5 Things to know before you try Brazilian hair straightening

Super sleek, smooth-looking hair has an appeal all of its own – it just exudes total flawlessness, right? And for a lot of women, it seems that we’ve cracked the Holy Grail of straightening treatments: Brazilian hair straightening. But what is it really, and how does it work? Read on to find out some important facts before you take the plunge.

Everything you should know about Brazilian hair straightening

1. It’s not permanent

While it’s not a permanent treatment, it will give you gorgeously sleek hair for up to 2-3 months, until it fades out naturally. And rest assured that the Brazilian hair straightening process doesn’t change or damage the natural texture of your tresses. Why? Because it only targets the cuticle (the outside layer of your hair), which means that, if you want, you can always go back to your natural waves and curls after a few months.

2. It might change the way you cut your hair

If you’ve always hankered after different hairstyles like a chic long bob or a pixie cut, but thought it would never work for you, then getting a Brazilian hair straightening treatment might just change everything. Smoothing and straightening your hair will give it a completely different look, without losing its natural texture. So prepare to get inspired and be a little more creative with your hairstyle! Of course, don’t forget that your hair will spring back to its natural shape in a few months, so it will need another treatment if you want to keep the same cut.

3. It can help eliminate frizz

A Brazilian hair straightening treatment can smooth your hair, and will maintain its sleek and glossy texture even when it rains.

4. You may want to switch shampoos for longer-lasting results

Your salon might have their own products for you to try and essentially, you should be fine to carry on using your normal shampoo and conditioner. However, it has been said that sulphate-free shampoos can help the effects of a Brazilian hair straightening treatment last longer and prevent frizz from returning too soon.

5. Be aware of the risks

The Brazilian hair straightening treatment works by applying keratin (a natural protein found in your hair) and a mixture of formaldehyde (used as a preservative to seal the protein onto each hair strand) to your locks. While short and infrequent exposures to formaldehyde shouldn’t be harmful, it may not be the best option if you’re pregnant or if you have a particularly sensitive scalp. However, if you do find that formaldehyde irritates your skin, there are plenty of formaldehyde-free options to choose from, so don’t be afraid to inquire about it in your salon.