Final answer:
A stylist should conduct a chemical straightening or relaxing treatment to permanently relax kinky hair, which involves breaking and re-forming disulfide bonds for lasting results. Prior hair and scalp analysis is important to prevent damage, and post-treatment care is essential to maintain hair health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Permanent Hair Straightening for Kinky Hair
If a client with kinky hair desires a permanent relaxation of their hair, a stylist would perform a chemical straightening or relaxing treatment. This process involves the application of chemicals that break down the disulfide bonds within the hair strands, which contribute to the hair's natural curl pattern. After the disulfide bonds are broken, the hair is then flattened, and a neutralizer is applied to re-form the bonds, resulting in permanently straightened hair. This process is akin to a perm, but instead of curling, it straightens the hair. It is important for the stylist to conduct a hair and scalp analysis before the treatment to ensure the client's hair is healthy enough for the chemical service and to prevent potential damage, as this process can be harsh on the hair if not done correctly.
Unlike temporary waves that form new shapes through hydrogen bonds when the hair dries after getting wet, the results of chemically straightened hair are lasting because of the alteration of permanent disulfide bonds. Additionally, aftercare is crucial for maintaining the health of the hair following a chemical straightening treatment, including the use of specific shampoos, conditioners, and treatments geared towards chemically treated hair.