Avlon's Texture Release System: Original Formula

 Hair by Benita Blocker, October 2014

I used the original formula of the KeraCare Texture Release Smoothing System with this client.  Having been trained on the Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment, I found the application phase of the Texture Release system to be slower and more difficult than the Brazilian Blowout formula.  However, I also experienced a nose bleed assuming it came from excessive exposure to an original formula of the Brazilian Blowout solution. 

I did get fumes from the Texture Release System, but apparently, because this old formula is a concentrated petroleum base product, it caused a haze in the salon. 

 Side view before smoothing treatment.

My client's mom explained that my client's hair is a mixture of Mexican and Black.  So thickness and curliness are both full throttle.  Luckily, my client says she likes "big hair" but she needed more control.

 Hair by Benita Blocker, October 2014

Application time was an hour to get the Texture Release from root to end throughout the head.  Flat ironing was another hour or more.  Typically, Brazilian Blowout would require a final water rinse and masque and another blowdry style phase.  KeraCare Texture Release does NOT require another water rinse, but there is a gamble that the client could be sensitive to the Texture Release System.  Avlon Industries' test salon actually recommends a "patch test" on the day before for anyone that has sensitive skin.  I told them that I did not realize that the system rose to a patch test level.

I hope to get my hands on the new Texture Release kit soon.  Apparently, the Thermal Protection spray will be less concentrated, and the smoothing solution is going to be in a spray bottle.  I actually like the origninal formula of the Thermal Protection Spray so I am going to be dissappointed that another good thing will be gone.

Back view before smoothing treatment.

My client was pleased with the service. I felt that it was a little oily than what I would prefer, but the extra oil will disappear with her next wash. We just considered it as a hot oil treatment.

Also, a note to the hairstylists, the chemical smell of the Texture Release system lingered on my clothes and hands.  My cover-ups have to be laundered after performing this Texture Release service.  I hope the smell from the new Texture Release formula is better.  This original formula does not smell worse than a "curly perm," but it is a strong second as far as I am concerned.

When I get to try the new formula of the Texture Release system, then I plan to add a separate article on this blog about it.  Until then, stay tuned.  Thanks for following me!

Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment 2013

 I just completed a Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment class to get the latest updates.  I originally was certified in April of 2010.  I have extensive experience with this product.  I want to say upfront that this treatment is NOT a straightener nor a replacement for a relaxer.  If your client or your own hair is a type 2 or type 3a, then you may achieve a straightening effect from the treatment.  Otherwise, I would not recommend this treatment to a woman of color with a type 4 curl pattern.  The Brazilian Blowout treatment will soften a type 4 curl pattern, but it will not elongate the curl.

Now, for the updates, the company does admit when enough heat is applied to the hair, formaldehyde can be produced so only well ventilated salon environments are recommended for use of this smoothing treatment.

They also recommend using the "smart glasses"  for both the stylist and the client as another precaution.

They have more new products in the Brazilian Blowout retail line for styling and for aftercare volume.

An all boar bristle round brush or paddle brush is recommended for blowdrying the solution dry.  A metal base brush apparently will create too much heat, and we are trying to avoid formaldehyde emissions.

Shaking up the bottle before dispensing the product is also key to making sure the mixture is consistent. The shelf life is 18 months.

The treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

The model's final styling was finger blowdried without a brush.  This model's hair responded like a straightener, but several passes of the flat iron was used throught the model's hair.

Brazilian Blowout Conditioning Turban

I still have my conditioning turban from my Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment line.

My interesting discovery is that I finally sat under the dryer with this turban for my own conditioning, but instead of feeling intense heat, the lining of this turban seemed to block the heat from the dryer.  My plastic cap never really heated up. I felt the heat all around my face except on my head.  The terry cloth seemed to redirect heat away from my head.  This turban may be ideal for a sauna environment when you are trying to keep your head cool versus hot.

Brazilian Blowout brand of BKT

The "Brazilian Blowout" brand is the only keratin treatment on the market so far that does not have any formaldehyde, aldehyde, or derivatives of these chemicals. It consists of silicone, collagen, and keratin. They have an Acai Aftercare line. Their after care line has the same SuperNutrient Complex as the treatment itself. It will help prolong the styling.
Client had received a permanent wave at a New York salon two weeks prior to seeking a Brazilian Blowout service to control frizz.
After receiving the Brazilian Blowout service and fringe cut by Hairstylist Benita Blocker, Client has beautiful, more manageable hair even on high humidity days.

I have been studying Brazilian Keratin Treatments for a year before finding the best one yet!!!! Brazilian Blowout is the brand. There is no four day wait after receiving the application. There is no formaldehyde nor aldehyde.

Who are the best candidates for the Brazilian Blowout brand?
1) Tenderheaded, overly curly little girls who are pigtail age.
2) Those who have high-lift color and need to control frizz during humid weather.
3) Those who have straight hair either naturally straight or relaxed straight and need to control frizz and the effects of humidity.

Who is not a good candidate for any BKT?1)Those who want to wear their natural curly or wavy hair. The Brazilian Blowout will smooth out the frizz, but depending on the stylist's number of passes, quality of flat iron, etc - your curl pattern MAY get altered from the flat ironing process. It is a gamble especially with the brands that have formaldehyde and formaldehyde derivatives in them.
2)Those that are tightly coiled who are looking for bone straight hair. Brazilian Blowout will only make your coils more manageable. Texturing with Paul Mitchell mild relaxer two weeks before the treatment will deliver even better results for over curly hair types.
3)Those who are price conscious. Brazilian Blowout starts around $250. AfterCare products run around $35+ a piece. Color and/or relaxer services are separate pricing and should be performed two weeks prior to Brazilian Blowout for the healthiest results.

Brazilian Blowout has a website, but their salon locator may not be updated. Ask to see a stylist's Brazilian Blowout certificate if in question or call the company to see if the stylist is registered. My Brazilian Blowout certificate is posted in my salon and is displayed on my fan page on FaceBook. Visit Applebaum Hair fan page.