Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1511260
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 23 can hold onto harmful ingredients that can cause contradictions. Some of those ingredients include: • Chlorine from swimming pools—This can dry out the hair, strip it of its natural oils, and alter its color. • Denatured alcohol—Found in many styling products, denatured alcohol can be extremely drying for the scalp and hair. • Metallic salts—Commonly found in store-bought color and henna, among other products, these salts can last up to two years in the hair strand, even after the color has faded. Metallic salts can cause exothermic reactions in chemical services. • Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)—Also called p-phenylenediamine, this compound is found in most store-bought color and styling products. PPD can cause adverse reactions to chemicals and increase UV sensitivity. • Silicones—Found in a variety of hair products, these act as a protective coating on the hair, blocking penetration to the strand. In the long term, silicones can dry out the hair. These can also be a barrier for penetrating color into the hair shaft. • Sulfates—These are often found in shampoos and cleansing formulas. They can weaken and dull the hair, making it more prone to damage and split ends. HAVE A PLAN It may not be possible to please every client who wants a new color, perm, or relaxer service. If someone comes to you with overprocessed hair and you know the integrity of their hair can't withstand another ounce of toner, bleach, or chemical of any kind, have a serious talk with the client. Let them know exactly why you're not comfortable proceeding with the service and what your plan of action is. Deep conditioning treatments, a haircut, or an at-home care regimen are all options you can offer your client if you can't provide the chemical service they're looking for. If your guest is impatient or has an event to go to, a wig, hairpiece, or extensions can be other options. Some key suggestions for an at-home care regimen include: • Adding vitamins into their daily routine, such as hydrolyzed collagen or vitamin E, which have been shown to promote healthy hair growth. Remember to have them check with their primary care doctors before they add any supplements. • Using professional products, from moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hair masks and heat protectants, if they're adamant about styling their hair with hot tools. • Teaching them how to care for wet hair, like not brushing hair when it's wet. Wet hair is fragile, and they could be putting added stress on their THE CONSULT already stressed-out tresses by pulling out tangles and ultimately causing more damage. • Using a hair sunscreen that contains UV and heat protection. • Not washing their hair every day. By skipping a daily cleansing, your client will allow the natural oils to work magic on the hair shaft. For overprocessed hair, it's ideal if clients can wash their hair once a week and use dry shampoo between washings. • Advising them on how to style their hair. If clients are prone to wearing tight ponytails, have them opt for loose buns or braids, or use clips and scrunchies instead of elastic bands. • Keeping the heat on their styling tools at a lower temperature. If they can avoid blow-drying, this will skip an additional heated step in their routine, which can help prolong the health of their hair. SATISFIED CLIENTS ARE THE GOAL There may be times when you need to refuse a service and opt for a treatment plan that helps improve the health of your client's hair. If that's the case, don't fret; a long-term plan to achieve healthy hair and a satis ed client is better than a disastrous chemical service that results in a client who won't return. Have a serious talk with the client. Let them know exactly why you're not comfortable proceeding with the service and what your plan of action is.