Blog

As a hairstylist, trichologist, and founder of Y.O.U. Hair, Wellness & Lifestyle Clinic, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pressure women feel to look a certain way in order to be perceived as “beautiful.” Too often, stylists are taught that the customer is always right — even when a service might compromise the client’s long-term hair health.

The truth is:

A client may want a look today, but my responsibility is to ensure her hair will still thrive tomorrow.

While it’s absolutely possible to perm and color hair in a single day, there are important factors that must be considered before making any permanent change. With nearly three decades of experience — teaching stylists across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. — one lesson has always remained constant:

Your hair is as unique as YOU are!

There is no one-size-fits-all formula.

This is why a professional consultation is essential. Before performing any chemical service, especially one that alters the structure or pigment of the hair, a licensed and educated stylist should assess.

• The current health and strength of your hair

• Your scalp condition

• Your lifestyle and daily habits

• Your previous chemical history

• Your long-term hair goals

• Any underlying wellness or nutritional concerns that may affect results

A consultation isn’t just an appointment — it’s a conversation, an evaluation, and a roadmap to help you achieve your desired look safely.

When we take the time to truly understand your hair, your health, and your vision, we set the stage for beautiful results that support your well-being, not compromise it.

What a Thorough Consultation Really Looks Like

A proper consultation goes far beyond asking, “What would you like today?”

It’s a full assessment — because healthy, beautiful hair requires understanding both the science and the client.

Here are the key areas I evaluate before approving any chemical service:

1. Hair Density

How much hair is actually on the head? Density affects how color takes, how relaxers process, and how the finished style will visually appear.

2. Hair Porosity

How well does the hair absorb and hold moisture? Highly porous hair may process faster, fade quicker, or require adjustments in timing and product selection.

3. Hair Elasticity

How well can the hair stretch without breaking? This determines whether the hair is strong enough for permanent changes like coloring, bleaching, or perming.

4. Overall Hair Condition

Breakage, dryness, shedding, previous color, heat damage, or chemical history all play a major role in what the hair can safely handle.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

Every woman comes in with a desire — a look she has in mind. My job is to make sure we can achieve it safely. So during consultation, I ask:

What color are you trying to achieve?

Are you wanting a deposit-only color, permanent color, highlights, or balayage?

What is your long-term goal with your hair?

Are you open to a transition process if your dream look requires multiple steps?

I also ask clients to bring a visual sample or reference photo.

Clear direction creates clear expectations.

This helps us determine whether the look matches their hair integrity and what adjustments may be necessary.

Choosing the Right Chemical Service

Different services require different levels of care. During the consultation, I assess:

• Relaxers (sodium or calcium hydroxide)

• Texturizers

• Keratin treatments — both formaldehyde and non-formaldehyde, which are often marketed as “treatments” but do change the texture of the hair

• Custom Units (this takes months) so what are we doing int he mean time to make sure every follicle is being taken care of.

• Perms or texture changes

• Color services, from deposit to high-lift

Each chemical behaves differently depending on the client’s scalp, hair condition, and chemical history. No two heads process the same way.

The Science Has Evolved — And That’s Good News

Thankfully, the hair industry has invested millions of dollars in scientific research to help stylists perform color and perming safely on the same day. Advancements in molecular proteins and bond-building technology have been game-changing. They allow us to:

• Strengthen hair during the chemical process

• Protect internal bonds

• Reduce damage

• Improve overall results and longevity

Science has given us better tools — but it’s still the consultation that ensures we use them responsibly.