How long does a Brazilian straightening treatment last? 

Are you considering a Brazilian straightening treatment and wondering how long your hair will stay smooth, supple, and shiny? This keratin-rich treatment is popular for its promise of lasting hair transformation. But its longevity depends on many factors: the nature of your hair, the treatments you use, the consistency of your hair care routine , etc. In this article, Myriam K guides you step by step to understand and prolong the effects of your straightening treatment, using a professional approach and expert techniques. 

How long does a Brazilian straightening treatment actually last on different hair types ? ⏰ 

Brazilian straightening is a thermo-active treatment enriched with keratin, designed to relax the hair fiber without chemically altering it. Its duration depends mainly on the nature of the hair, compliance with the initial protocol and daily maintenance. 

Fine or low porosity hair 

Fine hair, often associated with a closed hair fiber, has low porosity. This characteristic allows for better fixation of keratin, as the cuticle remains well sealed and smooth. As a result, Brazilian straightening can last up to six months with proper care. 

For these hair types, the main goal is to control frizz or light waves. However, this type of hair is more sensitive to chemical damage. Repeated coloring, high-oxidation highlights, or successive bleaching can weaken the fiber and compromise the hold of the straightening treatment. 

It is therefore essential to space out chemical treatments and to favor gentle cleaning products, without sulfates or silicones, to maintain the smoothing effects over time. 

Curly, kinky or thick hair 

Hair with dense texture, whether curly, frizzy, or kinky, is naturally more porous. Keratin therefore penetrates the fiber more easily, but it also escapes more quickly. On these hair types, Brazilian straightening lasts on average three to four months . 

This hair type requires careful application: section by section, with perfectly distributed heat to seal the keratin evenly. The treatment softens curls, visibly reduces volume, and facilitates daily styling without breaking the natural curl if it is well maintained. 

However, the rapid regrowth of the roots sometimes makes the demarcation more visible after a few weeks, especially on very frizzy hair. To limit this contrast, it is recommended to use a root straightener with heat protection, and to complete the routine with hair care rich in moisturizing agents. 

Sensitized or very porous hair 

Hair that has undergone repeated bleaching, straightening, or chemical treatments often has high porosity. Since the cuticle is already open, keratin seeps in quickly... but doesn't stay put. In these cases, the effects of Brazilian hair straightening can fade in as little as six to eight weeks . 

Before applying any straightening treatment to damaged hair, a hair reconstruction protocol is essential. It aims to strengthen the fiber, close the scales, and create a homogeneous base to accommodate the keratin. This preparatory treatment can include masks based on ceramides, amino acids, or hydrolyzed proteins, used for one to two weeks beforehand. Without this essential step, the keratin will not adhere well, and the smoothing effect will not only be temporary but also uneven. 

After straightening, this hair must receive intense nourishing care, in the form of oil baths or strengthening masks to prevent breakage and maintain the softness of the lengths. On damaged or porous hair, keratin adheres less durably. A preliminary reconstruction treatment is often recommended. Without this, the effects of straightening can fade after six to eight weeks .