KERASMOOTH Professional Education
Keratin vs BTX 50: Which KERASMOOTH System Is Right for You?
The two KERASMOOTH systems are designed for different professional results. The Brazilian Keratin System is the straightening and smoothing option. BTX 50 is the volume and frizz-control option for clients who want to maintain natural movement.
For professional use onlyMandatory strand test before every applicationNever exceed 200°C
The short answer
If the goal is straighter, sleeker hair, the relevant KERASMOOTH option is the Brazilian Keratin System. If the goal is to reduce frizz and excess bulk while keeping natural movement, choose BTX 50 Hair Volume Control. The final professional decision should always follow consultation, hair assessment and a satisfactory strand test.
The Difference in One Minute
These are not interchangeable versions of the same service. The Brazilian Keratin System is built around professional straightening and smoothing. BTX 50 is designed to control excess volume and frizz while maintaining natural movement. That difference changes the preparation, processing time and finishing protocol.
| Comparison point | Brazilian Keratin System | BTX 50 Volume Control |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Straighter + smoother finish | Frizz + excess-volume control |
| Straightening | Yes | No |
| Natural movement | Reduced as the hair becomes straighter | Maintained |
| Glyoxyloyl complex | 7.8% | 6% |
| Hair before application | Approximately 80% dry | Damp, towel-dried |
| Sectioning | 4 sections | 4 sections |
| Scalp clearance | Minimum 1 cm | Minimum 1 cm |
| Processing time | 40–60 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Rinse before final drying | Yes — until zero residue | Yes — until zero residue |
| Flat iron | Required | Optional |
| Passes | 5–10 | 3–6 if ironing is selected |
| Maximum temperature | 200°C | 200°C |
| Strand test | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Maximum frequency | 1 application per month | 1 application per month |
How the Brazilian Keratin System Works
The Brazilian Keratin System uses a 7.8% glyoxyloyl complex and a controlled professional heat protocol to create a visibly straighter, smoother finish. The protocol starts with a mandatory strand test, followed by two cleanses with KERASMOOTH Deep Cleanse Shampoo. Do not use conditioner at this stage.
After cleansing, the hair is rough-dried to approximately 80% dry, divided into four sections, and the formula is applied evenly in small sections while keeping a minimum 1 cm clear of the scalp. Processing time is 40–60 minutes.
Brazilian Keratin System protocol
- Strand test. Complete the full relevant protocol on a small hidden strand. Stop if the strand becomes fragile, weak or discoloured.
- Deep cleanse ×2. Use KERASMOOTH Deep Cleanse Shampoo twice, rinse, towel dry and do not condition.
- Rough dry to 80%. The Keratin System does not go onto damp hair.
- Section into four. Work systematically using professional sectioning tools.
- Apply. Small sections, even coverage, minimum 1 cm away from the scalp.
- Process 40–60 minutes. Follow the strand-test result and professional instructions.
- Rinse to zero residue. Then blow dry the hair to 100% dry.
- Iron. Work in 1-inch sections using 5–10 slow, smooth passes within the approved heat matrix.
Apply evenly while maintaining the required scalp clearance.
The final heat stage follows the approved KERASMOOTH heat-and-pass matrix.Brazilian Keratin heat matrix
| Hair type | Temperature | Passes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra coarse / curly | 200°C | 5–10 |
| Normal | 190–200°C | 5–10 |
| Fine or damaged | 180°C | 5 |
| Bleached / chemically damaged | 180°C | 5 or fewer |
Heat rule: never exceed 200°C. The hair must be 100% dry before ironing.
Brazilian Keratin System: before and after
Straighter · smoother
Before: untreated texture, sectioned into four before application. After: the visibly straighter, smoother finish the system is designed to produce. Illustrative images showing different models; results vary with hair type, condition, protocol and the strand-test outcome.
How BTX 50 Volume Control Works
BTX 50 follows a different route from the beginning. It uses a 6% glyoxyloyl complex and is designed to reduce excess bulk and frizz while maintaining natural movement. It is not the straightening system.
After the mandatory strand test, wash with KERASMOOTH Shampoo, rinse thoroughly, towel off excess water and leave the hair damp — do not blow dry before application. Divide the hair into four sections and apply evenly in small sections, maintaining at least 1 cm scalp clearance. Processing time is 30 minutes.
BTX 50 protocol
- Strand test. Complete the full BTX 50 protocol on a small hidden strand and assess the cooled result.
- Cleanse. Wash with KERASMOOTH Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
- Leave damp. Towel off excess water. Do not blow dry before application.
- Section into four. Work systematically, small sections at a time.
- Apply. Even coverage, minimum 1 cm away from the scalp.
- Process 30 minutes. Follow the strand-test result and professional instructions.
- Rinse to zero residue. Then dry and finish to the agreed level.
Choose the BTX 50 finish with the client
| Finish | Method | Intended result |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Blow dry with brushing, no iron | Softest finish; maximum natural movement retained |
| Middle | Blow dry + 3 passes at 180°C | Smoother finish with movement retained |
| Maximum smoothness | Blow dry + up to 6 passes at 200°C | Smoothest finish available within the BTX 50 protocol |
BTX 50 heat rule: flat ironing is optional. If selected, never exceed 200°C and use 180°C on fine, bleached or damaged hair.
Light-hair colour precaution: BTX 50 contains Acid Violet 43. On blonde, grey, white or bleached hair, visible colour deposition may occur. Discuss this at consultation, protect towels, capes, surfaces and the hairline, and use the mandatory strand test to assess the response before full application.
