Chemical Services

Shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp of dirt, oil, and product buildup.

Conditioners and acid-balanced rinses help close the cuticle and detangle the hair.

Natural hair and skin are slightly acidic, about pH 4.5 to 5.5 (the acid mantle).

On the pH scale, 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline.

Relaxers break disulfide bonds to straighten curly or coiled hair, then are neutralized.

Perms break and then reform disulfide bonds around rods to create curl.

The neutralizer (fixative) reforms the bonds and locks in the new shape.

Apply a protective base cream to shield the scalp from caustic relaxer chemicals.

Permanent (oxidation) color deposits color in the cortex for a lasting change.

Hydrogen peroxide is the developer that lifts natural pigment and develops color.

Temporary and semi-permanent colors coat or lightly penetrate and fade with shampooing.

Highly alkaline products swell and open the cuticle, which can weaken hair if overdone.

Perform a patch (predisposition) test 24 to 48 hours before aniline-derivative color.

Do not proceed if the client reacts to the patch test; advise them to see a physician if needed.

Use a strand test to preview color result, timing, or curl before treating the whole head.

Assess porosity, since porous hair absorbs chemicals and color faster, affecting timing.