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Mulling over which oil might be better for my 4C curls, a product war upended my once collected thoughts. Olive oil and coconut oil began fighting a battle for real estate in my curly girl product collection. Sure – all is fair in love and war, but I’ve experienced benefits from both of these moisturizing oils.
So when it comes to styling products that feature both, how could I possibly choose between them?
The fine folks at Ampro Gel helped me out by asking me to try not one, but two of their gels that feature none other than my beloved olive and coconut oils: the Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel and the Ampro Pro Styl Clear Ice Coconut Oil Styling Gel. If you know anything about gels, you know that Ampro is among the most praised and has been a NaturallyCurly community favorite for several years. Now what you may not know is that all of Ampro’s alcohol-free styling gels are fantastic for coily girls looking for products that don’t leave residue on curls, won’t dry out and will never flake off during the day.
I felt compelled to tell you about how both of these gels helped me kill the crunch. This Ampro-sponsored post is brought to you by people who know that styling products for curly women and men of the world can do a whole lot more than just hold your ‘do in place, but keep curls moisturized and looking super fly all day long.
A Tale of Two Gels
Beauty stores across the country showcase an array of curly hair products, and in my experience there are two clear-cut types of gels:- Those that work well enough to offer enough hold for cute, yet sleek looks for work and happy hour
- Those that don’t work as well as you expect them to, flaking and crunch crunch crunching when dry!
As it turns out, these gels I tried are neither.
They both stand alone in their curl styling benefits, and yet both have become staples in the natural hair community. After using both over a few days, I can definitely see why.
Clear Ice Coconut Oil Styling Gel: The Gel That Refuses to Flake on You
It’s becoming more and more difficult to find products that actually do what their product label says they’re going to do. That’s why, even as a pretty well-researched product junkie, I always go into the application process with a grain of salt. That being said, I’ve found a foolproof way to test products on my 4C curls: the trusted wash-n-go.
This simple test evidences to me whether or not a product works well for my curl pattern. Most importantly, it shows indications of the product’s ingredient integrity (e.g., does moisture last all day, will my curls stay defined after a few hours, etc.“>. So even though I’m going into this test knowing full well that I might end up looking like I’ve done absolutely nothing to my curls, it’s the best way for me to know whether or not I’ll keep a product in my Holy Grail collection.
When Ampro’s coconut oil gel was introduced to me, I hypothesized that because it has coconut oil in it, my curls would soak it up and would dry without seeing one gel-induced flake. To quell my curiosity about the product, I wore it all day at work and was not one bit surprised: this gel works!
What I liked the most about this styling gel was that it gave me lasting hold throughout the day. Sometimes I wear a satin scarf, tied into a headband, which helps me give the illusion of bangs (pictured below”>. I like to either finger coil or plait the front of my hair, using gel to hold and set the shape. This coconut oil styling gel definitely did that, and absolutely refused to flake once it had throughly dried. Color me impressed!
If you like a gel that will hold your style and smells absolutely divine, you’re going to need to get yourself a tub of the good stuff. For those of us that definitely hate using gels that flake on our curls, the Ampro Pro Styl Coconut Oil Gel is going to be your go-to styler for years to come.
Now, take a look at what happened when I used the coconut oil gel’s sister product in my hair.
Olive Oil Gel: The Gel That Refuses to Quit
A little backstory on my strong affinity for Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel: I live with a professional hair stylist. Beyond that, she’s my most trusted curlfriend because she knows that I really, really, really love trying new products for my 4Cs. She can also read ingredients and tell me if certain products will work for my texture.
Several moons ago, she came home with with a box full of gel. Wouldn’t you know it, they were tubs of Ampro gel – all of the olive oil variety. She unloaded them on me and said, “Oh, yeah! I figured you’d really like this gel-it smells soooo good.”
Being a hardcore product junkie, I said, “Cool. Thanks!” and slinked off into my room. I immediately dipped my hands into a vat of the green stuff, lifted the gel to my nose for a brief sniff (yes, it smells lovely”>, and methodically finger curled sections of hair until I was satisfied.
Yes, it was love at first edge lay down… and still is.
