Some times being a beauty blogger has serious perks and today was one of those days. I was invited to an event at the Argyle Salon & Spa where we met the President of the Brazilian Blowout, Britney Huinker. I get pitched a lot of different products, but Britney blew me away with her passion and enthusiasm about the Brazilian Blowout. She’s is such a believer in her product and after today, so am I. After writing about the BB for a while now, I finally took the plunge and got one myself! I’m totally sold, you guys, it’s amazing! My hair looks and feels so incredibly soft, shiny, and healthy. I love it. And best of all, it’s going to stay like this with minimal work from me, which is awesome because I love nothing more than minimal work.
The Brazilian Blowout is the only professional smoothing treatment that actually improves the health of your hair instead of damaging it, leaving your hair smooth, soft and frizz-free without using formaldehyde. The entire process took only 90 minutes, and there is zero down time, meaning I can wash my hair whenever I want without waiting for the treatment to “set”. And my hair is not pin straight–it still has movement and body. Since I have fine hair, I was worried that my hair would be too straight and flat, but my BB stylist Alfredo Lewis tailored it to exactly what I wanted. (Along with doing Brazilian Blowouts, Alfredo is also an amazing colorist at Argyle Salon. And hopefully he will be back for an interview with HOTB soon.)
[Edited to add: I totally still have wave in my hair when I don't blow dry it straight so don't worry about your hair being TOO straight after getting the BB. Also, I can still put wave in with a styler as well. The Brazilian Blowout just really takes the frizz out of your hair, smooths it, and makes styling so much easier.]
If you’re thinking about getting a Brazilian Blowout, be sure to check out my Guide to Brazilian Blowouts for more information, and keep this in mind too: “Brazilian Blowout” is become like “Xerox” or “Coke”–a brand name used to describe a whole genre of products. So be careful when booking this treatment since there are salons that are using the brand name but offering a different hair straightening system.
For those of you in LA, the Argyle Salon & Spa is really fantastic and I highly recommend it for a Brazilian Blowout, a color service or cut. I got my hair cut by Rebecca Contis and she was really fantastic. I’ve been bouncing around to different stylists since I moved to LA, but I had that oooh I trust this stylist feeling with Rebecca that I haven’t had since I moved here. It’s hard for me to give my heart to any stylist. Really hard. But I fell a little for Rebecca. Doesn’t hurt that she looks like a ballerina. Also, I discussed WEDDING HAIR. Yes, WEDDING HAIR! with hair stylist and colorist Gerald Niederwieser… Ooh. Exciting stuff!
Also, check out my post on Brazilian Blowout Acai Hair Care product line. Does it really extend the life of your Brazilian Blowout? Find out!
Argyle Salon & Spa
8358 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, California, 90069
310-623-9000
So this is a little bit off topic but I am looking for a hair stylist suggestion.
I am in need of a new hairstylist. I don’t need anything dramatic, but am looking to have my hair trimmed up and styled a bit. It’s along the lines of an Alexa Chung longish bob.
Any good hairstylists in LA that you can recommend for that style of hair? I used to go to the Purple Circle in Los Feliz but it’s just not cutting it anymore (no pun intended) and am overwhelmed by my salon options!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am so glad you loved your Brazilian Blowout! Just wait until you live with it and see how EASY it makes your life
Always a sucker for detail, and giving credit where credit is due, I must point out the Mauricio Ribeiro was the creator of Brazilian Blowout. Britney Huinker is definitely high on the executive level, but I don’t think she’s even a hairdresser…anyway Mauricio and the brand have gone their separate ways, as often happens with an artist and their corporate sponsor, but make no mistake that it was Mauricio Ribeiro who developed the original Brazilian Blowout.
He did my first Brazilian Blowout, and tutored me personally in a one-on-one session back when he was still at the Argyle. I would hate to see his genuis go uncredited!
Leigh, my fiance had a bad experience at Purple Circle. Plus, what a stupid name.
Anyway, I honestly really really liked Rebecca at Argyle a lot. She was really cool, not snooty. She totally listened and ‘got’ my hair. you know? I’m going to go back to her. Although, I think the prices are a little higher, just so you know. http://www.argylela.com/
I had been going to Lissa at The Hive. I recommend that place too, but I have to say that I was not too thrilled with my hair cut… It just was not *me* enough? If that makes sense. She layered it WAY too much, which is my hair pet peeve. I think maybe the Hive does more edgy type cuts, so if you are looking for something like that, maybe try the Hive? My fiance gets his hair done there now by Malina & totally loves her. (A+ for guys.) http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hive-los-angeles-los-angeles
Speaking of edgy cuts though, Hairroin Salon! Lots of good stylists here. Depends what you’re looking for, but this place is awesome and is owned by Janine from Shear Genius.
http://www.hairroinsalon.com/
The other place I like in LA is GoodForm Salon on Fairfax, although I cannot remember who I went to! It’s a good/cute place though. Had a nice, chill vibe. http://goodformsalon.com/
So there are some options for you to check out… Hope that helps! I think it depends on what you’re looking for, more of a classic cut or something more edgy. Honestly I think Rebecca at Argyle is a good mix of the two. Lemme know where you go–even if it’s none of these.
