By: Michelle Hultgren

The Brazilian treatment is a new hair trend in 2011. It is overtaking hair salons and influencing customers to join in on the fun.

One may not know what the Brazilian Treatment entails, but it has to do with the hair.

The Brazilian, also known as “Keratin” treatment, is a treatment that penetrates the hair, repairing internal damage making the hair soft, straight and silky. This only coats the hair so it naturally will fade out in about two-three months.

The reason for considering this treatment may be due to the perks, like protecting the hair from water, heat damage and enhancing natural shine.

The unheard facts of this process are the facts you need to know before considering. Children six years and older, teens, and adults, both women and men, can have this done.

The Brazilian treatment can cost up to $600 and there is an after care part that you need to know to maintain the treatment. If the client does not maintain the treatment, it will grow out fast.

The whole process starts off with clarifying the hair with clarifying shampoo, then the application is squirted and distributed through the hair, next the stylist needs to blow dry the hair straight and flat iron it on 450 degrees. The after care is not being able to wash the hair from one-two days, and using sulfate-free shampoo.

A sulfate-free shampoo is needed because sulfate is very harmful to the hair and causes it to damage and thin the hair. Sulfate free shampoo rinses clean, adds body and is color safe.

Every trend creates a few problems; this product contains high concentrations of formaldehyde, a cancer causing chemical and also has a strong stench while applying.

To compensate this, hair stylists wear latex gloves, gas masks, and use a fan to redirect the stench.

Sara Foley, a customer at Styles International in Milford, had this treatment a month ago and said “The treatment worked very well but due to the fact I always wash my hair it did not last long and I missed my curls, While I don’t think it was bad, I just do not think I actually needed it except for not having frizz was amazing.”

Styles offers this service which is where Foley had been to get it done. Heather,the owner, and stylist said “I think this treatment is very good for people with puffy and untamable hair.”

At first the person looks like they have bale of hay on their head and it turns into poker straight hair from the 90’s. Many races, both women and men, consider this treatment due to the results. People should not want to hide their hair, but they should want to “whip it back and forth”.

Photo Credit: http://www.jeffcomess.com/images/permanentblowdry2_g15k_7et3.jpg