What chemical processes should braiders be cautious about when working with hair?

When working with hair, braiders should be particularly cautious about relaxing or perming due to the strong chemical processes involved. These techniques alter the structure of the hair's bonds to change its natural curl pattern either by straightening (relaxing) or creating waves/curls (perming).

These processes can lead to significant changes in hair texture and integrity, making it crucial for braiders to understand the potential risks and appropriate techniques involved. Improper application or over-processing can result in hair damage, including brittleness, breakage, and scalp irritation.

Although hair coloring, permanent waving, and heat styling are also important considerations, they typically do not involve the same level of structural alteration as relaxing or perming. For instance, hair coloring primarily affects the cuticle and outer layers of the hair rather than its internal structure, while heat styling can cause temporary changes but does not chemically alter the hair's bonds. Therefore, special caution is warranted with relaxing or perming due to their stronger chemical nature and potential for damage.