TR Consultation. Step #1:part 1 of 2

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   Step #1: TR Consultation part 1 of 2. 

TR is a method we use to transform our artistic visions into striking straight, frizz-free hair design. As TR stylists, we are artists who use hair as our medium. We TR it to give it light and movement and to make it respond to our Imagination. 

You�ve no doubt had heard of TR. You know that it involves using chemical solutions to change the hair�s inner shape to put movement, defrizz and make the hair more pliable. You may also know some of the science behind TR � thio, disulfide bonds, neutralizer and thermal process using a ceramic flat iron at 180 degrees Celsius. And you may be a bit wary of the process because of all the horror TR stories.

This step by step series is your sourcebook, a tool you can use to gain confidence and learn how to interview the TR stylist and to help preserve your hair and avoid TR horror accidents. It is designed to take you through the TR process step by step, to supplement � NOT replace the importance of choosing the TR technologist/stylist doing the TR process. After all, when your TR technologist/stylist knows the science behind his/her art, your hair will come looking relatively great. Otherwise, DON'T do it! DO NOT get your hair TRd. It's just NOT worth it. 

THE CLIENT ASKS THE TR STYLIST: I am considering getting TR. Do you have any advice? My hair is just to my shoulders, medium coarse texture, thick and medium curly and in good condition. Mostly acts up in humidity! Thanks for any advice you can give me.

TR STYLIST ANSWERS BY SAYING: Send me a PIC so that I could evaluate your hair better. 

I (Steve) SAY: This is ridiculous. TR does NOT work that way! An assessment form, such as http://www.verticalsinhair.com/hairform.shtml + a close up picture of the client�s hair while wet and while it is dry, is a good preliminary evaluation. 

While the TR process provides great results, not every head of hair is a good candidate for the treatment. All prospective clients are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre TR in-salon consultation to determine the probable results. This should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

The consultation and hair analysis procedure will reveal the condition of your hair to some extent. Such evaluation will determine the structural competency of the hair and help interpret the TR stylist�s findings before making your decision for Japanese Thermal Reconditioning/TR.

A professional TR technologist/stylist will have a questionnaire which is usually divided into two major sections, �Client� section and �Professional� section. By completing the client section, the TR stylist will obtain important information about the client�s general health and habits and hair treatments and care. It is essential to carefully complete the client questionnaire.

For example, the scalp, skin, nails, gives the TR technologist/stylist some clues to the client�s overall health condition. Below-average health or being on a crash diet may adversely affect the hair. It is important to remember that healthy hair begins with a healthy body and good nutrition. 

GROOMING PRODUCTS used on the hair are an important indicator as to whether the client is using properly formulated products of a proper pH value. Certain types of formulations or products of highly alkaline pH may cause chemical damage to the hair when used over a period of time.

IMPLIMENTS used on the hair are important factors when chemical/mechanical damage has been noted. The client may be shown the proper way to utilize home styling implements, such as flat irons, blow-dryers, including the use of thermal protection Leave-In treatments. Bobbie pins, etc, may cause pinch marks, rubbing the hair and causing friction damage to the cuticle. In such a case, the client is advised to discontinue use of the damaging implement. 

ADDITIONAL CLIENT COMMENTS are important to bring forth any underlying problems in related areas that the TR stylist did not uncover. 
HAIR DISTRIBUTION, HAIR SHAPE AND HAIR CONDITION enables the TR stylist to have a visual picture of the hair. 

HAIR LENGTH tells the TR stylist approximately how old the hair is, and how much damage may be observed. Therefore, recent reactive salon services, such as bleaching, coloring and permanent hair straightening/TR done on the hair may have a major impact on the condition of the hair. 

MANAGEABILITY can tell a great deal about what some of the hair problems may be. Wiry and frizzy hair might indicate a lack of flexibility, possibly caused by over-neutralizing a TR. Limp hair would indicate it will not hold a style. This type of hair may be difficult to TR. The degree to which the hair holds a set would indicate the degree of flexibility, as in hair that will hold a hairstyle for only a short while.

The SCALP CONDITION gives a general overview of the scalp condition. If a client has problems with eczema, seborheic dermatitis (oily, flaking, raised reddened areas) or with psoriasis (dry, flaking, flattened redden areas), it is recommended that no major salon services, such as TR be given until the condition has been corrected and controlled by a physician. 

Next in the questionnaire is a number of questions on MAJOR SALON SERVICES such as, hair coloring, bleach, highlights and chemical hair straightening/TR. These questions must be answered in detail. The more information you give, the easier it will be to assist you. 

It is important that you provide additional information which you feel may relate to your hair�s problem. This information, no matter how minute, is a tremendous help to an evaluation and may give the TR expert additional insight into your hair�s problem. 

Consultation part 2 to be continued��

Steve Tcherkezian
www.verticalsinhair.com