If you haven’t tried it yet and aren’t sensitive to product dyes or proteins, I just know you’re going to love it! You’ll be amazed how much this olive oil gel can change the look and feel of styled hair. What I love the most about this gel-that I’ve been using for a cool 4 months now-is that it doesn’t make your curls crunchy! It makes them soft, manageable, and holds them in place. If you have springy coils that have a hard time retaining moisture and have a mind of their own, I 100% recommend using Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel. Its light hold is perfect for styles that don’t require that much hold and for locking in moisture.
Why is this stuff so good?
Needing more information about why Ampro Gels are so effective at killing that crunchy feeling curls can get after products are applied, Naturally Curly reached out to the Ampro office and connected with Camille Wright, Ampro Gel’s Vice President of Public Relations and Social Networking. We wanted to get a little more insight from the source, so here’s what she told us:
“Our Coconut Oil Gel is protein free, paraben free, sulfate free and free of dyes versus the Olive Oil Gel – which is an awesome product, but more traditionally made,” Mrs. Wright said, “Both are free of alcohol and parabens, both are of the most moisturizing gels we’ve ever made, but the Olive Oil Gel is made for people who aren’t sensitive to protein or dyes.”
Products, especially those that work as promised, deserve advocates. The Ampro Pro Styl line, featuring olive oil and coconut oil gels, is an example of a product that delivers – I’ll definitely advocate for them. Perfect for 4C curlies, like me, these gels won’t let you down. Whether you’re getting styled for a night of dancing with your curl crew or smoothing down your strands for a special event, both of these alcohol- and paraben-free gels will help you look and feel your best while killing the crunch!
The gels pictured with the olive oil and coconut oil gels are also members of the Ampro Pro Styl Gel family that you can try: the Argan Oil Gel and the Curl Enhancer, which I’m interested in trying because it’s designed for “extra dry hair”.
Haven’t tried Ampro gels before? Do you already have a favorite Ampro gel that you swear by? This is your chance to share your stories with me in the comments section below!
As ever, stay curly!
[prodmod]
Rocking your curls isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle! By applying curl maintenance and gentle styling techniques, you’ve been able to show off your gorgeous collection of curls, coils, and waves. Now it’s time to treat yourself with Dippity Do’s new curl line designed just for you: Girls With Curls. Keep in mind: this new line ain’t yo’ mama’s Dippity Do! Revamped for a new generation of curlies, Girls With Curls has been formulated with ultra-hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter, and is also sulfate free, paraben free and color safe.
Dippity Do has partnered with Naturally Curly to bring you a prize bundle full of curly girl specific swag, guaranteed to help you love your crowning glory even more! We’re so happy to offer you a chance to win – see the details below.
Good luck!
When
May 10, 2016 – May 12, 2016
Prize
5 lucky winners will receive:
This video was retrieved from the fabulous Makeba (ynotkeeb”>‘s YouTube Channel to show you how to use and enjoy the Dippity Do Girl With Curls line – Subscribe to her channel for more curly girl tips!
How to win
Comment below telling us why you’d like to win!
Can’t wait to win them? You can buy them now at CurlMart.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.
*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that when we can notify you if you’ve won.
This post is sponsored by Dippity Do Girls With Curls. [prodmod]
You love your Brazilian Blowout, but do you know that an easy after-care regimen can extend its life? Ensuring that your hair strands stay smooth and lustrous is of the utmost importance so super-charge your Holy Grail collection with one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants: Açai! There are so many health and beauty benefits derived from the South Brazilian-borne berry that you’ll absolutely adore. The following infographic will show you how to maintain your smooth strands with the Brazilian Blowout after-care line.
1 – Strengthen Curls: Açai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner
All hair, with respect to texture and curl pattern, needs tender, loving care. That’s why it’s essential that you strengthen your strands with sulfate-free cleansing and conditioning formulations that extend the life after getting a hair smoothing treatment. Using the exclusive Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex, both the Brazilian Blowout Açai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner will infuse curls with powerful amino acids that lock moisture into hair strands while shielding them against humidity.
BONUS TIP
Use this shampoo and conditioner combination on color treated hair to extend wear.
