This video, by Global Keratin, shows the BKT treatment being applied. The video is aimed at hair dressers, rather than clients, but its a good introduction into the subject

This article tries to answer as many of the most common questions about  Brazilian Keratin Treatment as possible. The links below will take you to the most relevant section to your quesiton. But first, the most common issue:

What Shampoo should I use?

The best shampoo to use must be a sodium chloride (salt)  free shampoo  and, ideally, suplhate free. Most of the shampoos in the market contain sodium chloride.  Eluence produce a shampoo at £20.

It is the Sodium Chloride which is bad for the BKT treatment as it washes it out quicker, which is why swimming in the sea a lot of sweating too much can also be a problem for BKT users. Swimming in a pool is problematic if there is a high chlorine content.

General Questions

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

How long does BKT last?

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

How much does BKT Cost?

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

How to treat your hair after BKT

Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

Can I go swimming after BKT?

How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What to do after Keratin Treatment?

What not to do after Keratin treatment?

Health Questions about BKT

Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

What Chemicals are in BKT?

Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

Does your hair fall out after BKT?

Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out?

Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o Brazilian Keratin Treatment has numerous names including:

• Keratin straightening

• Brazilian blow out

• BKT

• BKST

• Brazilian Keratin hair straightening

• Escova progressiva (the Brazilian name)

• “the permanent blow dry”.

It is a treatment that is designed to give hair that “just out of the salon, blow dried look”.

In brief it works by applying a product, Keratin to the hair and then sealing that product to the hair. The net result is that hair is normally straighter (as if it had been blow dried straight).

For more details see here and a video here.

• If a person has the BKT treatment the net result is that they will generally have straighter, more shiny, more “healthy looking” hair.

Back to top

What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

* During a treatment the hair is first washed, with a clarifying shampoo, to open up the cuticles. Then the treatment is applied, which contains the Keratin. Then heat is applied through straightening irons. The heat seals the Keratin into the hair and so removes the frizz.

Back to top

How long does BKT last?

o Between two to four months. BKT is not permanent and is eventually washed out.

The more the hair is washed, the quicker the keratin will be washed out.

o If hair is washed one a week it may last 4 months, if its washed 3 or 4 times a week then it may last two months. For this reason three months is the most common average for the length of a keratin treatment.

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

o BKT normally makes the hair look shiny and more healthy. Surprisingly the hair can also feel softer. Keratin provides a lot of nutrients for the hair, hence it looks so good afterwards.

Back to top

How much does BKT Cost?

o Its not a cheap treatment and costs vary, depending on the salon, from £200 to £500 per treatment.

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

o No. The procedure involves a very long and detailed hair straightening process using irons and driers. It takes over 2 hours, and this is not something somebody can “have ago at”.

DIY is not a good thing!

Back to top

I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

o Possibly not, it will depend on the exact hair type. If its incredibly tightly curled hair then you may end up with soft curls

Back to top

What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

o These are both Japanese hair straightening products. They work by applying a chemical to the hair that stays on the hair for the rest of its life. The hair is permanently straight and will only return to its natural method as the hair grows.

Back to top

Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

o They are very different treatments and it depends what you want. The former allows for flexibility and a more natural look, the latter is a longer lasting treatment.

Back to top

Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

o Yes, initially. BKT is not permanent and comes out in the wash; the less the hair is washed the longer it lasts.

o For the first 3 to 4 days after Brazilian Keratin Treatment the hair should not be washed, and then it should only be washed with a sodium chloride free shampoo and conditioner

Back to top

Will sea water damage my hair after BKT?

o No, but it should be avoided. Sea water, which is salt water (and salt is Sodium Chloride), washes the keratin out of the hair quicker than normal water.

For this reason swimming in sea water reduces the life span of a BKT treatment.

Back to top

Can I go swimming after BKT?

• Brazilian Keratin Treatment is washed out more rapidly by sodium chloride and chlorine. Sodium chloride (salt) is in sea water and chlorine is in most swimming pools and spas. So if your going to swim, and want to keep the BKT effect for as long as possible try and cover your hair.

Back to top

How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

o About three to four days after the first treatment

Back to top

Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

• Yes, a minimum of three days, possibly four, depending on your hair type.

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

It must be a sodium chloride free shampoo. Most of the shampoos in the market contain sodium chloride; Eluence produce one at £20.

However, the same product can be purchased for just £7 from this site. Even though the postage and packaging is expensive its still very cheap. If you can buy several you will get a very good bargain.

Back to top

What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

o The conditioner, like the shampoo, this needs to be sodium chloride free. As the sodium chloride washes out the keratin faster.

The conditioner can also be bought cheaply from this site.

Back to top

What to do after Keratin Treatment?

