Originally Posted by
fairview
First, evaluations on hair condition can not be done when wet.
There are three issues hair condition is judged on: porosity, elasticity, and texture. The first 2 determine much of the condition of your hair which is what I'll deal with.
Porosity is created when there are missing chunks out of your hair strand. Since hair is nearly all protein, any missing chunks is missing protein. To determine porosity, take a strand of hair pinch it between your thumb and index finger and with the other thumb and index finger run it up the strand to the scalp. Most of the porosity if you have it will or should be located near the ends since this is your oldest hair. Everyone has porosity on their ends, some more, some less. You'll know if you have a lot as it will feel very rough.
To determine elasticity, take a strand of hair and pretend it is a piece of Xmas ribbon you are curling. The hair should stretch out considerably and then curl up just as a Xmas ribbon. If it snaps, there is a problem.
Conditioners, even the best salon protein treatment is a temporary fix to replace those missing chunks of hair, increase quality, sheen, volume and or manageability. The best protein treatment will only last 6-8 weeks. The only permanent cure for porosity is the scissors. Also, the protein treatments from the retail shelf are not the same quality as the professional ones used in the salon. The professional treatments are more expensive, but well worth it.
Lifting your hair to unreasonable levels will damage your hair. With enough time, lightener and toners anything is possible. I always inform my guests if I think they have unreasonable expectations and for the insistent ones I do a strand test just to let them see how much damage they will have. Using a smoothing iron responsibly does not damage your hair. Using it at the temperatures of the after-burn blast of an F-4 without a thermal protector does. If your smoothing iron isn't controlled by a thermostat, chunk it. If it has one don't trust it. Take a piece of toilet paper, separate it into one ply and place it in the smoothing iron and count for say ten seconds. If it is really crispy turn it down, if it is toasted, turn it way down. ALWAYS test your smoothing iron before each use. It doesn't mater if it has a thermostat; never trust it! Also, use a thermal protector prior to blow drying. Thermal protectors designed for wet hair typically are in spray pump bottles while protectors for smoothing irons(dry hair) are always in aerosol. At least the quality ones.
As far as answering your question, yes your hair as all hair would benefit from a salon intensive protein infusing treatment but it also sounds as though it may be time for a significant trim to eliminate damaged hair beyond saving.
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