Hair Consultations are Important: Consult Your Stylist for Chemical Questions

Hump Day

Hello gorgeous! Whoop, whoop, it’s Hump Day! And that means it is time for another Q&A with Ask the Pro Stylist. This week’s query questions the authenticity of hair consultations. Since I only support licensed cosmetologists, my only answer is to consult your stylist for all hair care concerns, including chemical questions that involve smoothing treatments. The following is from George.

Question for Ask the Pro Stylist

Hello! I have virgin brown hair. Do you think I can bleach it to light blond and do a Brazilian blowout in the same day or week? Or will it damage it?

Thanks!

Actual Response

Hi George, sorry for the delayed response. Unfortunately, without seeing your hair, I cannot give a professional answer. I would consult a stylist at a salon and ask them. There are too many parameters to consider, such as your hair’s texture, the level of brown you are at, and the “Brazilian Blowout” brand, which comes with its own set of directions. For example, I am not sure if the brand you are considering is “Brazilian Blowout” or a Keratin Smoothing Treatment. Good luck.

Sincerest Thoughts Why Hair Consultations are Necessary

• Poor George might not be aware of my background. But, I’d like to thank him for the question as it highlights the oftentimes, overlooked seriousness of the hairstylist’s background and education. To begin, one of the first lessons, other than learning how to do a hair consultation, is to always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Even the most experienced stylist knows each brand has a different requirement for using smoothing treatments on color-treated hair.

• Secondly, hairstylists do not say bleach. That is for the laundry. We say lightener. And what is virgin brown hair? Many people think they have virgin hair. However, I can spot color-treated hair with six inches of regrowth a mile away. However, the client will insist the hair is virgin. Brown hair has many levels. It could be light brown, which could also be dark blonde; medium brown to dark brown to darkest brown that could be also considered black by some. Therefore, the best answer is to have a professional dive in and get a feel and a good look. Why? Because the hair’s texture will also play a part in the chemical process.

• Finally, not to be a Debbie-Downer, but technically, all chemicals damage the hair. Fact: the hair is dead after it leaves the scalp. Challenges arise in the extent of the damage, the aftercare, and how often the hair is maintained by a professional with haircuts, etc. By the way, a trim is a haircut. We don’t measure by centimeters or inches. If we use our shears for a little or a lot, it is still a cut.

Happy Styling!

I hope the responses help those looking to bypass a salon. Just don’t do it yourself. If you have a question regarding cosmetology or haircare such as today’s regarding hair consultations, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com Until then, happy styling and be on the lookout for a new book in the works for those looking to enter this fascinating and rewarding field of beauty!

©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without the author’s prior written permission and consent.

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