* Do keep your hair dry

* Blows dry your hair after washing.

* 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.

Back to top

What not to do after Keratin treatment?

* Don’t do any of the following for the first 3 or 4 days:

1. wash your hair

2. Tie your hair into a pony tail.

3. Use hair clips.

4. Do not place your hair behind your ears.

5. Do not exercise or sweat.

6. Do not use hair bands.

7. Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.

8. Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

Back to top

Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

o No. There are two types of BKT. BKT with formaldehyde (commonly referred to as just BKT without an reference to the formaldehyde ) and BKT without formaldehyde, commonly referred to as BKT formaldehyde free. Some people do not like the formaldehyde product, due to the nature formaldehyde   – it is a potent chemical.

Back to top

What Chemicals are in BKT?

o BKT contains ether, Keratin, and more often than not formaldehyde. Unless its specifically states its “formaldehyde free” then it will almost certain contain that.

Back to top

Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

* During the treatment it is a possible that you could get the product in your eyes, much like there is with any bleach, shampoo, or conditioner. During the treatment its possible the fumes given off could go in to your eyes.

This is not problematic, any more than getting shampoo in your eye – merely wash it out.

Back to top

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

o Sodium Chloride, which is salt, is found in both sea water and most shampoos. In its self it is harmless and will not damage the hair, however it does wash keratin off quicker than normal water, reducing the life span of a BKT treatment, therefore is should be avoided.

There are shampoos available that do not contain sodium chloride.

Back to top

Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

• BKT has been available in the UK for the past few years, famously used by Girls Aloud; it has been in the US for much longer.

The primary chemical in BKT is Keratin – which holds the hair. However, most BKT treatments also have formaldehyde in it.

• Formaldehyde is not a nice chemical, and has been linked to cancer. There are no known cases of death or even illness from its use in BKT, and the concentrations are so low, and the exposure so minimal it is unlikely to have an effect for the customer. The stylist, on the other hand, has regular exposure to the chemical, on a daily basis and for this reason some hair dressers simply will not work with it.

Back to top

Does your hair fall out after BKT?

o No, not all

Back to top

Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

o No, none, other than you have to wait for several days before washing it. The hair actually looks and feels better after the treatment.

Back to top

How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o As many times as you want, as it is not harmful for the hair

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out

* Yes, can easily be done every month (funds permitting), as BKT does not harm the hair.

Back to top

Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

o Yes. If you’re using BKT once it’s been washed out the hair will return to normal.

Back to top

CBS News Article on the “dangers” of BKST/Brazilian Keratin Straightening Treatment

Its an American news article, so it takes itself very seriously.

After a BKT treatment you should use a sodium chloride and sulfate free shampoo.

A recommended one is by Elucence, at around £20, pictured inset.

However, it can be purchased for just £7 from this site, the postage and packaging is expensive, so if you can buy several you will get a very good bargin.

Below are links to a variety or resources on Brazilian Keratin Treatment.

Keratin Treatment Treatment FAQs

This covers most questions, including which shampoo, how long does the treatment last, and how much does it cost.

Video showing Brazilian Keratin formaldehyde free treatment

This video shows hair being treated, with BKT, in North London.

US News story on the subject

CBS news article on BKT

Below is a more detailed article on the straightening treatment.

Having spent years with naturally curly hair, I decided that this summer, I would have straight hair. It was a choice driven by the fact that I am incredibly busy with work and having my hair straight is simply easier to manage. I’ve had my hair blown dried straight many times for special occasions, but in the UK, it’s just a bit frivolous, as it normally only lasts a few days. Any rain or humidity and my hair is ruined in a mass of dry frizz.

I continued to keep a sharp eye on the options available, regularly reading about the Yuko or X-tenso systems and recently noticed the rise of something called Brazilian keratin straightening also known as “escova progressiva”. It allegedly puts your hair in better condition than before and wears out over a period of three months. Even better you can use it with coloured hair. Bingo, this is what I needed, is actually good for my hair and no life time commitment like Yuko. I really do like having curly hair, so something like Yuko was never a consideration for me.

The next problem was the deluge of frightening articles on the product being carcinogenic. This is because it contains formaldehyde, a dangerous chemical in strong doses (lets not forget it’s in nail varnish). In independent tests, Allure magazines October 2007 issue discovered that US salons were using products up to 10 times over the recommended levels. Time Out New York also reported on their concerns, titling their research ‘Scared straight‘.