Great article, Valerie! How does the Brazilian Blowout compare to a keratin treatment?
The Brazilian Blowout is the only one that allows you to wash your hair the night you get the treatment, the next day or whatever. And there are no rules about ponytails, clips, etc. All other keratin treatments require a 24-96 hour waiting period while the keratin “settles”. And during that time, you have to be super careful.
Are you thinking about getting it done?
Thanks for your comments, Jordana, and thanks for adding that detail. I actually posted about Mauricio Ribeiro on HOTB. It looks like he’s now doing a similar treatment at Doheny in Beverly Hills. http://www.haironthebrain.com/2009/06/true-brazilian-hair-treatment/
@Chris Brazilian Blowout IS a keratin treatment…the best one
For all the reasons Valerie said, plus it leaves the hair softer, shinier, and more flexible than any other. It also leaves hair with a soft, natural bend and the option to still wear it wavy…and, unlike many other keratin treatments, it fades out nicely; some are awkward and stiff, and can’t be worn wavy.
Read more on HOTB’s earlier post, as linked above: http://www.haironthebrain.com/2009/09/in-depth-guide-to-brazilian-blowouts/
@Valerie Yes, Mauricio has made a new treatment! Unfortunately, his experience has left him very protective of it and he is not training or selling it to anyone else
He knows I am a big fan and want to be among the first if he changes his mind!
Jordana, I have a question for you that was being kicked around yesterday–is the Brazilian Blowout affective on African-American hair?
And, now I am curious. How is Mauricio’s new treatment different? Thanks.
Thank you so much for the suggestions!
I wont be able to go for another three weeks or so but I’m thinking the Hive. It seems the most affordable and has good reviews.
Thank you and I will definitely let you know how it goes!
That’s great, Leigh! It’s a really cool place & if you live in the area, it would be perfect. Lissa owns it and is adorable & a good stylist. She does really good color too. Let me know how your hair turns out!
Great post Valerie! and I love the comments too… Can’t wait to see your hair. As you know, Michelle had another BB done recently and loves it!
I’m going to recommend Hairroin if you’re looking for a cut,
And YES the brazillian blowdry is totally suitable for african american hair! And extensions and weaves
….We also do the same brazillian blowdry at hairroin salon (where I am a stylist)
-beatrice
I got one last month, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I’ll be blogging about it soon, definitely. BEST EVER.
Hi Beatrice: I saw a bunch of your guys work at Hairroin Salons work back when I was Dictator in Chief of MopShots (R.I.P.) and it was all so amazing! Fantastic color & cuts so I hiiiighly recommend Hairroin Salon to all my LA readers.
I need to come in to see you guys some day! It’s crazy–I drive by on the way to Gold’s in Hollywood like everyday. Also, Janine mentioned you cut the girls who work at Gold’s hair. 
@Valerie I would guess Mauricio’s new treatment is likely to be almost identical to the original BB formula, since it was his baby to begin with. But BB has reformulated a few times since he left; for example, BB is now free of formaldehyde and any other ‘hyde’ ingredients.
I can’t see any FAQs that would allow me to pinpoint details, and because he is only using the product himself, there isn’t training info or anything like that
You can read more about Mauricio and his new product here http://www.truebrazilian.com/. Maybe you can contact/interview him about the differences, or even try it once your BB fades out–if I were him, I’d jump at the chance!
Thanks for the information, Jordana! You’re an awesome resource, as always.
I love my brazilian blowout! I went to SHane Hair Style Color in Sherman Oaks inside the Sola Salon. The treatment smelt wonderful and he gave me a new client special of $175. He also has had alot of training at Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy and knows how to cut hair. If your in the area I HIGHLY reccomend him!(818-200-8850)
Sarah: whoa that is a LOW price! Glad you’re happy with your Brazilian Blowout!
I LOVE IT! I do realize that my next time will be $350….but I am a BB believer!~
Hey Sarah, I like mine too for the fact that I can totally wash & go now. I don’t have to blow dry my hair AT ALL–even my bangs! And I don’t have to put barely any product in or use much conditioner even. It’s crazy. The only thing, I think, is that for people with fine hair like mine, it does sort of zap you of volume a bit, so you have to be ready for that. But my hair looks super shiny and healthy, which is awesome. I would totally do it again too.
Try hairstyles on yourself just by wigs!
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