Which is better: keratin or Brazilian blowout?

If you’ve been Googling ways to tame frizz or get a smoother finish without straightening your hair every morning, you’ve likely come across two heavy-hitters: the keratin treatment and the Brazilian blowout. They’re often mentioned in the same breath, and for good reason—they’re both smoothing treatments that make styling easier and your hair look glossier. But they’re not quite the same.

Let’s start with what they both do

Keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts both coat the hair to reduce frizz, add shine and improve manageability. Neither is a permanent straightening treatment, but both can give you that fresh-out-of-the-salon look that lasts for weeks. If your hair is wavy, curly or simply gets wild in humid weather, they can make a huge difference to your daily routine.

The real aim of these treatments isn’t to make your hair poker straight—it’s to make it easier to work with. Think smoother blow-dries, fewer flyaways and better protection from heat styling. A good hairdresser in Solihull will walk you through what kind of results to expect depending on your hair type.

So what makes them different?

The main difference is in the formula and how flexible it is. A keratin treatment is usually more structured—it can soften curls and reduce bulk, and often lasts a little longer. It’s great if you want to knock out frizz and cut your styling time right down, but it can feel a bit heavier on finer hair.

Brazilian blowouts tend to be a bit lighter. They’re known for being customisable, meaning your Solihull Hairdresser can control how straight or smooth the result is based on how they apply it and how it’s sealed in. You’ll still get shine and smoothness, but your waves or volume don’t have to disappear if you don’t want them to.

There’s also a difference in the finish. Keratin can give you that ultra-sleek look, whereas Brazilian blowouts are often a bit more flexible and natural-looking, especially when styled with a bit of movement.

Which one should you go for?

It depends on what you’re after. If your main priority is banishing frizz and keeping your blow-dry from puffing up the second you step outside, either treatment will help. But if you want to keep your waves or you’re working with finer hair, a Brazilian blowout might be more your speed.

If your hair’s thick, dry, colour-treated or chemically processed, a keratin treatment might give you a bit more of the smoothing effect you’re after. Just keep in mind that aftercare matters. Both treatments need sulphate-free shampoo and a bit of love if you want the results to stick around.

And then there’s how long they last. Keratin treatments tend to hold on for a bit longer—around three months if you look after it properly. Brazilian blowouts usually last two to three months, but they’re quicker to top up.

Still not sure? Ask your stylist

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. A trained Solihull Hairdresser will look at your hair, ask about your goals and recommend what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. You might think you want poker-straight hair, but after a good chat, you may realise what you’re actually after is less faff in the mornings and a bit more shine.

At Salon No. 100, we offer both treatments and never push one over the other. Our job is to help you choose the right option for your hair—not the trend, not the brand name, but what works for you.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!