2 – Moisturize for Smooth Strands: Açai Daily Smoothing Serum and Deep Conditioning Masque
Who would ever say “no” to wanting smooth, frizz-free, radiant hair? By using the Brazilian Blowout Açai Daily Smoothing Serum your curls will not only be conditioned and easily detangled, you’ll set them up to protect themselves against UVA/UVB rays, thermal styling and environmental damage. In addition to this strand saving serum, your curls will soak in the nourishing ingredients of the Brazilian Blowout Açai Deep Conditioning Masque that are power-packed with the same super nutrient complex that repairs and fortifies hair, eliminates frizz, promotes shine and guarantees the long wearing smoothness.
BONUS TIP
Cocktail the serum and deep conditioning masque to keep hair cuticles smoother and replenished with nutrients.
3 – Shine Bright: Açai Brazilian Dry Oil
Now that you know how to maintain those smooth strands, add more pizazz to your Brazilian Blowout by styling with the Açai Brazilian Dry Oil. Formulated to provide instant, radiant shine, this oil will guard against environmental elements, resulting in shiny, healthy, beautiful curls. Use the oil prior to styling to bring out your curls’ natural brilliance while enhancing their shine by reconstructing the hair which adds strength to every strand.
BONUS TIP
Never down weigh your curls! By using the lightweight dry oil, curls will show signs of life and radiant health. Both are great for color-treated hair, as well!
[prodmod]
If dry, lifeless curls have left you curled up in a ball of emotion on the bathroom floor, you don’t have to fret any longer! There’s a community of Naturals rallying against dry curls by showing the world their versatility and vibrancy. You too can join the movement by keeping your ‘fro, ringlets, waves and kinks well-conditioned with naturally derived hair care products.
Amidst seemingly boundless options, a long lasting leave-in conditioner from Biocare Labs benefits naturals seeking products without parabens, dyes, mineral oils, and sulfates. By combining shea butter, natural honey, and silk proteins this leave-in provides curls with moisture they need throughout the day.
Use this leave-in on either damp or dry hair to simultaneously condition and detangle, while Coconut oil provides extra hydration and Abyssinian oil adds shine. Make sure to lightly coat each strand, from root to tip, so that this antioxidant-rich leave-in makes your curls feel and look healthy.
Join the natural movement and keep those curls fierce!
Giveaway
5 lucky winners will win their own Biocare Labs Curls & Naturals Leave-In Conditioner. All you have to do is comment below telling us why you’d like to win!
Want to try it? Visit Biocare Labs now to buy it online.
This giveaway ends April 1, 2016 and is open to U.S. residents only, as per our Terms and Conditions.
*Please make sure you have liked us on Facebook, so that we can notify you if you’ve won.
This article is sponsored by Biocare Labs.
We love finding the next new product as much as the next curly (maybe even more”> but sometimes we just like to fall back on the tried and true Holy Grails in the curly community. How do we know you love them? CurlMart can’t keep them on the shelves! That, and the hundreds of reviews that you have left. So here are your top 10 favorite curly products, according to your wallets, and why you like them.
Kinky-Curly Knot Today (562 reviews”>
CeCe Steppe (Type 3c”> says: I tried this again for the third time and I won’t be returning it. I really like the way it defines my curls as well as how it moisturizes my hair.
Lov’nwaves (Type 2c”> says: I was afraid to try this product. Thought it would be too heavy for my fine hair. Decided to try it when I read it was glycerin-free. I love it. I use it as a leave-in from my ends up to midway. Does a great job detangling. Greatly appreciate the directions provided for both thick, coarse curls and loose wavy curls! Works well with styling products Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream and Jessicurl Spiralicious.
Zaklove (Type 4b”> says: A lot of people complain about it not moisturizing their hair or leaving their hair frizz ect. This product is NOT a moisturizer or for styling by itself! It’s specifically for detangling and being a leave-in. I have very (4b-4c”> kinky hair and this product works perfect for me. I usually mix it with water, aloe vera juice, and oil, and this product is able to last me almost a year. After detangling with this product, I usually apply my moisturizer (SheaMoisture”> and a very light gel for styling.
Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo (136 reviews”>
Hbstuff11 (Type 2c”> says: This shampoo is great! Leaves my hair super soft to the touch and easier to manage than a lot of other shampoos I’ve tried. The smell is wonderful, although by the time I apply conditioner and rinse that out, the smell of the shampoo is gone. Overall great product and worth the buy!
