First, let’s clear up the terminology, because it confuses almost everyone who sits in my chair: “smoothing treatment” isn’t a separate service. It’s the category. Keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowouts are the two types of smoothing treatments — and at Educe Salon, we offer both. Every artist at Educe is certified in both keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowout, so the real question isn’t “which of the three should I get,” it’s “which smoothing treatment fits my hair and my goals?”
The Short Answer
- Want maximum frizz elimination and the longest-lasting, straightest result? A keratin treatment is your fit.
- Want smoother, frizz-free hair that keeps more of your natural wave and body? A Brazilian Blowout is the better choice — and it’s a shorter appointment.
What They Have in Common
Both are professional smoothing treatments that work by sealing a smoothing formula into the hair with heat. Both reduce frizz, cut down blow-dry time, add shine, and make hair more manageable in humidity — which, in Orlando, is most of the year. The differences come down to intensity, longevity, and how much of your natural texture remains.
What a Keratin Treatment Does
A keratin treatment saturates the hair with a protein-based formula, then seals it with heat from a flat iron. It’s the more intensive of the two: frizz reduction is dramatic, curl pattern is significantly loosened, and results typically last 3 to 5 months.
Best for: Very frizzy, coarse, or chemically treated hair — and clients who want the straightest, longest-lasting result.
What a Brazilian Blowout Does
A Brazilian Blowout is a lighter smoothing treatment with a shorter processing time — typically about 90 minutes in the chair. It smooths the cuticle and eliminates frizz while preserving more of your natural wave and movement, and there’s no waiting period: you can wash, style, and even work out the same day. Results generally last 10 to 12 weeks.
Best for: Clients who want frizz control without losing their natural texture, and anyone who wants a quicker service with zero downtime.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Questions to Ask Your Stylist Before Booking
- Is the stylist certified in the specific treatment — keratin, Brazilian Blowout, or both?
- What formula are you using, and is it formaldehyde-free?
- How much of my natural curl pattern will this affect?
- What’s the aftercare for the first few days, and what’s the maintenance routine?
FAQ
Is a smoothing treatment different from a keratin treatment?
No — “smoothing treatment” is the umbrella term. A keratin treatment is one type of smoothing treatment; a Brazilian Blowout is the other. If a salon offers a “smoothing treatment,” ask which type it is.
Can I color my hair before or after a smoothing treatment? Color first — in many cases, color and a Brazilian Blowout can even be done the same day, since the treatment can help seal color in. Your stylist will confirm the right sequence for your specific services.
Will either treatment make my hair permanently straight? No — both are semi-permanent and wash out gradually. A keratin treatment gives a straighter result while it lasts; a Brazilian Blowout keeps more of your natural movement. Neither permanently alters your hair.
How soon can I wash my hair after treatment? With a Brazilian Blowout, the same day. With a keratin treatment, it depends on the formula — your stylist will give you specific aftercare instructions.
About the Author
Chelsea Ellenis an artist at Educe Salon in Orlando, FL, where she was honored as Hairdresser of the Year. Like every artist at Educe, she is certified in both keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowout. Learn More
