MY FIRST BRAZILIAN…KERATIN TREATMENT!

Posted by Melissa 09.15.09

Photo Credit: Senses Salon

COMING TO MY SENSES

Senses Salon at 138 Fifth Avenue was nothing short of heaven. From the second I walked in the door, I was treated like royalty (and later, made to look royal). I was offered a drink, presented with take out menus (it was lunch time) and introduced to my La-Brasiliana hair treatment guru, Alessandro DeMoraes, who was gracious and confident.

Impressed with the temperature in the salon (it was crisp but warm, completely lacking any humidity even though it was August in Manhattan), I was duly pleased with the upbeat, rhythmic music that gently offered refuge and temporary escape from my buzzing blackberry. Alessandro guided me to the hair washing station where I was given a vigorous, yet gentle scalp and neck massage while my hair was twice shampooed. The only diversion during the shampoo was the height of the ceilings, which probably went more than 20 feet tall and were effortlessly complemented by the flow of the simple vertical floral arrangements.

Since I’m someone with lots of questions, who needs to know the play by play of any cosmetic treatment, Alessandro graciously outlined the steps involved in my Brazilian, making it clear that he would begin by using a clarifying shampoo to first clean and purify my hair before applying the treatment.  He also told me that it would take three hours to complete La- Brasiliana on my shoulder length hair.

Alessandro explained that I was an ideal candidate for the treatment, due to the fact that my hair has taken a ton of abuse of the last 17 years – officially marking the time when I began relaxing or chemically straightening my wavy hair (which grows horizontally at the mere thought of humidity). I’ve colored my tresses for more than 20 years (sorry mom, it was more than the sun). Most recently, I’ve been a slave to the Japanese straightening, religiously having it treated every six to eight months, except during pregnancy. All of the above has left my hair feeling and looking dry and lifeless.

Turns out that La-Brasiliana is a revolutionary process that transforms even the driest hair. The treatment is keratin based. Keratin is the primary protein found in hair, skin and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, shiny, smooth state, while collagen improves the elasticity of the hair.

Unlike other products available on the market, such as cream relaxers or the Japanese Straightening system, La-Brasiliana Zero Keratin treatment with Collagen replenishes the condition of the hair without damage or change to the molecular structure. The treatment can be used on all hair types: chemically treated hair, colored, permed, relaxed, straightened, highlighted and bleached. It was a perfect match for me.

Although I was a three hour project for Alessandro, he told me that the application process can take anywhere from one and a half to four hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. After application of the product, it is infused with a 450 degree flat iron, which seals in moisture, hydrates the hair, and creates a glossy finish. Results are visible immediately after treatment is completed. The price of the treatment is based on hair length, and will likely differ from salon to salon. The prices at Senses range: for short hair its $300, medium is $500 and long hair is $700.

I left Senses knowing that I couldn’t wash, wet or clip my hair for four full days.  That said, my head of hair looked shiny, slippery and beautiful, resembling the hair of my tweens before sun-in, before dual process color jobs and before lye relaxers and Japanese Straightening Systems.

The four day period quickly passed. The treatment did feel heavy by day four, but luckily, my sulfur-free shampoo and conditioner quickly washed away the discomfort.

I’ve had the treatment for almost two weeks and here’s what I can tell you so far: management of my hair after La-Brasiliana Zero Keratin Treatment with Collagen is effortless. The amount of time required to style my hair has dramatically decreased, even on humid days. I wash and condition, and I comb and go. This treatment has restored my hair’s resiliency. Humidity, rain or perspiration no longer disturb my (hair)style, and frizz is yesterday’s worry. Unlike the other strengtheners I’ve had, this one has given my hair movement and healthy texture.

Alesandro warned me that the results last two to four months; the treatment dissipates gradually as hair is shampooed (he suggested that I purchase sulfur free shampoo and conditioner). As clients repeat the treatment every two to four months, they will be able to observe a continuous improvement of their hair. I’m hooked.

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