Getting the Brazilian Blowout Week #2

"The Brazilian Blowout versus the Japanese Magic Straight, which contender will win in the ever intense battle of hair straightening?!" Well at least that's the kind of "Are you reaadddyyy?" battle cry we would ever hear in our office… don't judge.

So, welcome to the Brazil versus Japan fight in the Ultimate Straightening Championship (USC for short -- is there any other?). The Japanese Magic Straight has demolished all competitors in the hair straightening world for decades. Through meticulously dousing your hair in chemicals and laboriously pressing them into your hair by running it through a straightening iron three times, the incredibly flat, shiny end result is to die for -- and lasts for eight plus months. Unlike when black girls get their hair pressed, this process allows you to freely wash and style your hair as you please. Ponytails, curls, waves, whatever tickles your hairstyle fancy can be manipulated and coerced to last -- until you wash it out that is, where you'd be left with stick straight hair again.

Now, the Magic Straight has been the reigning queen of semi-permanent straightening for decades, that is, until the Brazilian Blowout. I've been a devout follower of the Magic for more years than I'd like to admit, but the Blowout intrigued me. So, under easy persuasion from my hairdresser, I tried it out, and here is my humble opinion on both processes.

I'm going on my second week of the Blowout (click here for week one) and I have to say I'm impressed with the results. My hair texture is definitely softer and it's such a welcome to be able to run my hands through my hair again. As promised, the Blowout proffers straight hair, but not too straight. Meaning, hair still has shape and a natural look to it as opposed to the Magic's results, which give ruthlessly straight strands. It depends on what look you're going for.

Here's the MAJOR drawback to the Brazilian Blowout though … it made me BREAK OUT.

I know.

That's probably enough to make you run away as far as you can. For some reason the Blowout lends hair to be a bit oilier for about a week, so I started to break out around my hairline. But as with all things, this too passed.

While the prices are comparable (the Brazilian is upwards from $300, and the Magic can be found for less depending on your hair length and thickness), the Magic guarantees straight strands for at least seven to eight months, and the Blowout only four. Here's why: The Blowout has similar straightening chemicals as the Magic does, except far less of it. Instead, there's an extra boost of conditioners, so the Blowout is much healthier for your hair. The tradeoff is healthy hair or longevity?

In my opinion, the Blowout is meant for three types of people: 1. You're Angelina Jolie and have money to spare and can spend $300 every few months on your hair. 2. You're a Magic Straight addict and need to get weaned off the harsh chemicals while still not compromising your straight locks. And 3. You're a commitment-phobe and can't commit to anything that lasts longer than three months whether it's a hairstyle or a boyfriend (three-month curse, anyone?). If you are any of the three options above, then the Brazilian Blowout is for you!

If you decide to get either of the straightening processes done, come back and comment here to let us know what you like better!