The Short Answer
Choose a Blowout if:
- ◆You want smooth, styled hair today
- ◆You're preparing for a specific event
- ◆You want a recurring weekly or bi-weekly treat
- ◆You're on a budget ($33–$40 at MC Hair)
Choose Keratin if:
- ◆You want to wake up with easier-to-manage hair for months
- ◆You're tired of fighting frizz every wash day
- ◆You're willing to invest $150–$400 for 3–5 months of results
- ◆You can follow strict aftercare for the first 72 hours
What Is a Blowout?
A blowout is a professional hair styling service in which a stylist washes, conditions, and blow-dries your hair to a smooth, polished finish — often with the addition of a round brush for volume and shape. At MC Hair Salon & Spa, a standard blowout includes the wash and a full professional dry and style. Our "Blow Out with Iron Work" adds curling or flat iron work for an additional $7.
The result lasts approximately 3–7 days depending on your hair type, humidity, and lifestyle. A blowout leaves zero chemical residue in your hair and has no recovery or aftercare period. It is the perfect same-day service.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment (also sold as "Brazilian Blowout," "Keratin Complex," or simply a "smoothing treatment") infuses the hair shaft with a keratin protein formula that is then heat-sealed using a flat iron at very high temperatures. The result is dramatically smoother, shinier, easier-to-manage hair that lasts 3–5 months.
Unlike a blowout, keratin is a chemical treatment with a recovery period. You typically cannot wash your hair or tie it up for 48–72 hours after the service. You must also switch to sulfate-free shampoo to preserve the results. These constraints are worth understanding before you book.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blowout | Keratin | |
|---|---|---|
| Service time | 45–75 minutes | 2–4 hours |
| Cost (NYC) | $33–$80 | $150–$400+ |
| Results last | 3–7 days | 3–5 months |
| Chemical process | No | Yes |
| Aftercare restrictions | None | 48–72 hrs, sulfate-free shampoo |
| Hair types | All | Best on medium–thick, frizzy/wavy |
| Safe while pregnant? | Yes | Consult your doctor |
| Good for events | Yes — same day | Book 1 week prior |
Which Is Right for NYC Life?
Humidity is the enemy of both services — but it affects each differently. New York summers (high heat, high humidity) will collapse a blowout within 24–48 hours for clients with naturally wavy or frizzy hair. The same conditions barely affect a freshly sealed keratin treatment.
For Upper East Side clients with active, demanding schedules, the calculus often comes down to time vs. money. A weekly blowout at $33–$40 costs $130–$160/month — roughly the same as a keratin treatment that lasts 3–5 months and saves 45 minutes of daily styling. If you currently spend 30+ minutes styling your hair every morning, a keratin treatment pays for itself quickly.
If you love the ritual of the salon and your hair cooperates well with blowouts (typically fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair), the weekly or bi-weekly blowout is hard to beat as an experience and a result.
Blowout Services at MC Hair Salon
MC Hair Salon & Spa offers professional blowout and styling services starting at $33 for a blow out and style, and $40 with iron work (curling or straightening). We also offer a Blowout Bundle package — 5 blowouts for $149 (saving $16 vs. individual booking), ideal for clients who want a consistent weekly routine.
Our stylists are experienced with all hair types and textures — from fine and straight to thick and curly. Every blowout includes a professional shampoo and conditioning treatment before styling.
Walk-ins are welcome for blowouts, though we recommend calling ahead at (212) 988-5252 on weekends when availability fills quickly.
Questions
Blowout & Keratin FAQ
Book Your Service
Blowouts from $33 · Walk-ins Welcome
MC Hair Salon & Spa · 336 East 78th St · Upper East Side · (212) 988-5252