Harvey322 (Type 4c”> says: I love this shampoo! I brought it for my daughter’s hair and it made her hair feel so smooth and nice, not plasticky feeling like other shampoos! And the smell is amazing!
SeasideCurls (Type 3b”> says: This is the only shampoo I have found that doesn’t completely strip my hair of and turn it to straw. It has a nice peachy smell that doesn’t overpower you and isn’t a fake/sugary peach smell. A small amount will go a long way in my hair. Suds a little, so I still feel like I’m getting a good clean.
As I Am Coconut Cowash (285 reviews”>
Naturallydlang3 (Type 4a”> says: This is a great co-wash…if that’s all your looking to do not a good cleaning after a protective style this is just for a weekly co-wash. It’s gentle and a pleasant smell. It gives you the clean feeling without the harsh stripping feel. It is a fair price but it goes extremely fast. The only thing I don’t like is it comes in the jar. I feel like it needs a pump or to be in a bottle to squeeze out.
Stacy.bobo (Type 3a”> says: After a disastrous trip to the salon I was beside myself. I had dry, frizzy, thin hair that appeared to have lost its curl pattern. It was suggested by a store clerk at a beauty supply store that I try this product for she had great success with it. I felt I had nothing to lose and grabbed a tub. To my utter amazement it did what nothing else could. Now as I grow out my curls it’s the only product line I own. I’ve even tried the leave-in conditioner and fell in love with that as well..this line rescued my hair and gave me back hope!..Thank you so much.
Astrgar (Type 2c”> says: Really nice cleansing co-wash. Does an excellent job at keeping my dry-prone 2C/3A hair moisturized and clean. Can cut through the grime of most products. The scent isn’t the greatest but it does the job and doesn’t break the bank.
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment (220 reviews”>
Stinalee201120 (Type 4a”> says: Wow! This hair treatment is awesome. I always thought I got great results using any conditioner with honey and oil added, but I was wrong! Curl Rehab is just what I have been looking for in a deep conditioner. It’s thick and cream, it has great slip and just glides through my hair. My hair feels extremely soft and hydrated. The price is on the steep side, but I think the money is well spent.
Curlyfabs (Type 3a”> says: Love the gardenia/coconut scent. I did a henna gloss treatment which left my hair feeling like hay but after putting some of this stuff my hair was soft. This stuff is worth your buck!
Clibbylou (Type 4c”> says: Great product, very moisturizing and has a lot of slip. This conditioner really softened my hair after a henna treatment. I will definitely repurchase.
Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle (147 reviews”>
Colsgirl (Type 4b”> says: I have 4a/b, tiny, tightly coiled hair (plus frizz!”>, and while Curls in a Bottle is way too light as a stand alone styler for me, it is great as a leave-in conditioner/styling product base for my wash and go’s. It makes my styling gel work better! Traditional creme leave-in conditioners (even the light ones”> just sit on my hair and are terrible under gel for my wash and go’s. But, Curls in a Bottle is great underneath any of my styling gels. It’s clear and watery but has decent slip and light hold. A little goes a long way. It does a great job of decreasing frizz and the ‘gel crunch’, and helps to elongate my ‘shrink all the time’ coils. Also contributes to shine and bonus, no flakes! I love it and would recommend this as a styling gel reinforcer! Naitokaze (Type 2b”> says: I really like this stuff. Finally found a curl serum that I am not allergic to! I gave it 4/5 stars because the smell is a little…off. It is a little sickly sweet plus wet dog smell. This goes away once it dries though. I do have to use this with a leave-in for moisture and a little bit of gel for hold and definition. This solution helps to eliminate frizz and makes my hair a little shinier and more manageable overall. I smooth this on damp hair after a leave-in conditioner and before gel, I use Curl Queen from this brand. I then do my best not to touch or disturb my hair until it dries!Kbonapar (Type 2c”> says: I really loved how this defined my curls/waves and made them shiny while keeping them very soft. Unfortunately this only works on my first day hair (right after washing it”>. I usually only wash my hair about twice a week, but with Curls in a Bottle my hair starts feeling sticky, limp, and tangled starting the second day and doesn’t get better after that 🙁 Really sad it only works for one day. I probably will not be repurchasing since I don’t want to start washing my hair everyday.
