A keratin hair treatment, also known as a Brazilian treatment or Brazilian blowout, is a styling process designed to leave hair straighter, less tangled and less frizzy. But keratin does not have the same effect on all varieties of hair. Keratin treatments are safe for biracial woman, but the end result will depend on the natural qualities of your individual hair type.
Keratin Treatment
Curly hair on a woman of any race has less naturally occurring keratin than straight hair. Treatments include liquid keratin, proteins and other chemicals. Professional stylists apply the treatment in a salon and seal the keratin in the hair with a heated blow-dryer. Keratin-treated hair will be straighter and less frizzy. Keratin treatments withstand regular washing and styling for about 12 weeks.
Biracial Hair
Most biracial women are candidates for keratin treatments. Since biracial hair ranges from fine and straight to coarse and curly, individual results vary, depending on the texture of the hair. Biracial women with slightly wavy hair can expect their hair to be completely straight and smooth after a keratin treatment. Those with coarser hair can expect the keratin treatment to leave their hair soft and wavy with a significant reduction of frizz.
Other Hair Treatments
Women with very curly or coarse hair may want to treat their hair with a traditional relaxer before applying a keratin treatment. Most keratin treatments are safe to use with hair that has either been chemically relaxed or permed. Do not use a keratin treatment on hair weaves or extensions, as the treatment can weaken the bond between your natural hair and the extensions, possibly causing them to fall out.
Formaldehyde Concerns
Some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, a chemical that has been linked to certain cancers. It can also damage the quality of your hair. While some varieties of keratin treatments still contain formaldehyde, many newer brands are formaldehyde-free, as of 2011, making them safer and more pleasant smelling.
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