In your opinion, why is the Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment® the best out there? What do you love most about it?

First and foremost, this treatment is the original in this category. We were the pioneers in this salon service category and are, therefore, the authority. the name “Brazilian Keratin treatment®” is our registered trademark. I love the calls and letters and hugs I get from salon professionals who are earning a lot of money by providing the treatment in their salons. I’m still a hairdresser at heart, and it is my privilege to be able to help other hairdressers build their careers by making clients happy with their hair.

You’ve said that the treatment is not a straightener or relaxer … can you explain what you mean by that?

the treatment has a ph of 4 to 5 (lower than water), so it does not break the bonds within the hair or restructure them as with harsher chemical straighteners and relaxers. this makes the results temporary, rather than permanent. … Over time, the client’s hair texture will revert to its original state.

How does the treatment actually work on the hair’s physical structure?

It works by filling gaps between the cuticle and the cortex of the hair shaft, and then sealing in the keratin molecules with a high heat flat iron. It does not change the structure of the hair and will fade over time with shampooing. the results are frizz-free, smooth, healthy, manageable hair that makes blow-drying easier and faster.

For stylists reading this, how much training is required in order to become proficient in the system? Is it difficult to use on clients?

to become certified to use our treatment, stylists can take a 3–4 hour class, either directly through us, or from one of our distributor partners. although it is not difficult to perform the BKt service in the salon, we believe it is essential for stylists to be trained in order to have a good understanding of the product and how it works. Our experienced instructors also provide professional tips based on their own use of BKt and the class includes a live model demonstration.

Can you explain the role of formaldehyde in the product, and address and assuage any health concerns that people may have regarding the product’s chemical consistency?

this is a very important question. the biggest confusion regarding formaldehyde in the treatment is that it is the active ingredient. this is not true. It is the keratin that creates the results clients seek. all our treatment products are manufactured in the United States, in an FDa approved laboratory. We strictly follow all FDa guidelines and OSha regulations for the use of formaldehyde in the workplace. the form of formaldehyde we use, formalin, is a cosmetic grade solution that preserves the keratin on the cuticle. Without the presence of the formaldehyde, results would last a maximum of 1 to 2 weeks, as opposed to 2 to 4 months!

What’s the next step in your success — what does the future hold?

We plan to continue doing what we’ve been doing since we first introduced the treatment [in 2006] — take care of the customers who trust us to provide the best possible product and most advanced education. … We know we have the potential to help more and more salons around the country, and around the world, build their businesses through this phenomenal service.

For more information, call 561.272.8443 or visit www.braziliankeratin.com