What is the effect of over-processing when using chemical products?

Over-processing refers to the excessive use of chemical products on the hair, which can lead to significant damage. When hair is over-processed, the cuticles, or protective outer layers of the hair, can become weakened and compromised. This can result in a range of negative effects, primarily damage and breakage of the hair.

The chemical processes used in coloring, perming, or straightening can strip the hair of its natural moisture and proteins, leading to brittleness and instability. Over time, this can cause the hair to snap, frizz, and lose its natural luster, resulting in an overall unhealthy appearance.

In contrast, while softening of the hair can occur with proper processing, over-processing typically leads to the opposite effect where hair becomes coarse or damaged. Enhanced texture and long-lasting color retention may result from well-managed chemical treatments but are not outcomes of over-processing. Thus, the correct answer highlights the detrimental impact that excessive chemical processing has on hair health.