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew (202 reviews”>
Uaneto (Type 4c”> says: “Great product, leaves my hair moisturized for days. I usually use this in conjunction with the Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade…great stuff!” Hurricanedani (Type 3b”> says: This is a great moisturizer. I use it on my hair and my daughter’s when I am doing the LOC method. I love the smell, but my 3 year old hates it.Editor CristinaC (Type 2c”> says: This product is probably too heavy for my 2c hair normally, but right now my hair is so damaged from bleaching it that heavier, moisturizing products are working for me lately. If you have fine or wavy hair I would say use a very small amount. Overall, very moisturizing product and love the ingredients.
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner (239″>
Kfoley228 (Type 2b”> says: Excellent conditioner for after co-washing and as a leave-in. My 2b/2c hair really loves this. As a leave-in a little goes a long way. Lynnell (Type 4a”> says: This is my second time purchasing Elucence Moisture Balance Conditioner. I love everything about this conditioner, the way it smells, how soft it leaves my hair, and how moisturized it is after I use it.Sheree (Type 3b”> says: This conditioner provides so much moisture and slip while shampooing, the detangling process was much easier , the foaming action that’s created after mixing with H2O while on hair adds extra hydration to the hair leaving it soft, curly, moisturized and detangled. Ready for styling.
Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment (13″>
Jacquid (Type 4a”> says: Staple item for me. My hair LOVES this product. With this and As I Am Coconut Cowash, my coils are defined and elongated and there’s no frizz issue. My hair is an addict for this! Only issue I have is that it’s an 8 oz. container. Would like a larger size but it’s well worth the price.
Cleansethebody (Type 3c”> says: Only used it once so far but I had wanted to find a better DC than what I was using in the past. I used all different types all different brands and this one came out on top. This bad boy had my hair feeling amazing. Very thick but once it saturated into my hair and was on for about 30 min. (with heat”> I could finger detangle my hair so well. Loved it, definitely a keeper.
Tvigne (Type 3b”> says: This is a great product! Love it. Smells great and leaves my hair soft but not heavy like some other deep conditioners. I used the kinky custard after and I don’t know which one helped with the frizz but it works perfectly.
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion (134 reviews”>
Mimisl27 (Type 4b”> says: Great product with slip. Makes my hair pillow soft and very moisturizing. I’m on the fence about this product because it has propylene glycol in it. I will finish the 2 bottles I have and probably won’t repurchase.
Fancyotaku (Type 4a”> says: My profile says 4a, but I’m actually a low porosity high density coarse 3c. And this stuff is AWESOME!! I couldn’t stop touching my hair. It felt like I had a soft fluffy cloud on my head. This is now my staple leave in.
Editor Susonnahg (Type 2b”> says: This is awesome. Smoothes out flyaways and smells great. And cone free.
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash (52 reviews”>
CurlyMimi (Type 3b”> says: This product is the bomb. After one use it made my hair much silkier. Definitely repurchasing.
lwhitman (Type 4b”> says: I just tried the Eden Co wash Cleanser last night and I absolutely love it! My hair was so soft and manageable after the wash. I will purchase again. Thank you Eden.
Curlyburgher (Type 4a”> says: This product is one of the best co wash I’ve used. A little goes a long way and it leaves my hair clean and easy to manage. It’s a shame I live in the UK and it is not sold here! Good product!
Have you tried these products? Did we miss any of your favorites?
[prodmod]Last Day
Don’t forget to check out the CurlMart sale for 20% off everything, and $5 shipping. Just use the coupon code SPRING. Sale ends today 4/7.
*Editor’s Note: The sale has now ended.
Deep conditioning is an essential element in which coily hair thrives. Coily hair requires enriched moisture reinforcements due to its high potential to experience dryness. Because the circumference of coily hair is smaller than that of curly hair, the sebum from your scalp takes longer to travel down the hair shaft. Since sebum takes forever to get from roots to ends, you need to take measures to avoid dryness and breakage. Deep conditioners are filled with proteins, lubricants and oils to help your hair maintain elasticity, prevent breakage and restore strength. Here are six top tips for deep conditioning and washing your coils.
