Terror Techniques

When opting for curls, choose between 'temporary' and 'permanent' curls. The former is done with curling irons, where heat is applied to the hair.

If done frequently, this process burns hair, stripping it of its natural proteins. It makes the hair weak, dry and prone to breakage.

The permanent process involves perm lotions, rollers and neutralisers. Chemicals are used to break the hair structure and neutralisers are used to restructure the hair.

However, no matter what, hair can never be restructured completely.

Banker Neha Sonal, who permed her hair, says, "Perming is an absolute disaster. My hair is weak, dry and bushy. I have to limit my combing because it breaks. My advice - do not perm. If you have to, go to a professional salon."

Artificial application makes hair weak, dry, brittle and leaves it with split-ends. Permed hair cannot be combed at the risk of loosening the curls. This leads to entangling and knots, which result in untidy hair and excessive hair fall. Is a perm worth this hair trauma?

Parlour Blunders

Most neighbourhood parlours ignore basic hair tests that have to be conducted before the perming process. These tests determine the strength of the hair and allergic reactions that an individual may have.

Essential Hair Tests

Elasticity Test - All the hair stylist does is pull a strand of hair to judge its strength.

Allergy Test - Chemical lotions are used on a part of the hair to check for allergic reactions and hair damage.

Though these tests are simple, most parlours fail to conduct them. Moreover, the after perm care is expensive and does not do enough to protect hair.

Tips for Damaged Hair

• The good old oil massage never fails
• Deep conditioning is an absolute essential
• Regular use of a branded serum is necessary

Salons offer customised treatments depending on the degree of damage. So, do the damage control and salvage what's left of your hair. And remember curly or straight, long or short, it really doesn't matter as long as you have a healthy mane!

(With inputs from Dr. Rekha Yadav, Trichologist, Revital Trichology)