BEAUTY: TRIED & TESTED
Our production manager, Liezel Dukes, tried out a hair-smoothing treatment that halves blow-dry time, adds shine and makes hair more manageable.
Our production editor has a Brazilian Blowout
Although Liezel’s naturally curly hair is shoulderlength, she says it takes her about 45 minutes to do in the morning – which includes using a hairdryer and flat iron to smooth it out, bit by bit. It also means an early wake-up.
‘Great!’ says Marios Atzemoglou, founder and creative director of Marios Company Hair. ‘The Brazilian Blowout saves loads of time!’
At the salon, Marios, who is part of the L’Oréal Creative Team, assessed Liezel’s hair: ‘A great thing about this treatment is that you can have your colour done on the same day,’ he says. The treatment’s also great if you want to improve the overall condition of your hair.’
The product itself is a ‘liquid keratin treatment that smooths the cuticle by adding a protective protein layer around the hair shaft. The amount of formula applied depends on the condition, length and thickness of your hair. Liezel’s Brazilian, says Mario, will last about 12 weeks; for others, it might last only six weeks – it fades out.
‘Liezel’s hair has a strong natural curl and the Brazilian will control the curl only. If the hair is only slightly wavy it will fall straighter. It depends on how damaged the hair is, as well as its natural movement.’
Marios says their Brazilian Blowout clientele range in age from 20- to 80-year-olds, men and women.
Some safety concerns were raised in the media as the treatment contains formaldehyde. However, an air quality test performed by the EXCO Environmental and Occupational Health Services Gauteng confirmed that its formaldehyde exposure levels fall well below the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s occupational exposure limit, and that it is also well within the WHO’s limit. (Formaldehyde is used in several other household products.) But speak to your stylist beforehand if you have any concerns and make sure you have your treatment done in a spacious, well-ventilated hair salon.