What is a common effect of over-processing hair during chemical treatments?

Over-processing hair during chemical treatments leads to significant damage, often resulting in hair breakage. When hair undergoes chemical treatments such as perming, relaxing, or coloring, the cuticle (the outer protective layer) can be compromised. This damage weakens the hair structure and can lead to brittleness, making the strands more prone to breaking. Over-processing alters the natural moisture balance and elasticity of the hair, increasing the likelihood that the hair will snap under stress, such as during styling or daily handling.

While increased shine, improved texture, and enhanced color retention might be desirable outcomes of properly administered chemical treatments, they do not occur following over-processing. Instead, the integrity of the hair is what suffers, leading to the most severe consequence: breakage. Understanding the balance and limits of chemical treatments is essential to prevent this common issue.