1.  Q. I have had the Japanese hair straightening treatment, aka thermal reconditioning, done several times. How is Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) different from the Japanese treatments?

     A. The primary difference is that the Japanese treatment is permanent and the Brazilian treatment is temporary. Japanese thermal reconditioning treatment physiologically changes the hair structure, while Brazilian Keratin Treatment simply coats the hair with Keratin protein, adding a faux cuticle layer to each hair strand. This added Keratin layer replaces Keratin lost through chemical and daily abuse to the hair, resulting in healthier, shinier, frizz-free locks.

2.  Q. How do I decide which system is best for me? Japanese hair straightening, aka thermal reconditioning, or Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

     A. If you want permanently stick-straight hair, with root touchups approximately every six months, the Japanese straightening is best. Otherwise, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment is your best option to eliminate frizz, add shine and maintain a controllable curl pattern. BKT will straighten some hair textures, yet all hair will slowly revert back to the original texture within 3-4 months after the Keratin coating has worn off. Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) is not permanent. Therefore, once the Keratin has faded, the entire head of hair needs recoating. A follow-up treatment is recommended to restore the sheen, silkiness and integrity of your hair. Japanese hair straightening, aka thermal reconditioning, permanently changes hair texture. Only the new growth needs retreatment because the previously straightened hair remains straight.

3.  Q. My hair is already damaged and dry due to chemical relaxers and color. Can I still benefit from Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

     A. Yes you can benefit. Brazilian Keratin Treatment is compatible with relaxers, straighteners and color treatments, because it is classified as a Smoothing Treatment. Brazilian Keratin Treatment seals a natural Keratin protein onto the hair. It is not considered a chemical treatment, BKT does not break down the hair bonds nor does it restructure the hair. As a result, Brazilian Keratin Treatment can be layered over other chemical treatments with no adverse affects.

4.  Q. Where was Brazilian Keratin Treatment developed?

     A. In rural Brazil, around 1999, it was discovered that certain preservative chemicals seemed to link Keratin to hair, resulting in frizz-free locks that lasted for months. This finding attracted the attention of Brazilian cosmetic manufacturers, who began research, testing and formulating. Researchers discovered that keratin protein would bind to formalin, a derivative of formaldehyde, when pressed and heated with a flat iron at 450 degrees F. Without the ingredient formalin, the treatment would only last a week or two.

5.  Q. When was Brazilian Keratin Treatment introduced into the United States?

     A. The original treatment, the Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment (www.braziliankeratin.com), was introduced during 2006, established by M&M International, a family-owned and operated business, headquartered in Delray Brach, Florida. Since then, other companies have attempted to duplicate the formula to gain a share of the market.

6.  Q. I have heard a lot of confusing information and controversy in the media surrounding Brazilian Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde content. Would you please clarify this for me?

     A. According to chemist Doug Shoon, President of Schoon Scientific, in Dana Point, California, formaldehyde is a gas, not a liquid and, as such, cannot be added as a cosmetic ingredient in products such as Brazilian Keratin Treatments. Instead, Brazilian Keratin formulations contain formalin, officially changed to methylene glycol in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) dictionary. The liquid formalin, contained in Brazilian Keratin Treatment formulas, when heated, will release small amounts of formaldehyde, a gas, into the air.

The amounts of formaldehyde released fall into the safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Research shows that, unless one is allergic to formaldehyde, short-term exposure in a well-ventilated area poses no health risks to the client. In contrast, hair technicians who are exposed to such chemicals repeatedly day in and day out, whether it be exposure to fumes from color, perms, relaxers, straighteners or smoothing treatments, should consider taking extra precautions.

7.  Q. Must I use special cleansing and conditioning products following Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

     A. It is best to use sodium chloride free and sulfate free shampoos and conditioners to obtain maximum longevity of the treatment. In contrast, products containing sodium chloride and sulfate will quickly erode the Keratin coating from the hair, causing the hair to resort back to its natural texture more quickly.

8.  Q. Is it true that I must wait four days to shampoo my hair after Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

     A. This depends on the smoothing solution used, and the client’s hair type and life style. The Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Treatment, which I use, offers three solution options, the Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment, the Original Brazilian Keratin Treatment and the Extreme Formula. Each solution works best for different hair types and requires a different “waiting period” for the keratin to “bridge” or bond to the hair.

The Extreme Formula, designed for clients of all hair types with an active lifestyle, can be rinsed out of the hair the same day of treatment. However, clients must be aware that the results will last up to eight weeks, rather than up to four months as with the Original or Chocolate Brazilian Keratin Treatments.

The Original Brazilian Keratin Treatment, which requires a four-day “waiting period”, is a unique keratin formula designed for Caucasian and Asian hair, including processed blonde hair.

Clients with very course, over-processed or multi-cultural textured hair will benefit from the Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment which requires a three-day waiting period.