It is commonly accepted that you always want what you haven’t got, especially when it comes to hair, and this definitely rings true for me. My hair is of the curly, unruly and dry and rebellious school. Coupled with that, I certainly haven’t made life easy for my hair. Years of colouring, bleaching, blow-drying and indeed hot ironing over the years have left my hair, puffy parched and frizzy.

So when I heard about a new miracle treatment that promised to solve these problems and more I was certainly intrigued. The Brazilain Blow-Dry is a semi permanent treatment that naturally straightens hair using Keratin, a substance which is naturally found in the hair, leaving the hair smooth, locking in moisture and removing the need to spend hours battling with hairdryers, tongs and irons.

What better time to trial this wonder treatment than before a week in the South of France, where I would be engaging in many activities that would normally ravage my hair type, namely swimming, sunbathing then using my much beloved irons to attempt to smooth my hair in the evening.

I went to the Inanch salon, which specialises in such straightening treatments and hair extensions. My technician Ivan gave me a consultation, which involved talking about the condition of my hair and the reasons for wanting to try the treatment. The process was explained during the consultation as well as the expected results and the necessary aftercare, as the Keratin treatment will not provide poker straight results, but indeed reduce frizz and curls and provide a smoother and more shiny appearance, this was ideal for me as I do not long for flat hair, just a smoother and more maneagable version of my own.

Unlike more familiar straightening treatments such as the Japanese Yuko system the Brazilian blow dry is natural and a quicker process. The critical point that was emphasised to me is refrain from washing the hair for four days so the product can penetrate the hair, you should also avoid perspiration and using clips or hair ties in your hair, which will result in kinks in the hair.

I was led to the wash basin which is situated in a tranquil area of the salon, a small room that has soft lighting, aromatherapy candles and relaxing music. The chairs even recline fully for a totally relaxing experience. The treatment began with my hair being washed thoroughly twice, Ivan explained that virgin hair (non-coloured) would even require three shampoos.

Back in the main salon Ivan combed my hair through, quite a task for my tangled curly hair, and then began to apply the Keratin, section by section. During this stage I was given a face-mask and protective ear covers to wear. Ivan explained that although the treatment is not harmful it does take three hours to complete and prolonged inhalation should be avoided. The Keratin had a surprising and pleasant smell, in my case chocolate, although they also have cinnamon.

Once the hair was completely covered Ivan began to blow dry the hair using a paddle brush, something I am familiar with as I have spent many an hour under a hairdryer attempting to tame my locks.

Already at this stage my hair was a far cry from the curly mess I had arrived at the salon with, the next stage was to repeat the process with hot irons, which seals in the keratin and provides a perfectly smooth finish.

On leaving the salon I now possessed the perfectly fresh salon hair I had always wished for. I was keen however to put the treatment to the real test and to determine whether or not I could leave my hair straighteners at home for the first year since I can remember. The four days, without washing my hair were fine, although I became paranoid as they were also the hottest days of the year and I didn’t want to ruin the perfectly straight hair in the heat.

However, I was certainly not disappointed with the results, after swimming in the pool my hair dried to a very smooth, slightly tousled effect. Something I would have struggled to achieve before, even with my arsenal of power tools. When drying my hair after a day in the sun, I was able to use my finger on a cool setting and the result was perfectly sleek and smooth hair. The ultimate test, was a day spent on a boat around the coast, swimming in caves, lying on the deck, and returning to port at 25 knots which was both a bumpy and windy affair. Previously I would have returned to shore, like a washed up survivor left at sea for many a month, this time I truly felt worthy of stepping back onto shore.
www.inanch.com