Regarding hair, there is one word that people frequently use, and most people get concerned while hearing it, processed hair. But let us break it down now and carefully look at what it actually entails. Should a game be classified as good or bad or rather fall somewhere in between? Fear not, hair enthusiasts! In this blog post untangling the enigma of processed hair, we’re going to embrace our processed hair, and everyone else’s for that matter.

Understanding Processed Hair

Let’s start with the basics.. What is processed hair? Simply put, processed hair refers to any hair that has undergone chemical or mechanical treatments to alter its natural state. This process can entail a coloring, a relaxing, a perming or even an application of extensions if you want a change in the texture, color or overall look of the hair.

Have you ever colored your hair a new bright color, curled flat hair or used products to make your hair less curly? you’ve ventured into the world of processed hair. Braiding your hair is something more versatile and creative, which opens a great variety of opportunities to be creative. However, the more a hair is treated, it becomes vulnerable to some requirements that are necessary to make them healthy and shiny again.

The Common Types of Processed Hair

Hair which has gone through the styling process is available in several types serving different intentions and aspirations. Let’s dive into some of the most popular forms of processed hair:

  • Colored Hair: Chemical processing of hair is one of the most popular methods used and this involves dying of hair. When going for the blonde, brown or even trying the rainbow look, the color services alter the hair’s pigment and use a new one instead.
  • Relaxed Hair: There is relaxing hair; it is a chemical process that can help to make hair straighter for those who have curls and wavy hair. Hair relaxers affect the hair as it eliminates the curly and wavy hair bonds allowing the hair to stay straight and smooth.
  • Permed Hair: In a way, perms, on the other hand, curl straight hair, by giving it a relaxed look. In this method, the hair is wound around curlers then their new shape is permanently altered by the use of a chemical solution.
  • Bleached Hair: If you go blonde or choose pastel, then you will have to bleach, and this simplistically strips your hair of color. This process is tougher than the coloring since it eliminates the natural hair color but at the same time, creates opportunities to get bright, fine shades which are impossible to obtain in other ways.
  • Keratin Treatment: This smoothing treatment is used to eliminate frizz and to give you that straight and smooth look. It treats the hair with keratin, – a protein that fortifies the hairs, – and you have silky hair for weeks.

The common thing here is that all these change the hair’s natural state, and this is also the reason it is referred to as processed hair. All these processes bear their own benefits but they alter the hair structure and therefore require good aftercare since they can cause some damage.

Processed vs. Unprocessed Hair: What’s the Difference?

Since we have taken our time to explain what processed hair is, let us have a look at the unprocessed hair and the two.

Natural hair is hair in its simplest form, the hair has not been treated or altered through any chemical, dye or heat. That, for all intents and purpose, it is hair that is as close to the scalp as one can get while not being touched. Most individuals know this as “virgin hair” especially when talking about hair extensions or wigs. Virgin hair is therefore strong and long lasting than other types of hair because it has not been processed in any way.

However, processed hair brings the ability to change your hair style from one to the other without any restrictions while unprocessed hair can be better in strength and generally does not need such elaborate treatment. It is usually much smoother in texture, glossy and not as brittle as it maintains its oils and the pattern of the hair.

Is it the question of which one is better?

It depends on your individual needs and lifestyle preferences. In case you love variations on your hairstyle, processed hair could be the best option. However, if you appreciate minimalism and natural beauty rather than fancy hairstyles, go for unprocessed hair.

Why Do People Choose to Process Their Hair?

Unlike processed and unprocessed hairs, we should consider the reason as to why individuals opt for hair processing in the first place. So why do we have to bother with processing if unprocessed hair is healthier?

The short answer? Freedom! Own individualism, stylistic changes, and trends without worrying about one’s own locks or color limitations with this kind of a hairstyle. Here are some common reasons why people choose to process their hair:

  • Color Change: Have you ever wanted a platinum blonde color or fiery red locks? Hair dye enables you to make changes once in a while without any future obligations afterward.
  • Texture Change: Curly-haired individuals may desire a sleek straight look while the straight-haired might be craving for bouncy curls. In this case, processing allows you to play around with textures hence giving you opportunity to sample both styles at once.
  • Volume and Length: Perms or hair extensions may add volume and length to short or thinning hair, making it look like the gorgeous mane which you have always desired.
  • Frizz Control: This method applies keratin treatments or relaxers that work in helping tame frizz that can be difficult to manage and make one’s hair sleek.

How to Care for Processed Hair

Despite the fact that changing one’s appearance can easily be done through processed hair; this procedure requires a great deal of maintenance. The main thing required when having processed hair is proper care which will make sure the good health of processed hair remains intact. Here are some tips you ought to consider for maintaining healthy looking shiny processed locks.

  • Deep Conditioning: To a large extent, dry hair is frequently caused by being treated with chemicals. These are the main reasons as to why deep conditioning is so necessary for processed hair. On a weekly basis, apply a hydrating mask in order to replenish lost moisture and mend damage.
  • Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Sulfates deplete natural oils from people’s strands while leaving them even more dehydrated if they have undergone any chemical treatment. Always go for sulfate free shampoos even when cleaning hair that has been treated.
  • Heat Protection: Before drying your tresses with heat tools such as curlers or blow-dryers, always ensure you spray your hair with heat protectant spray first. This helps reduce chances of getting hair damage especially if heat might be involved.
  • Regular Trims: Split ends cause further problems along the length of each strand; therefore, it is important that even when growing out your locks you must trim at regular intervals to get rid of split ends, at least every 6–8 weeks would suffice.
  • Limit Chemical Treatments: Even though one may want to try out all new trends in hair; effective chemical treatments can make this unwise. The hair gets accustomed to constant use thus leading to split ends, hair breakage as well as hair loss.

What Is the Future of Processed Hair?

The beauty industry always changes and so do innovations in hair treatments. The latest trend is focused on less harmful and damaging hair processes using softer chemicals or completely natural alternatives.

A good example is ammonia-free hair dyes for better hair shaft preservation that some hairdressing salons now use as well as botanical relaxers making use of plant-based products to attain required results. Furthermore, virgin hair has become very popular within extensions due to its durability and lower chances of breaking or tangling.

Soon, through these innovations, processed hair may be healthier and more available, allowing individuals an opportunity to experiment with their appearance while still keeping their hair healthy.

Embrace the Best of Both Worlds!

So a person needs a clear understanding of processed hair, how to care for it and how that works with their sense of style. For example, it’s vital that people understand why they should invest in hair care. Your aim should be to look great and ride through life with the hairstyle that brings you the most thrill whether it’s the processed one or not.

The essence here is that everything depends on your taste; be it dyed, coiled or pin straightened, simply enjoy every moment!

You can dye your hair any color you want, you can even add highlights depending on what suits your face well but just know one important thing – love yourself regardless of everything! As far as that goes, it doesn’t matter whether the hair is processed or unprocessed!

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