Straightening Gone Wrong

Now that you’ve found a solution to your unmanageable, frizzy hair that refuses to behave, or the answer to end the hassle and rush in the mornings of trying to tame the bed-head hair which we all seem to wake up with, you don’t expect the result to be a continuation of an ever worsening nightmare.

In theory having your hair chemically straightened should be a relatively simple process once you’ve discussed all your options with an expert. However, although there are only a few steps involved in chemically straightening hair, it does require precise timing and the use of some dangerous chemicals which can cause problems if not handled correctly.

This is how a chemical straightening procedure should go:

• Hair type determined.
• Strand test conducted which involves pulling the hair, applying a little relaxer and then doing a finger test.
• Protective base cream applied to your hairline, tops and backs of your ears and to partings in between sections of hair.
• Hair is heated and processed for the appropriate amount of time.
• The chemicals are thoroughly washed off with warm water.
• A neutralizing formula is applied to oxidise and restore the hair’s natural pH.

If your hair dresser misses one of these steps or did it incorrectly your hair could be badly damaged.

It is important to determine the hair type because there are several different chemicals that can be used to straighten hair depending on the type. Sodium hydroxide is the strongest relaxer, which softens the hair fibres and causes the hair to swell. Guanidine hydroxide is a no-lye relaxer which is weaker than sodium hydroxide, but it can still do damage. The chemicals can leave a reddish cast but this can be removed by a colour rinse. The correct strength of relaxer must be used to stop your hair being unnecessarily damaged and further weakened.

A strand test must always be done to determine your hair’s elasticity. Poor elasticity only stretches a limited extent and it breaks easily. A little relaxer must be applied to see how your hair reacts to make sure that it is safe to continue with the full procedure and that the right chemical is being used for your hair type.

The protective base cream is vital as it protects the scalp from coming into contact with the chemicals which might cause irritation, burning or blistering.

If the hair is processed for too long under the heat then the hair becomes damaged and over-processed making it dry and fragile. In extreme situations hair can end up being fried making it dry and over-porous.

The chemicals must be thoroughly washed off with warm (not hot or cold) water otherwise they could burn, blister or irritate the scalp.

Neutralising the hair is a vital step as it stops the process and restores the hair’s pH. A high pH could cause the hair to swell and break off.

The hair should not be combed during this process because its elasticity can be affected. If it is combed it could be stretched up to twice its normal length. Also, the hair is very fragile during this process and easy to break which can occur while it is being combed.

Should any of this sound familiar you may be entitled to compensation due to bad hairdressing or hairdresser’s negligence. To receive advice and help with your situation call Free phone 0800 980 9386 or 01642 252828. Alternatively, visit the website at www.mackssolicitors.co.uk and complete the online claim form. Macks Solicitors will be happy to give you free expert advice on making a compensation claim for the extra expenses and for your emotional and physical injuries. Making a claim through Macks Solicitors will not cost you anything and you will get to keep 100% of any compensation you are awarded.