The Brazilian - No, I am not talking about the wax

For those of us "blessed" with curly, frizzy, uncontrollable hair, I think I have found a miracle.  I kid you not.  Since I was a little girl, I yearned for Christie Brinkley, flat, straight hair.  I wanted to walk out of the bath or shower, dry my hair with the towel. brush it and walk away.  I wanted to come out of the ocean or pool and not worry about my uncontrolled frizz, which would then tangle into a enormous knot.  I wanted to run around in the Florida humidity and not fear that my hair would take over the living room.  And even though I grew up in New Jersey - in the 80's - where poofy, frizzy, curly hair was desired, I still HATED the mop on my head. I have never liked my curl, and probably have spent half of my life under a hair drier trying to flatten my hair.  Oh, and when the flattening iron finally came out a few years ago, you can bet that I was the first in line to purchase my new best friend.

In July '07, there was an article about a "miracle hair treatment" in the New York Times.  I missed this article, and I bet you did too!  Yet still, most everyone here in Silicon Valley has NOT heard about the Brazilian Hair Treatment.  Why oh why, you may ask?  I have no idea - cause ladies in Silicon Valley, I can't believe that every salon isn't blessing us all with this new hair treatment - The Brazilian.

Ten days ago, I had my hair straightened.

I have been contemplating the Japanese Straightening Treatment for the past year, but I learned that it does not work well on blonde's. Also, the fact that I have chemically treated hair, aka. non-virgin hair (to cover that gray) did not bode well for a successful straightening. Then my mother (god bless my mother!) heard about The Brazilian Hair Conditioning Treatment.  The owner of her hair salon told her that SHE would be a perfect "specimen" for the Brazilian.  Fearing that this was some type of gimmick, she offered my head as a "test case".  Hey, if it looked good on her daughter, she would go for it - since we both battle the wrath of the curl. She made me an appointment at the one and only salon (1258 Hair Salon) in the bay area that "does" the Brazilian, and I was so there!

Nervous?  You bet.  But what did I have to lose (except my whole head of hair).  I actually envisioned all my hair falling out a few days later, and that is why I have held off on this post.  My luck, I would type this all out, and a day later, I would be bald.  I am proud to announce that ten days later, I am in LOVE with my hair.  For the first time in my life, I love my flat hair.  I love the fact that it is silky and smooth, controlled, not full of knots and a ball of poof on top of my head. I love that I can now walk out of the shower, and NOT have to spend a half hour (or more) with brushes, a hair dryer and flattening iron. 

I literally left the hair salon crying.  I couldn't believe that my hair would look healthy, silky and STRAIGHT for any period of time.

You can bet that I will be back there in a few months to have this conditioning treatment again.  In a heart beat.  And for those of you battling the poofy, frizzy head - I would recommend you cancel all appointments, play dates and meetings, and get you head over there.  Right Now.  Cause after this post, I have a feeling that the Menlo Park, 1258 Hair Salon will be all the buzz.  Unless, of course, some other Silicon Valley hair salons bring in the Brazilian Treatment.  Cause Mamma's, this is a miracle.

The cost is pricey, but not as expensive as the Japanese Straightening, which I understand is somewhere between $500 to $1000 dollars.  This treatment varies in cost between $250 to $500, depending on your hair.  In my case, it was worth every penny!

Bye, bye frizz and curl.  Hello Christie Brinkley Hair.  Now, how do I get her body?

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Here is more information on the Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment:

What is a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?  Brazilian Keratin Hair Straightening is a revolutionary treatment is an intense treatment that softens, smoothens, and most important gives you straight hair. It does not use any strong chemicals to open and close the hair cuticle in an effort to straighten it, breaking the bones of the hair shaft. Keratin is a natural substance, which comprises approximately 88% of your hair. It penetrates the hair repairing internal damage and coats the hair preventing further damage. It is Keratin based which is a type of protein high in sulphur and the amino acid cystine, making it tough, elastic and insoluble. These qualities are fundamental to the strong structural role keratin often plays in nature. It is a major component of horns, hooves and wool. In fact, keratin is the main protective substance in our hair, skin and nails. This is not a permanent straightening but a natural treatment. Therefore when the product is gone, your hair will be back to its natural form.

Who can get this treatment?  It's recommended for all types of hair: virgin, colored, highlighted, previously straightened, kinky, curly, and wavy hair. The beautiful part about this treatment is that it lasts for a long time. You can expect up to 3-4 solid months of beautiful straight hair. Good luck with your Brazilian hair straightening treatment.

• Can be used over any kind of straightening.
• Based on keratin that naturally straightens.
• Works better over colored or chemically treated hair.
• You can go into the pool or ocean after this treatment. (After 4 days)
• Pregnant or nursing women cannot get this treatment done.
• Will remain in virgin hair for 2 months, any other type of hair for 3-4 months.

There are some things you want to look out for when searching for a salon that offers thermal reconditioning. First, find out which straightening product they use. The best Brazilian hair straightening system is 'Chocolate' which is imported directly from Brazil. This is the system that the major salons use. Second, make sure the technician performing the service has plenty of experience in the process. Most good salon's will provide you before and after photos of past clients.

Things You Can Do The First 4 Days.  Initially there are some precautionary steps to take to ensure the best straightening possible.

• You do want to wear your hair down for at least 4 days to allow the product to settle in your hair.
• Do use a blow dryer or flatiron as needed, (in case hair gets wet during the first four days.)
• Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
• Do use a shampoo without Sodium-Chloride (Sulfate-Free) on your hair at all times.

Things Not To Do For The First 4 Days

• Don't wash your hair for the first time.
• Do not tie your hair into a ponytail.
• Do not use hair clips.
• Do not place your hair behind your ears.
• Do not exercise or sweat.
• Do not use hair bands.
• Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.
• Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

So ladies, what are you waiting for?