothbrush of the same name, the Clarisonic promises to tackle problem skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and clean your complexion of grime and makeup six times more effectively than regular washing.