1. All natural conditioner
Deep conditioning is the time to rejuvinate your hair from manipulation and weather elements. Selecting a deep conditioner that is free of non-soluble silicones, non-permeable oils and drying alcohols will allow your hair to absorb more nutrients and decrease the rate of product build-up. No one wants to wash their hair just to experience dryness two days later. Natural conditioners are the best route to prevent decreasing your strand’s absorption capacity.
2. Behentrimonium chloride
This cationic surfactant is an awesome lubricant that helps to give your hair slip as you detangle. Coily hair is bound to become interwine, especially when activated with water. The last thing you want is to be excited for wash day, hop in the shower, run water on your hair and apply a conditioner that doesn’t have any slip. That’s the formula to an extremely matted mess! Slip is a must. Behentrimonium chloride provides slip that is equally effective as silicones minus the product build-up.
3. Penetrating oils
Avocado oil, coconut oil and olive oil are three oils that penetrate the hair shaft and reach the cortex. Because coily hair has a tendency to dry out, oils help to slow down the rate of moisture loss.
4. Hydrolized proteins
Hydrolized proteins are proteins that have been altered to seap into the cuticle and fill in the cortex. They help coily hair to regain strength from daily wear and tear by replacing proteins that are lost through manipulation. CurlyNikki’s Finding Your Perfect Deep Conditioner – The Ultimate Guide is a great reference for a list of hydrolized proteins and more information.
5. Use heat
Deep conditioning with a processing cap under a hooded dryer for a minimum of 15 minutes is just devine. It is possible for your hair to absorb nutrients from conditioners without confined heat, but it will take longer. Not only does using heat expand the hair shaft to give the conditioner more access to seap through, but it also helps certain ingredients bond to the cuticle.
6. Cool water
Rinsing your hair with cool water after deep conditioning helps to close the cuticle. By rinsing with warm water, you re-open the hair shaft and possibly lose nutrients that were just put into the hair.
Whenever moisturizing and sealing don’t work and your hair keeps laughing at your co-wash conditioner, it’s probably time to deep condition. Your hair thrives when it starts with a good foundation. A great analogy is your body’s need for hydration. To some, a Coke sounds great on a hot summer day, but the body is not truly hydrated without water. Your hair is the same. Product build-up and synthetic ingredients are like that false sense of hydration. You keep drinking looking to quench that thirst until you finally drink water. Deep condition your coils with the best of the best and you will definitely see a difference.
Is Beyonce pregnant?
Rumors have been flying about Beyoncé being pregnant. We can find a lot of quotes made by “sources,” but no one has officially confirmed this rumor. One way to try and find out for ourselves? Looking at her curly hair!
When she appeared on the “Today” show earlier in the month it appeared as though she hadn’t done any chemical processing on her hair recently. When you are trying to get pregnant, or expecting, you are supposed to stay away from certain chemicals. Ammonia and lye are two substances to stay away from and those are found in highlights as well as relaxers.
Since it seems Beyoncé is working with a natural look, is the singer going to a style that is safe for her and the potential baby?
Let us know what you think about these baby rumors!
Britney Huinker
Every wonder how stars get their shiny, sexy tresses? Stars like Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston and Salma Hayek have been jumping on the Brazilian Blowout bandwagon.
Keratin treatments have taken the country by storm, becoming one of the hottest chemical services, and the Brazilian Blowout has become one of the leaders of the pack. For curly girls, they provide a gentler way to straighten locks, loosen curls and zap frizz.
“This isn’t a trend,” says Brazilian Blowout founder Britney Huinker. “It’s the perm of the 21st century. I truly believe it’s here to stay.”
Unlike the thermal reconditioning system (Japanese straightening”>, which thermally and chemically restructures the hair bonds to create permanently stick-straight hair (at least until new hair grows in”>, the keratin procedures recondition the hair, preventing frizz while allowing it to wave, curl or be flat-ironed straight. Hair gradually returns to its original state without the awkward growing-out stage.
Because of the nature of the treatment, it can be used on a wide variety of hair types to achieve a range of looks, from straightening waves to providing shinier, more defined curls. For that reason, demand has soared.
Huinker, a Los Angeles native, has always had an interest in hair. Her mother was a stylist, and she wanted to go to beauty school herself. But her parents insisted she attend a four-year university. Although she graduated from the University of South California with a degree in business communications, her passion for the beauty industry was still alive and well.
