Ask before you book
Share the history before they start
Bring the names and dates of every chemical, color, bleach, relaxer, texturizer, smoothing treatment and major heat service. Plus past burns, irritation, thinning, scalp diagnoses and product reactions.
For locs, talk through the starter method, section size, how the roots look now, the retightening technique, washing, drying, repairs and removal. Small locs are a different long-term commitment, not just a smaller version of the same appointment.
Say this before they start
“Please keep the roots relaxed. Stop right away when we ask. Check with me before you change the style, add a product, use heat or chemicals, or cut more than we agreed.”
Time to find a different chair
Pain gets brushed off
Burning or pulling is called normal, or your child is shamed for saying it hurts.
The history gets ignored
They start a chemical service without asking about past processing, the scalp or the product directions.
Pressure instead of consent
Straightening, extensions or a fancier style get pushed as the only way the hair is “acceptable.”
Vague answers
They can’t explain the service, what the products do, the upkeep, or when to see a doctor.
Sources AAD · Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss · FDA · Hair smoothing products that release formaldehyde when heated
Know your service
Supporting sources
Checked October 26, 2026. Source roles and limitations are part of these instructions.
AAD · Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss · Date not displayed
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles
Tension and early warning signs apply across hairstyles. A professional installation does not remove traction risk.
FDA · Hair smoothing products that release formaldehyde when heated · Date not displayed
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-smoothing-products-release-formaldehyde-when-heated
Some heated smoothing products release formaldehyde. This is not a statement that every relaxer or every smoothing product has the same formula.
