The Difference Between a Blowout, Brazilian Blowout, and Keratin Treatment in Pittsburgh

Many Pittsburgh clients want smoother, shinier, more manageable hair, especially during the city’s humid months. However, the terms blowout, Brazilian blowout, and keratin treatment are often confused, even though they deliver very different results. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right smoothing service for your hair type, goals, and budget.

This guide explains what each service does, how long it lasts, and how Pittsburgh’s climate affects the results so you can make the best choice for your hair.

What a Regular Blowout Is

A blowout is a styling service that uses a brush and heat to smooth the hair temporarily. It does not change your hair structure or texture and washes out with your next shampoo.

What a blowout does:

• Creates smooth, polished hair

• Adds volume and shine

• Controls frizz temporarily

• Lasts a few days, depending on the weather and routine

A blowout is ideal for events, photos, or weekly styling, but not for long-term smoothing.

What a Brazilian Blowout Is

A Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent smoothing treatment that creates a protective protein layer around the hair. It reduces frizz and makes hair smoother without fully straightening it.

What a Brazilian blowout does:

• Reduces frizz

• Improves shine and softness

• Shortens styling time

• Helps control humidity-related swelling

• Lasts eight to twelve weeks, depending on care

Brazilian blowouts are popular in Pittsburgh because they offer humidity control without completely changing texture.

What a Keratin Treatment Is

A keratin treatment is a smoothing or straightening treatment, depending on the formula. Unlike a Brazilian blowout, some keratin formulas partially relax curl patterns.

What a keratin treatment does:

• Smooths frizz

• Reduces curl depending on the formula

• Adds shine and softness

• Helps hair dry more quickly

• Lasts three to five months, depending on maintenance

Keratin treatments are ideal for clients who want longer-lasting smoothing or curl reduction.

Key Differences Between Brazilian Blowouts and Keratin Treatments

Texture impact

Brazilian blowouts do not significantly change the curl pattern

Keratin can soften curls or waves

Longevity

Brazilian lasts two to three months

Keratin lasts three to five months

Customization

Brazilian blowouts offer lighter smoothing

Keratin treatments can be more intense depending on the formula

Hair type compatibility

Brazilian works well for most hair types

Keratin formulas vary and must be matched carefully to the hair condition

How Pittsburgh Climate Impacts Smoothing Treatments

Humidity

In summer, humidity causes swelling and frizz. Both treatments help control seasonal expansion.

Cold air

Winter dryness can make smoothing results last longer if hair is hydrated properly.

Hard water

Mineral buildup can interfere with smoothing results, so detoxing may be recommended beforehand.

Rainy seasons

Weather fluctuations impact frizz, making smoothing treatments especially valuable during spring and fall.

How to Choose the Right Option

Choose a blowout if you want:

• Temporary smoothness

• A styled look for an event

• Weekly maintenance styling

Choose a Brazilian blowout if you want:

• Humidity control

• Manageable frizz

• Smoother texture without curl removal

• Soft, natural movement

Choose a keratin treatment if you want:

• Longer-lasting smoothing

• Reduced curl or wave

• Shinier, softer, more manageable hair

• Less daily styling effort

How to Maintain Results in Pittsburgh

• Use sulfate-free shampoo

• Avoid clarifying shampoos unless instructed

• Use leave-in products that support smoothing

• Do not wash too frequently

• Protect hair during workouts

• Use a shower filter to reduce mineral exposure

  
  

The right maintenance keeps your hair smooth longer.

Why Craft Collective Salon Group Is a Top Choice for Smoothing Treatments in Pittsburgh

Craft Collective Salon Group evaluates density, texture, porosity, hydration, and your goals before recommending a smoothing service. We choose formulas that protect your hair’s integrity and account for Pittsburgh’s climate to ensure long-lasting results.

Clients choose Craft Collective because our smoothing treatments are tailored, safe, and climate-aware. You can learn more at craftcollectivesalongroup.com.

If smoothing treatments are part of a larger transformation, you may also want to read what to ask before a major chemical service to prepare. Clients combining smoothing with color should review how to care for colored hair in Pittsburgh’s climate for tone protection. If climate-related frizz is your main concern, learning how Pittsburgh's humidity and weather affect hair can help you choose the best routine.

Understanding your smoothing options leads to hair that feels healthier, looks smoother, and stays manageable year-round.