Keratin vs Brazilian Blowout cost in Los Angeles: the honest breakdown
Both treatments smooth frizz. Both cost between $280 and $550 in LA. But cost-per-week of smooth hair is what actually matters — and by that math, they're not equivalent at all.
By Burcin Goksu, Master Stylist & Founder · Published Sep 18, 2026 · 5 min read
What each treatment costs at MUA Salon
| Length | Brazilian Blowout | Keratin Smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| Short (above shoulder) | $350 | $280 |
| Medium | $400 | $320 |
| Long | $450 | $400 |
| Very long / thick | $500 | $450–$550 |
Prices vary 15–25% across Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, Sherman Oaks. Ours are the mid-range; Beverly Hills salons run $100–$150 higher for the same product.
How long each lasts in LA humidity
- Brazilian Blowout: 10–14 weeks average across our client base. Fine hair stretches to 16; thick hair drops to 8.
- Keratin Smoothing: 8–10 weeks average. Fine hair 12; thick hair 6.
Wash frequency changes this a lot: 2×/week vs daily washes = 30–40% longevity gap.
Cost per week of smooth hair
Medium-length hair, honest averages:
- Brazilian Blowout: $400 / 12 weeks = $33/week
- Keratin: $320 / 9 weeks = $36/week
Brazilian Blowout wins on a strict cost-per-week basis for medium hair. For fine hair the gap widens — Brazilian Blowout at 16 weeks = $25/week; keratin at 12 weeks = $27/week. On thick hair, keratin sometimes wins.
The formaldehyde question
This is where the decision often flips:
- Brazilian Blowout: Contains methylene glycol. Officially "formaldehyde-free" in the bottle. Releases trace formaldehyde vapor when heated to 450°F application temperature. Below OSHA limits per session; requires ventilation.
- Keratin (the version we use — Cezanne Perfect Finish): Uses glyoxylic acid. Zero formaldehyde or formaldehyde precursors. No fumes. Safe for pregnant applicators.
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma, or share bathroom air with a partner/kid — keratin is the right pick even at slightly higher per-week cost.
What each treatment does to your hair
- Brazilian Blowout: Coating. Smooths frizz by 80–90%. Doesn't chemically change hair structure. Hair goes back to natural texture as coating wears off.
- Keratin: Protein rebuild. Fills gaps in damaged cuticle. Smooths frizz 60–75%. Better for chemically damaged hair. Slightly less "sleek" than Brazilian.
Which hair types get which
- Fine, straight-to-wavy hair with frizz: Brazilian Blowout. Longer lasting, better cost-per-week.
- Thick, coarse, curly hair: Either — but keratin holds better on very thick strands.
- Bleached / heavily damaged hair: Keratin. Repair-forward.
- Naturally straight, only frizzy in humidity: Neither. Try a smoothing gloss ($85) between salon washes. Save the treatment budget.
What isn't in the sticker price
Both treatments require sulfate-free shampoo for 3 months to hold. If you're using grocery-store shampoo, add $60–$90 for professional aftercare products. Otherwise you're paying $400 for a treatment that dies in 4 weeks.
Our aftercare recommendation (Davines Melu shampoo + mask): $65 total. Read our Davines LA guide.
Read next
- Full comparison — Brazilian Blowout vs Keratin
- Brazilian Blowout on West 3rd Street — full guide
- Keratin treatment at MUA Salon
Book a smoothing consult
Book Brazilian Blowout → · Book keratin →
About the author: Burcin Goksu is Brazilian Blowout Professional Certified (2019) and Cezanne Keratin Certified (2021). She has performed 400+ Brazilian Blowouts and 250+ keratin treatments at MUA Salon.