What causes chemical cutting and how to reverse the situation

Testing new chemicals in hair can be a lot of fun, but also dangerous. When the process is not done carefully, the wires are at risk of being chemically cut. So, check out the explanations given by specialist hairdresser Gabriella Carvalho, from the Gaby Hair salon:

What is chemical cutting and what are its causes?

Chemical cutting occurs when the wires break when a very aggressive procedure is performed. According to Gaby, “the thread is not prepared to sustain the effects of the chemical components, as they tend to make the hair more dry and brittle, so the threads start to break, leaving the length short”.

The specialist cited that the main cause of the problem is “the incompatibility between chemicals. For example, bleaching products do not converse with products that straighten the hair”. However, cutting can also happen if the hair is not in good condition.

Features of chemically cut hair

Just like any part of the human body, hair also gives signs when everything is not right. Here are some characteristics that signal that the hair can undergo a chemical cut, according to the specialist:

• Rubber/elastic threads;
• Double-ended wires;
• porous yarns;
• Excessive hair loss;
• Lifeless wires.

The specialist also cited the feeling that the hair seems to be “melting” or “unraveling”, with the famous rubbery hair appearance. Thus, it is important to take good care of the wire to prevent chemical cutting. See how to do this in the next topic.

How to prevent chemical cutting

Gaby said that prevention is still the best way to protect yourself from chemical cutting. So, here are her tips:

• Do the strand test before a chemical procedure;
• Follow a hair schedule to keep your hair healthy;
• Avoid several chemicals in a row;
• Avoid flat iron, dryer and baby liss after doing a chemical;
• Use finishers with thermal protection before using tools with high temperatures.

These care are essential to maintain the health of the wires. But, if you are already suffering from chemical cutting, move on to the next topic and see what to do.

How to recover chemically cut hair

Have you noticed any chemical cutting characteristics in your hair? See the tips that Gaby gave to help recover the wires:

1. Use hair reconstruction products

“As chemical cutting is the result of aggressive chemistry, it is best to invest in products that will reverse this effect. Hair reconstruction products are the most suitable and must be purchased urgently”, quoted the hairdresser.

2. Do the night wetting

According to the hairdresser, it is important to apply oils to reduce the dryness of the hair, especially at night. She gives the tip to “leave the oil on for many hours, or even 45 minutes before showering, so the hair will have more life”.

3. Decrease the frequency of washing

Shampoo can become a great enemy, because the constant use of the product delays the recovery of the wires. That’s why Gaby recommends washing your hair less often. In addition, she also indicates “a pre-shampoo and wetting before cleaning”.

4. Cut your hair

“Cutting hair can be a difficult task for many women, but removing these strands is essential for healthy strands to be born. In addition, it takes away the damaged look that is left after going through the chemical cut”, she concluded.

massage the scalp

According to Gabi, “to get rid of the effect of the chemical cut, the scalp needs to be strong and healthy to have an accelerated growth. For this, do massages, as they activate blood microcirculation and stimulate hair growth”.

6. Make the hair schedule

• 1st week: “in the first week it is necessary to start with hydration, then nourish and finally rebuild the wires”;
• 2nd week: “the focus of the second week is hair nutrition and hydration, in that order, nourish, hydrate and then nourish”.
• 3rd week: “here it is important to repeat what was done in the first week, so start with hydration, nutrition and reconstruction”.
• 4th week: “greater focus on hydration, with one day reserved for nutrition. The order is hydration, hydration again and then nutrition.”

The hairdresser pointed out that the capillary schedule is essential to recover the wires after the damage of the chemical cut. In addition, she indicated “using products free of parabens and sulfates, as they can further damage the hair”.

5 chemically cut hair products to use without fear

As Gaby commented, it’s better to focus on hair reconstruction products rather than trying to treat the strands with a hydrating mask. So, take a look at the suggestions below:

• I know what you did in the past chemistry – Lola Cosmetics: replaces the proteins and keratin that were lost over time and by the chemistry done in the wires;
• Sudden Death – Lola Cosmetics: replenishes the agents responsible for protecting the hair fiber, helping to reduce frizz;
• Be(m)dita Ghee Hydration – Lola Cosmetics: responsible for taking the water back to the hair that is dry;
• Wella Oil Reflections: to moisturise and help in the action against dryness;
• Siagè Reconstruction Shampoo: for being special for damaged hair, since it does not have components so aggressive to the hair;
• Truss Mandatory Use: to protect the hair from external heat and also to prevent damage caused by heat tools such as a curling iron.

Do you already have the products at home? Now, read on for more questions about chemical cutting.

Frequently asked questions about chemical cutting

How long to recover the wires?

Gabriella Carvalho (GC): “It depends on the hair, there are stronger strands that recover faster, other strands that are more sensitive and take longer to restructure. It also depends on how the chemical cut happened, if it was due to the mixture of incompatible components or because it was already damaged before the procedure was even performed. But on average, hair can take 1 to 2 years to fully heal.”

Can I dye my hair chemically?

GC: “Any addition of chemicals should be avoided. Despite being less aggressive than bleaching powder and products that straighten the hair, the dye has a composition that can compromise the health of the hair even more”.

Is it recommended to do home treatments to recover hair?

GC: “Home treatment can even help, but it cannot be considered extremely effective. After chemical cutting, the most professional products are recommended, which are indicated by specialists to reverse this situation. These products have a greater study to give the expected result, in addition to having a technology in their composition”.

As you can see, chemical cutting damages the hair a lot and it takes patience to reverse the situation. So talk to your hairdresser before doing any chemistry. So, enjoy and read the article about oil for dry hair.