Four years ago, Huinker teamed up with friend and entrepreneur M. Devin Semler to open the Argyle Salon & Spa in the Sunset Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Calif. Since it opened, the salon has become a mecca for A-list celebrities. The 7,000-square-foot salon and spa has 18 stylists.
It also became the development laboratory for Brazilian Blowout.
The salon has truly been the catalyst for everything we do,” Huinker says.
Semler returned from a trip to Brazil with a keratin treatment, and the salon began doing it on people’s hair. They decided to create their own treatment, flying back and forth to Brazil.
A year and a half ago, Huinker decided to completely reformulate Brazilian Blowout because it took too long, and she didn’t like sending her clients home with product in their hair. So they took the product off the market, reformulated it and rebranded it.
“We worked with a company here in the United States to come up with a formula that can be rinsed out of the hair so there’s no downtime,” Huinker says. “When a client comes in to get the treatment, it takes 90 minutes from beginning to end. There’s no processing. They can shower and go to the gym right afterward.”
Before and After
Huinker says this is what differentiates Brazilian Blowout from some of the other keratin treatments on the market. With other treatments, she says the client may have 24 to 96 hours of downtime.
The core of the product is Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex, a proprietary blend of amino acids that fill the cuticle and provide protective protein to create shine, conditioning and silkiness without losing volume.
The formulation enables clients to get exactly the look they want, she says.
“If they want to keep their curl and wave and just get rid of frizz, they can do that,” she says. “If they want straight hair, they can do that too. It all depends on the technique the stylist uses. It really fits the needs of every client. It’s a smoothing system, not a straightening system.”
Training is an essential element of Brazilian Blowout, Huinker stresses. Stylists are trained on different techniques that provide different outcomes.
“That’s one of the main reasons we haven’t done a distribution deal, despite getting 20 calls a day,” says Huinker, who does training every Monday at her salon for those who want to become a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist.
“I’m there every Monday, without fail,” she says.
Although there is training available online, stylists who take it have to take a test and it is mandatory that they take part in the education tour.
Huinker says Brazilian Blowout does not contain formaldehyde—an ingredient commonly in some of her competitors’ treatments. Brazilian Blowout instead uses a proprietary polymer system, she says. Although this has caused some people to shy away from the treatments, Huinker believes formaldehyde’s bad reputation is undeserved. She calls it “media hype.”
“It’s a chemical treatment, but that’s how you get fabulous results,” she says.The key to keeping hair looking good after getting a treatment, she says, is using the right products. The Brazilian Blowout Acai Aftercare collection includes Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Anti-Frizz Conditioner, Smoothing Serum and a Deep Conditioning Masque. The Acai hair care products infuse the hair with the company’s proprietary Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex. This complex allows for a continual and cumulative smoothing effect to occur while the hair is washed and styled in between professional treatments.
Huinker says the products benefit those who haven’t gotten a Brazilian Blowout as well because they get rid of frizz and add shine.
Although Huinker believes Brazilian Blowout has become the gold standard, she has high praise for the other keratin treatments on the market and believe they are changing the industry.
“Within two years, I believe every salon will offer some form of keratin treatment,” she says. “It really fits every client. Now people come in to get their haircut, their color and the Brazilian Blowout.”
Common Questions about Brazilian Blowout
Q: What kind of look will you get from the Brazilian Blowout?
A: The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and bounce. There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type”> and the freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the treatment.
Q: Can I still receive a Brazilian Blowout if I have highlights and/or color?
A: Yes, the Brazilian Blowout will actually improve the health of color-treated/highlighted hair by conditioning the hair while sealing the cuticle for enhanced color, reduced frizz and radiant shine.
Q: Is the Brazilian Blowout going to make my hair straight?
A: If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine.
Q: How long does the Brazilian Blowout last?
A: The Brazilian Blowout will last for 10-12 weeks if the Acai After-Care Maintenance product line is used. The Brazilian Blowout is a cumulative treatment, in that the more you receive it, the healthier the hair will be and the longer the result will last.
Q: Can you apply the Brazilian Blowout directly on top of other relaxers and strengtheners?
A: Yes. The Brazilian Blowout actually works best on chemically treated hair, and helps to improve the hair’s condition by fortifying each strand with essential amino acids.
