Safe Brazilian Blowout Alternatives

With all the controversy surrounding Brazilian Blowout keratin treatments (for the the most recent court case and health safety info, check out this article), Beautylish decided to research safe, formaldehyde-free hair smoothing alternatives. While these treatments won't straighten curly hair like a Brazilian Blowout can, they will repair damage and reduce frizz, so hair is shinier and healthier and sleek hairstyles are easier to achieve (without a flatiron). Your at home blowout will take less time and effort. How do they work? Using proteins such as keratin (what your hair and nails are naturally made of), these smoothing treatments fortify the interior of the hair shaft (the cortex) to make it stronger and seal outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) to reduce frizz and boost shine—all without any dangerous formaldehyde or other scary fumes.

1 Phytokératine Reparative Serum

A natural alternative to the Brazilian Blowout, the Phytokératine line of shampoo, conditioner, and serum uses botanical keratin protein (derived from wheat, corn, and soybean amino acids) to replace lost keratin in the hair shaft. This silicone-free leave-in serum also contains silk peptides to repair damage and Brazilian palm oil for extra shine. Best for split ends. Available in June 2011 at salonaks.com and in September at Sephora.

2 Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger KeraTriplex Treatment

This two-step (serum, then mask) formaldehyde-free in-salon treatment contains a high concentration of KeraTriplex, which mimics the keratin in human hair to repair and smooth out hair. Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger line of shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, and styling products also contain this KeraTriplex ingredient to maintain the silky results. Best for frizzy hair.

3L'Oréal Série Expert Fiberceutic Hair Mask

This in-salon treatment (also formaldehyde-free) uses liquid fibers to fill in damaged areas of the hair. First, a serum that contains liquid fiber is applied to the hair then a mask is used to seal in the serum. After just one treatment, hair is smoother, shinier, and less prone to breakage—results last for up to 10 shampoos. Best for over-processed (extremely highlighted or bleached) hair.

Image courtesy of stephaniestevenson.co.uk