Can a chemical texturizing service be performed on hair that has been previously permed or relaxed?

• A. It is never permitted
• B. It is recommended to do it without a strand test
• C. It can be done in some cases with careful assessment, strand test, and planning; consult and schedule appropriately
• D. It always results in over-processing

Answer: (C)

Hair that has already been permed or relaxed can sometimes receive another chemical texturizing, but only after a careful evaluation of its current condition and history. The reason this matters is that prior chemical processing alters the hair’s disulfide bonds, which can make the fiber more fragile or react differently to additional processing. A thorough assessment looks at what was used previously, how long ago, and the hair’s present strength, elasticity, and porosity, plus the desired final texture and scalp condition.

The strand test is the key step: applying the intended texturizing product to a small section to see how the hair responds, how quickly it processes, and whether it shows signs of over-processing, breakage, or uneven results. If the test confirms the hair can tolerate the product and you can achieve the desired texture within safe processing limits, you can plan and proceed, often with adjustments like a milder product, shorter processing time, or a staged approach. Scheduling and a clear plan allow for monitoring and adjustments based on how the hair behaves.

This approach isn’t guaranteed in every case, and skipping the strand test or assuming it will always work can lead to damage or unsatisfactory results.