Ever wonder how to get those smooth, sleek, celebrity-styled tresses without spending hours battling the blow dryer and flat iron? Well, thanks to a popular new hair treatment called the Brazilian Blowout, you too can get bouncy, effortlessly manageable hair that shines like a Hollywood star’s.

Designed for hair that’s naturally curly, wavy and/or frizzy, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment – Brazilian Blowout is the brand name – is a salon treatment that smoothes the hair while retaining its body and shape. Lasting three to four months – depending on how often the hair is washed – the Brazilian Blowout takes fashionistas from frizzy to fabulous in the blink of an eye.

“I have curly hair and I couldn’t wait to try it,” said Nancy Prout, owner of the Hair Gallery Salon in Antioch, which offers the Brazilian Blowout. “And I just love it. What’s so nice about this is that you can go swimming or take a shower and then let your hair dry naturally – and it looks perfect. Not frizzy or curly. Just smooth and straight.”

How it works:

The salon process includes a shampoo and application of the formula, followed by blow drying and straight ironing. The treatment takes one to two hours, and once complete, it’s recommended that clients wait a day or two before washing their hair to allow the product to set.

“Think of the process as a wet noodle inside a straw,” said Prout. “There is a protective protein layer that wraps around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz, and smoothes the hair cuticle. It’s different from other relaxants and straightening products in that it actually improves the health of your hair.”

But it’s healthy hair that doesn’t come cheap. The average cost of a blowout is around $300 to $350, and professionals recommend the process be repeated every three to four months to maintain the look.

What you should know:

The quest for soft, beautiful, movie-star hair is nothing new. For generations, women have been ironing and chemically infusing their hair with harsh products to achieve that just-from-the-salon look. But sometimes what makes us pretty can have a less attractive aspect.

Claims by some customers that the Brazilian Blowout product contains formaldehyde – a known carcinogen – have yet to be verified, although complaints of eye and skin irritations, headaches and respiratory problems have been reported. Ongoing court disputes in California and Oregon are examining possible levels of formaldehyde in the product, while Prout points to tests by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration showing the product is safe.

“OSHA has tested it and the chemicals in the product are way below the acceptable amount allowed,” said Prout. “But it’s true that some people just can’t handle certain chemicals. Some people can’t handle permanents or hair dyes, either. So if it bothers them, then obviously they shouldn’t do it.”

Once the treatment is applied, individuals can care for their hair the same way as they did before, washing and styling as desired.

“We do recommend that people use the special shampoos and conditioners that come with the treatment,” said Prout, “because they have keratin and acai in them, which are good for the hair. But other than that, you can style it any way you like. The bottom line is that the treatment will leave your hair better than when you came in. It’s a great product.”

For more information on the Brazilian Blowout or to make an appointment for a treatment, call Prout at 925-754-5212 or visit www.hairgallery4u.com.