Is ‘No Damage’ Really True? A Hairdresser Speaks Honestly About Treatments and Hair Damage
We often see phrases on social media and in advertisements like:
“Damage-free color,” “Non-damaging perm,” or “No-damage straightening.”
— They sound reassuring, don’t they?
But let me be honest with you.
Such a technique doesn’t exist.
It might be a bit shocking, but as a hairdresser, I want to tell the truth.
Whenever You Change the Color or Shape of Hair, There *Will* Be Damage
The only way to change the color or shape of hair is with chemicals.
To let those chemicals penetrate the inner structure of the hair, we must force the pH balance to become alkaline or acidic.
Just the act of shifting the hair’s pH already puts some stress on its structure.
And remember, hair is basically “dead cells.”
Unlike skin, it doesn’t heal or regenerate.
Once it’s damaged, it can’t go back to its original state.
Even Natural Things Can Damage Hair — So What About Chemicals?
For example —
Swimming in the ocean, soaking in hot springs —
even those can leave your hair feeling dry and rough.
Everyday heat from a hairdryer or brushing also causes small amounts of damage over time.
In other words, “zero damage” is not realistic in the first place.
That’s why I’m a bit skeptical of marketing in the beauty industry that claims “no damage.”
So What Can We Do? What I Truly Care About
We can’t avoid damage entirely.
But we can minimize it as much as possible.
What I care most about in my treatments is:
“Not leaving damage behind” and “Not letting it accumulate.”
That’s why I incorporate a step called “removal of residual chemicals.”
Shampoo and water alone can’t completely wash away leftover chemical agents from your hair or scalp.
So after every treatment, I use a special neutralizer to thoroughly remove the remaining substances from inside the hair.
Whether you do this or not can completely change the condition of your scalp and hair one or three months later.
It even helps prevent graying and hair thinning.
Even if your hair looks shiny now, it doesn’t matter if it turns stiff and dry just a few weeks later.
Isn’t It Important to Have a Hairdresser Who Tells the Truth?
Saying, “Don’t worry, it won’t damage your hair” may be comforting to hear.
But especially for clients who want to care for their hair long-term, I believe it’s important to be honest about reality.
From there, we can work together to figure out how to make your hair look beautiful while minimizing the damage.
I believe that’s what a true professional does.
In the End: What You Can Do Now for Your Hair’s Future
All treatments come with some “risk” to your hair.
But if you understand those risks and choose methods that help your hair stay beautiful longer, it will become your ally.
Instead of looking for treatments that “don’t damage,”
choose ones that “don’t damage too much” — backed by the right techniques and knowledge.
That may be the most honest and effective way to protect your hair.