BTX 50 Volume Control: before and after
Controlled frizz · preserved movement
The Protocol Differences That Matter Most
The easiest way to make a poor recommendation is to use muscle memory from one system on the other. Two differences deserve to be remembered above everything else: the moisture level before application, and whether the flat iron is part of the protocol.
- Apply at approximately 80% dry.
- Process for 40–60 minutes.
- Flat iron is mandatory.
- Use 5–10 passes within the heat matrix.
- Apply to damp, towel-dried hair.
- Process for 30 minutes.
- Flat iron is optional.
- If ironing, use 3–6 passes within the approved limits.
Both systems require a satisfactory strand test, minimum 1 cm scalp clearance, professional PPE, ventilation and a maximum temperature of 200°C. Both application cards limit frequency to a maximum of one application per month.
Strand Testing Is Mandatory for Both Systems
A strand test is the decision point before the full service. Select a small hidden section, preferably at the nape or mid-head, and complete the full relevant system protocol on that strand. Assess the cooled result before proceeding.
The cooled strand remains strong and resilient and the result is satisfactory for the selected system.
The strand becomes fragile, weak, breaks, feels mushy, becomes overly dry or shows an unacceptable colour response.
Safety and Contraindications Are Not Interchangeable
The products share important controls, but the contraindication lists are not identical. Always work from the current application card for the system being used.
- Client must be 18+.
- Pregnant or nursing clients require prior medical clearance.
- Do not use on an irritated, broken, inflamed or wounded scalp.
- Do not proceed on hair that fails the strand test.
- Check for known wheat, soy, tree-nut/macadamia or listed fragrance allergy.
- Nitrile gloves and good ventilation are required.
- Client must be 18+.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not use on an irritated, broken or lesioned scalp.
- Do not proceed on hair that fails the strand test.
- Check for known wheat, soy, oat, tree-nut/macadamia or listed fragrance allergy.
- Nitrile gloves, cape protection and good ventilation are required.
Formula statement for both systems: formaldehyde-free formula — no formaldehyde and no formaldehyde donors. This is a composition statement; it does not replace the professional ventilation, PPE and heat controls in the application instructions.
Which KERASMOOTH System Is Right for You?
Start with the desired finish, then let the professional assessment and strand-test result confirm whether the service is appropriate.
Straighter, smoother, sleeker
The desired professional result is visibly straighter, smoother and sleeker hair, and the client accepts that natural curl or wave movement will be reduced as the hair becomes straighter.
View Brazilian Keratin SystemFrizz and volume under control
The priority is to reduce excess volume and frizz while retaining natural movement rather than choosing a straightening service.
View BTX 50 Hair Volume ControlCan a salon offer both?
Yes. The two systems are designed around different service goals. Carrying both allows the recommendation to follow the client’s desired finish and hair assessment instead of forcing every client into one route. Each system must still be used with its own preparation, contraindications and professional protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Brazilian Keratin System and BTX 50?
The Brazilian Keratin System is the KERASMOOTH straightening and smoothing option. BTX 50 is the KERASMOOTH volume and frizz-control option designed to maintain natural movement. Their preparation, processing time and heat protocol are different.
Does KERASMOOTH BTX 50 straighten hair?
No. BTX 50 is not the straightening system. It is designed to reduce excess bulk and frizz while maintaining natural movement. If a visibly straighter, sleeker finish is the goal, the Brazilian Keratin System is the relevant KERASMOOTH option.
Why do people search for “hair botox vs keratin”?
Hair botox is a market category term and contains no botulinum toxin. KERASMOOTH does not use it as the product name: the product is BTX 50 Hair Volume Control. The practical comparison is BTX 50 for volume and frizz control versus Brazilian Keratin System for straightening and smoothing.
Does the Brazilian Keratin System require a flat iron?
Yes. Flat ironing is mandatory in the Brazilian Keratin System protocol. Work in 1-inch sections using the approved heat matrix and 5–10 passes, never exceeding 200°C.
Is flat ironing required with BTX 50?
No. Flat ironing is optional with BTX 50. The signature finish is a blow dry with brushing and no iron. If extra smoothness is selected, use 3–6 passes within the approved limits and never exceed 200°C.
Is a strand test required for both KERASMOOTH systems?
Yes. A strand test is mandatory before every application. Complete the full relevant protocol on a small hidden strand and proceed only if the result is satisfactory.
Are the two KERASMOOTH formulas formaldehyde-free?
Both formulas contain no formaldehyde and no formaldehyde donors. This is a formula-composition statement. Both systems must still be used according to their professional instructions, including ventilation, PPE and the approved heat controls.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding clients use either system?
BTX 50 must not be used on pregnant or breastfeeding clients. For the Brazilian Keratin System, pregnant or nursing clients require prior medical clearance before the service is considered.
Can BTX 50 be used on blonde, grey, white or bleached hair?
Extra care is required. BTX 50 contains Acid Violet 43 and visible colour deposition may occur on light, blonde, grey, white or bleached hair. Discuss this during consultation, protect surfaces and the hairline, and use the mandatory strand test to assess the response before full application.
Can a salon offer both KERASMOOTH systems?
Yes. They are designed for different service goals rather than being two versions of the same result. Offering both allows the recommendation to follow the client’s desired finish, hair assessment and strand-test result. Each system must be used with its own protocol and contraindications.
Two professional systems · Two different results
Choose the KERASMOOTH system that matches the intended finish.
For professional use only · Mandatory strand test before every application · Never exceed 200°C
Professional information: This comparison is a general educational guide to the two KERASMOOTH systems. It does not replace the current product label, application card, consultation process or safety instructions for the specific system being used.