Having waded through, I eventually discovered one salon, yes one, that did a formaldehyde free version in the London area. The Joshua Altback salon in St Johns Wood, do provide this service, but it was a pain to go into town for just a consultation and then booking the time for the treatment was proving problematic. An elusive reference to a salon in Surrey through some forums, meant after much searching I discovered Mickael and Ludovik in Warlingham Surrey. The website certainly looked stylish and they were very helpful on the telephone. One week later and I was walking in to have my test. Mickael took a sample of my hair, talked me through the treatment and answered my numerous questions. So far, so good. I dutifully went to get my hair coloured from my usual salon (they couldn’t fit me in at the time in M&L) and I returned on the 12th of July.

On the day, I arrived at 2pm and was quickly whisked to the sinks to have my hair shampood (in a special soap) which was left on for 10 minutes. Now this is no ordinary salon, M&L is beautiful, with stylish decor and a backwash like no other. The lights are low, each sink is separated by a curtain, there is a water feature to look at whilst lying in the sink plus, they play lovely ambient music (think chilled Ibiza rather than tinkly lift). I visibly relaxed (I was irritated having arrived late to the appointment), and really appreciated the quiet for ten minutes. Completely different to lots of salons where they wash your hair in the bright lights and you have to pull your top down just in case you’re showing flesh. Not to mention the teenagers that ask you monotonously if you’re going anywhere ‘nice’, then having dispensed with the formalities continuing their discussion with their friend next to them. Sigh, I wish salons would give their juniors better customer service training.

Next I had the chemicals combed through,  my hair was rough dried with a hairdryer and then blow dried straight in small sections.  During this process my eyes did start to sting, and I eventually had to go outside for a minute, despite the fan being pointed at both myself and Mikael throughout. When the blow dry was finished, my hair was then ’sealed’ with straightening irons, again in small sections. The whole thing took 3 and a half hours, but I have to say it was actually enjoyable. The salon was really laid back, Mickael was lovely company, and we had moments of great conversation and companionable silence . The whole process cost £200, plus the sulfate-free shampoo I needed to purchase for £20. I also had an additional cut just to neaten the ends and make my hair fall right when straight, total cost was £248, plus the tip for Mickaels hard work.

These are the recommended guidelines which I dutifully followed. Mickael said I could wash my hair after three days, but I waited for four, following the guidelines I had pulled of the internet below;

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 flat iron 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.

My hair looked great when it was finished. The problem was on days two, three and four when it just looked lank and lifeless. You can’t resuscitate this by tieing it back either, and it was really hard not to tuck it behind my ears. I actually looked like ‘Violet’ from Pixars ‘The Incredibles’.

Do not have this done if you are wanting to impress anyone for the four days after. Be warned.
I also coloured it again as it was too light, using just a chemist bought slowly fading dye. My curly hair always has products in it and when straight, the colour was too washed out for my skin tone.

The condition of my hair was great though,  I have to say that the shampoo I bought at M&L not only smelt beautiful but left my hair really soft.

Now it is fair to say that I had visions of my hair looking like it does when it is blow dried, once washed. I had read and had been told, I would only need to wash and go, the treatment is that good, gradually getting curlier as the three months went by.  So, on the afternoon of day four I washed my hair, sprayed it with some leave in conditioner and went off to a networking meeting with slightly damp hair.

OH MY GOD. It dried like straight frizz and it was incredibly embarrassing to have such bad hair when promoting a image consultancy business. I also didn’t take anything to tie it back with, wanting to rock my loose hair with a summery maxi dress. Not clever.

The reality a month on is that I now have slightly less curly hair which is a bit shinier. This is not bad at all, it means my hair is longer, doesn’t get frizzy as quickly and when I blow dry it properly (by I, I mean at a hair salon of course!) it lasts a whole week, on the proviso it doesn’t get wet. I didn’t hanker after poker straight locks, but have always wanted a slightly looser curl, trying perms with varying degrees of success to achieve this. The before and after photographs are impressive, but these are taken after blow drying and using ceramic irons. My hair looks like that before the treatment after a blow dry and ironing. I will get this done again in three months and am told that it gets straighter the more you do it. For me it has simply reduced my drying time, which has been a real bonus when time limited.

Overall I would recommend this treatment if you are looking for a looser curl. Make sure that you colour your hair darker than usual and be prepared to have to do some work to make it look good. More than anything though I would recommend the M&L salon, which has proven to be an absolute find. The service was great, the surroundings beautiful and the experience was really enjoyable.

Chameleon Fridays

Brazilian hair straightening is a method of straightening hair, temporarily.

It has several names including:

• Keratin straightening
• Brazilian blow out
• BKT
• BKST
• Brazilian Keratin hair straightening
• Escova progressiva (the Brazilian name)

It uses a solution of Keratin to seal the hair and hold it flat.  Normally it lasts around 10 weeks, after which time it will need treating again.

Its not cheap, at around £200 to £500, with only a few salons in London who provide this treatment.