Which Smoothing Treatment Is Right for You?

Taylor Deskins
Aug 5
2 min read

Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Complex vs. Milbon Liscio Japanese Straightening

If you live in Asheville, NC, you already know how humidity can wreak havoc on your hair—causing frizz, puffiness, and styling struggles. At Salon AVL, we specialize in professional smoothing treatments that tame the frizz and give you the smooth, manageable hair of your dreams. But with so many options—Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex, and Milbon Liscio Japanese Straightening—how do you know which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

Brazilian Blowout

Best for: Clients who want to reduce frizz but maintain body and movementLasts: About 10–12 weeks

Downtime: None—wash and style same day

Works well on: Most hair types, especially wavy or frizz-prone

What it is:Brazilian Blowout is a customizable smoothing treatment that coats the hair shaft in a protective protein layer, sealing the cuticle and cutting down on frizz while preserving your hair’s natural wave or curl. Unlike some straightening treatments, it won’t flatten your hair.

Benefits:

Smooths frizz and adds shine
Cuts down blow-dry and flat iron time
Safe for color-treated hair
Results are instant—no waiting period to wash or style

Keratin Complex

Best for: Clients wanting soft, manageable hair with frizz reductionLasts: 3–5 months with proper aftercare

Downtime: 48–72 hours before washing

Works well on: Frizzy, unruly, or textured hair

What it is:Keratin Complex uses a blend of keratin (a natural protein in hair) to fill in damage and smooth the hair cuticle. It helps soften the texture of your hair, making it easier to style while maintaining its natural feel.

Benefits:

Smooths and strengthens
Deeply conditions hair
Can help repair damage
Less chemical than permanent straightening

Milbon Liscio Japanese Straightening

Best for: Clients who want permanently straight hair with sleek, glass-like shine

Lasts: Permanent (only needs touch-ups as roots grow in)

Downtime: Avoid washing or sweating for 48 hours

Works well on: Thick, coarse, very curly, or extremely frizzy hair

What it is: Milbon’s Liscio Japanese Straightening System is a thermal reconditioning treatment that restructures the internal bonds of the hair. Unlike smoothing systems, this delivers long-lasting, truly straight hair with mirror-like shine.

Benefits:

Dramatically straightens the hair
Long-lasting results (until new growth)
Eliminates frizz entirely
Great for clients who always flat iron

Things to know:

It’s more time-intensive and technical—only trust certified stylists (like ours!)
Best with a consultation first to assess hair health and compatibility

🧪 How to Choose the Right Smoothing Treatment

Treatment Type	Frizz Control	Maintains Curl	Permanent	Ideal Hair Type
Brazilian Blowout	✅ ✅ ✅	✅ ✅ ✅	❌	Frizzy, wavy, color-treated
Keratin Complex	✅ ✅ ✅	✅ ✅	❌	Frizzy, dry, textured
Milbon Japanese Liscio	✅ ✅ ✅	❌	✅	Coarse, curly, resistant, thick

💇‍♀️ Book Your Smoothing Service in Asheville

Whether you're looking for subtle frizz control or a total hair transformation, our team at Salon AVL is here to help you choose the perfect smoothing treatment for your hair type and lifestyle.

We are proud to offer certified smoothing services including: