Re-Texturize: the process of altering your natural wave pattern, and thereby changing the shape of the hair strand. The hair strand shape is defined by a few basic patterns; straight, wavy, curled, coiled  , or tightly coiled.  There is one singular point to note:
 
THESE WAVE PATTERNS ARE FOUND IN ALL RACES AND ETHNICITIES.
 
I hope that this matrix and some simple FAQ'S will help answer your questions or simply guide your decision on whether Re-Texturizing is right for you.

**please note: this list is neither exhaustive nor complete, nor is it meant to serve as an instructional guide; always consult with a salon professional or contact me**
Brazilian or Keratin Smoothing System
 		"Japanese" Straightener Sodium Hydroxide Straightener Thermal or Heat Infused Straightening
Hair Type Curly, wavy Curly, wavy, coiled Curly, wavy, coiled, tightly coiled Curly, wavy, coiled, tightly coiled
Process Keratin protein infused into the hair shaft Product applied to hair, washed and dried, flat ironed, and neutralized Product applied to hair, rinsed and neutralized Blow dryed, flat ironed, hot combed
Primary Ingredient Keratin protein Thioglycolate Sodium Hyfroxide, Guanadine NA
Application Time (includes finishing) 2-4 hours 4-6 hours 1-2 hours varies
Re-application Up to 3 months 3-6 months 4-8 weeks When curl or wave returns
Result Smooth hair with minimal wave and no frizz; Semi-permanent, washes out gradually Super straight hair with permanent results Straight hair with permanent results Hair is temporarily straight until washed or re-wet
Product Names and Brands Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, Brazilian Blow-Out, Marcia Textera Bio Ionic, Quantum Mizani, Affirm, Design Essentials, Ouidad Curl Softner, Paul Mitchell Relaxer NA
Brazilian Blow Outs -vs- Keratin Smoothing Treatments
 
Recently there has been a wave of “Brazilian” straightening products hitting the market. Often times these products are distinguished by their effectiveness at straightening, or de-frizzing the hair and punctuated by the keratin content, lack of formaldehydes and aldehyde derivatives. The question for clients becomes 'which is healthier for my hair, less noxious and most effective at smoothing and straightening my hair.'
 
A few points to keep in mind when deciding which keratin smoothing salon service is right for you:
 
Brazilian Blowouts, as they are often billed, are designed to de-frizz the hair, reduce blow drying time, and ultimately condition the hair by imparting keratin protein into the hair strand.
Keratin smoothing treatments such as the Keratin Complex Smoothing TherapyTM are designed to reduce the curl by up to 90%, de-frizz the hair and reduce drying time by up to 60%.
 
These are all claims by individual companies. In the interest of full disclosure, I have used the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy for years and my clients love the results!