The effects of perming hair
Did you know that heroes in ancient Greece used harsh soaps and bleaches to lighten and redden their hair to the colour that was identified with honour and courage? In fact, even first-century Romans pre-ferred dark hair, this was done with a dye con-cocted from boiled walnuts and leeks.
Things have not changed much over the centuries. More and more youngsters are experimenting with styles, going blonde or simply curling or straightening their hair. The worst hit are probably models and actresses, who have to be at out-door shoots or work under bright lights, and are prone to dandruff and probably have to get their hair styled every second day. But, perming, dyeing and straightening hait seem to be becoming increasingly popular. But, before going in for these, it is best to understand the risks involved.
Heat styling products like curling and straightening irons can dry out even oily hair if they’re used too much. Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t use them on wet hair or high settings, and give your hair a vacation from styling once in a while. Ask your trichologist for advice on using heat styling products.
Chemical treatments can also harm hair if they’re not used properly. If you decide you want a chemical treatment to colour, straighten, or curl your hair, it’s best to get it done by pro-fessionals. Stylists who are trained in applying chemicals to hair will be able to evaluate your hair type and decide which chemicals will work best for you.
Here are some things to be aware of when getting chemical treatments:
• Relaxers: Relaxers (straighteners) work by breaking chemical bonds in curly hair. Relaxers containing lye can cause skin irritation and hair breakage. And, don’t use relaxers, or any other hair treatment, if your scalp is irritated. If you decide to keep straightening your hair, you’ll need to wait at least six weeks before your next treatment to protect your hair. Relaxers can cause hair breakage when used over a period of time, even when they’re used properly. Using blow-dryers, curling or straightening irons, or colour on chemically relaxed hair can also increase the risk of damage.
• Perms: Perms take straight hair and make it curly. The risks are similar to those associated with relaxers.
• Colour: These are types of colour: Permanent (which means the colour stays in your hair until it grows out) and semi-permanent (the colour washes out after a while). Some semi-permanent colouring treatments, like henna, are fairly safe and easy to use at home. Some people get a condition called contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction with a rash) from henna and other ‘natural’ products, so be sure to test a small area first. Other colour treatments –especially permanent treatments –can cause hair loss, burning, redness, irritation.
• Perming and straightening: Girls with curly hair want it straight and silky and those gifted with the latter want them curled. Salons are flooded with clients making requests for various hairdos.
However, many people have to settle for damaged and destroyed hair. When hair is straightened or curled, tremendous heat is applied in order to change its natural shape. This converts the protein cystine (of which the hair is composed) to cystine and then manipulated into a certain look, before changing back. However, in the process some amount of cystic acid is generated. This process results in 20 percent to perm your hair or get it straightened, make sure you don’t do so too frequently.
• Hair colour: Regular streaking and dyeing can cause cumulative damage, although it may take years before there are obvious signs of hair breakage. Permanent chemical dyes may damage the hair by breaking through the cuticle shield to invade the cortex. They may also cause an auto immune reaction leading to alopecia or a skin disease called dermatitis. Instead of using a permanent dye, try a rinse or a temporary dye.
The incidence of lawsuits seeking compensation for damage caused by chemical abuse is increasing alarmingly and the role of trichologist as an expert witness is increasingly coming into play. In today’s world of fashion, nobody likes to abstain from all the look enhancing treatments and hence it is important to remember to take care of your hair, just like your skin and your body. Just as you build up your body, you have to build up your hair ideally seven times stronger to withstand all the abuse on it.
It’s important to get a tricho check before you go for any treatment. So as t find out about the strength of your hair. Your trichologist shall then suggest methods to take care of your hair. You may be too fashionable fir your hair likes Consult your trichologist for advice.
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