Final answer:
Improper handling or application of hair relaxers can cause extreme breakage by over-processing, due to excessive breakdown of disulfide bonds in the hair strands. Professional application and correct processing time are crucial to avoid this damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extreme breakage shortly after a relaxer service may be caused by the improper handling or application of the relaxer, which can lead to over-processing of the hair. Relaxer services involve the use of chemicals to alter the natural structure of hair by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds. These bonds are responsible for the natural strength and elasticity of hair strands. If the relaxer is left on the hair for too long or if the hair is not neutralized properly after the relaxer is rinsed out, the disulfide bonds can be excessively broken down, resulting in weak hair prone to breakage.
To prevent this, it's important for the relaxer to be applied by a professional who can assess the hair's condition and texture to determine the best strength of relaxer and processing time. A thorough and timely rinsing process followed by the application of a neutralizing agent are essential steps to stop the chemical process and restore the hair's normal pH level, minimizing damage and breakage.