The Brazilian Blowout works great directly on top of a relaxer. Perform the relaxer first, Brazilian Blowout next, and then neutralize at the very end of both treatments.
The Brazilian Blowout is great to perform when someone is trying to move away from having relaxers or Japanese straighteners. It puts movement back into the hair, allowing the hair to look its best.
Q: Will my hair lose volume if I receive the Brazilian Blowout?
A: No, your hair will not lose volume as a result of receiving the Brazilian Blowout. Your hair will maintain its natural volume and you will still receive great bend and memory when blow-drying or using a curling iron.
Q: Will my hair return to its original state after the Brazilian Blowout treatment has completed its life cycle?
A: Yes, the hair will revert to its original state once the Brazilian Blowout treatment has completed its life cycle of 10-12 weeks; however, the condition of the hair will actually improve as a result of the fortifying and conditioning nature of the product.
Q. Can you color your hair the same day you receive a Brazilian Blowout?
A: Yes, however, you must color your hair prior to having the Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment. If you are coloring hair dark brunette or red, you will want to color the hair a shade darker than you otherwise would, as the hair color will experience fading during the Brazilian Blowout treatment.
Q: Can you swim in the pool or ocean after you have the Brazilian Blowout treatment?
A: Yes, you can swim in either the pool or the ocean after you receive the Brazilian Blowout treatment; however, the treatment may be slightly compromised if you swim on a regular basis. We recommend that you apply the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum on the hair prior to swimming in order to act as a protective barrier to maintain the smoothest possible result for the longest period of time.
Q: How soon can you touch up your color after you receive the Brazilian Blowout Treatment?
A: You should wait at least two weeks to administer color to the hair after you receive the Brazilian Blowout, as the color will not deposit as effectively with the protein protective layer provided by the smoothing treatment.
If your clients need to touch up color/roots in between treatments, this is ok, as the hair being touched up is new growth and does not have the treatment on it. If you need to highlight or pull the full color through the entire head of hair, make sure that the client is using the Brazilian Blowout masque at least once or twice a week to fortify the treatment back into the hair.
Q: How soon can I wash my hair after the Brazilian Blowout treatment?
A: You can wash your hair immediately after the Brazilian Blowout treatment, or as you would normally.
Q: Can you perform a Brazilian Blowout on extensions?
A: Yes, the Brazilian Blowout performs perfectly on hair extensions. It would be best for the stylist to perform the Brazilian Blowout separately on the extensions prior to putting them into the hair. If you wish to perform the treatment on extensions that are already in the hair, the stylist will need to be extremely careful when applying the solution to the bonded area. Brazilian Blowout solution acts as a conditioning agent, and may create slip, resulting in the extensions separating from the hair. If the stylist is careful and works to first separate the extension hair from the client’s own hair, a great result can be achieved.
Q: Can I receive a Brazilian Blowout if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: There have been no clinical tests performed on the safety of performing the Brazilian Blowout on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. As a result, we do advise against pregnant or breastfeeding women receiving the Brazilian Blowout treatment.
Q: How soon can I receive a Brazilian Blowout treatment after I receive my first treatment?
A: The Brazilian Blowout is just like a conditioning treatment, so you will not harm the hair by performing them too soon or too much, however, please remember that you can only fill the cuticle to its capacity. If you want to back for another treatment, or it did not take to he hair the way it should have, you may go back 10 days after the first treatment.
Q: What is the active chemical in the Brazilian Blowout solution that makes it work so well?
A: This is a proprietary system that we are currently in the process of patenting. This treatment is 100% salon safe. What makes the Brazilian Blowout treatment effective is our use of the Super Nutrient Complex in conjunction with a proprietary polymer system. This combination is what rounds the follicle, smooths the cuticle and repairs any preexisting damage.
Q: How is the Brazilian Blowout different from the Japanese straightening method many people are familiar with?
A: Japanese hair straightening changes the actual structure of the hair. In doing so, there is an obvious difference between the new hair growth and the hair that has been treated, resulting in a life-long commitment to continuing the straightener or cutting hair off (if you are unhappy with the result”>. This service can also leave the hair flat, too straight and with little to no shine or luster. The hair’s integrity seems to be compromised, and after a few treatments, the hair appears to be in an unhealthy state.
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