What's the difference between keratin, Brazilian blowout, and Straight Up Smoothing?
Straight Up Smoothing uses amino acids, keeps natural movement, and lasts 8–12 weeks ($400–$600). Keratin treatments use keratin sealed with heat, straighten more, and last 3–5 months ($500–$900). Brazilian blowout uses protein and produces the straightest result but is the most polarising ($450–$750). Choose Straight Up for gentle natural results, keratin for long-lasting straightness.
People use 'keratin', 'Brazilian blowout', and 'smoothing' interchangeably — but they're not the same treatment. The differences matter: formaldehyde content, durability, effect on curl pattern, and aftercare requirements are all different. Here's an honest breakdown from someone who offers the amino-acid version (Straight Up Smoothing) and has referred clients out for the other two.
The Three Categories, Clearly Defined
True keratin treatment: uses a keratin-based solution sealed with heat. Modern versions are formaldehyde-free. Results last 3–5 months. Reduces frizz significantly and can straighten curls depending on formulation. Brazilian blowout (brand name Brazilian Blowout®, also used generically): a specific protein-based treatment originally formulated in Brazil. Historically contained formaldehyde; current formulations have reformulated but concerns linger. Results last 2–3 months. Amino-acid smoothing (Straight Up Smoothing): a newer category using amino acids to smooth the cuticle without changing hair structure. No formaldehyde, no harsh chemicals. Results last 8–12 weeks. Hair keeps natural movement.
Which Keeps Natural Movement, Which Flattens It?
Straight Up Smoothing: keeps waves and natural volume — it reduces frizz and adds shine without making hair poker-straight. Best for clients who like their natural texture but want it more manageable. Keratin treatment: depending on formulation, can keep some movement or make hair completely straight. Ask your stylist specifically which result you'll get. Brazilian blowout: traditionally makes hair quite straight with minimal curl remaining. Less flexible on 'I want to keep my waves' requests.
See our Straight Up Smoothing services
Learn more about this service or book your appointment today.
Price Comparison in Sydney (2026)
Straight Up Smoothing: $400–$600 at Hair Pinns depending on hair length. Mid-range for the service category. True keratin treatment: $500–$900 at premium salons. Brazilian blowout: $450–$750. Nanoplasty (a different restoration-focused treatment often confused with these): $700–$1200. Cheaper options exist for all of these but usually signal shortcut technique or lower-quality formulas.
Durability vs Cost: Math That Matters
Straight Up at $500 lasting 10 weeks: $50/week. Keratin at $700 lasting 16 weeks: $43/week. Brazilian blowout at $600 lasting 10 weeks: $60/week. On pure cost-per-week, keratin wins slightly. But the catch: keratin requires stricter aftercare and is more sensitive to sulfate shampoos, pool chlorine, and sunscreen. Miss a week of careful aftercare and you've lost your advantage. Straight Up is more forgiving.
Damage Profile
Straight Up Smoothing: minimal damage — it's essentially a deep conditioning treatment with smoothing active ingredients. Keratin treatment: low damage if done correctly, but the high-heat sealing step (230°C flat iron) causes cumulative damage over years of retreatments. Brazilian blowout: slightly higher damage risk due to the protein-concentrate formula; some clients report brittleness after multiple applications. Nanoplasty: designed to restore rather than damage — actually improves hair condition with each treatment.
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Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Straight Up Smoothing if: you want to keep your natural wave or curl, you want a gentle treatment without compromise on ingredients, you prefer a 10–12 week refresh cycle, or you're new to smoothing and want the lowest-risk option. Choose keratin if: you want long-lasting results (4+ months), you're committed to sulfate-free aftercare, you don't mind a straighter result, and you're willing to pay the premium. Choose Brazilian blowout only if: you want hair to be genuinely straight with low volume, and you've done it before without issues. Personally, I recommend Straight Up Smoothing to 80% of new clients and it gives them everything they actually wanted.
Book a Consultation First
Any smoothing treatment is a commitment. The best salons offer a free 15-minute consultation to assess your hair's condition, discuss results you want, and recommend the right treatment. Come with photos of looks you like. Mention any previous chemical services (colour, relaxer, previous smoothing). We'll match the treatment to your hair — not the other way around.
Key Takeaways
- Straight Up = amino acids, keeps natural wave, 8–12 weeks, gentlest
- Keratin = true keratin sealed with heat, 3–5 months, straighter result
- Brazilian blowout = protein concentrate, most polarising, straightest
- Pricing: $400–$600 Straight Up, $500–$900 keratin, $450–$750 Brazilian
- All require sulfate-free aftercare to deliver on durability promise
See our Straight Up Smoothing services
Learn more about this service or book your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best treatment for frizz in humid Sydney weather?
A keratin-free smoothing treatment paired with a humidity-resistant leave-in works best for Sydney's changeable climate. Start with a gentle, sulphate-free wash, add a protein-balanced mask weekly, then seal with a heat-activated protectant before blow-drying.
How often should I tone blonde hair at home?
Every 1–2 weeks for maintenance, using a pH-balanced violet or blue-violet treatment, depending on your undertone. Keep dwell time short (3–5 mins) to avoid over-ash. Follow with a hydrating mask because toners can be slightly drying.
Keratin vs. smoothing: which lasts longer?
Keratin treatments (formaldehyde-free) generally outlast quick smoothing services, giving 2–4 months of frizz reduction with proper care. Smoothing services are gentler and great for first-timers or colour-treated hair, lasting 4–8 weeks.
