Consult First. Strand Test Before You Apply.
The service starts with suitability — not product. Assess the client and hair, choose the correct system, complete the strand test, then make a clear PASS or STOP decision.
The most important stage happens before product touches the hair.
Consultation connects the client's expected result with what their hair, scalp and history can realistically support.
Straighter, smoother, less bulk, frizz control or preserved movement?
Colour, bleach/lightener, smoothing, straightening and other processing.
Strength, dryness, breakage, elasticity and visibly compromised areas.
Check for irritation, wounds, lesions or broken skin before proceeding.
Review known allergies, sensitivities and previous reactions separately from the strand test.
The client should understand that an unsatisfactory strand test means the service stops.
Choose the route after consultation — not before it.
The strand test must follow the current protocol for the system selected.
Brazilian Keratin System
The straightening/smoothing route when that result is appropriate following consultation and assessment.
BTX 50 Volume Control
The frizz/volume-control route for a more manageable result while preserving movement.
What is the test actually checking?
A small, discreet section is put through the relevant service pathway so the professional can judge the hair fibre before committing the full head.
It assesses the hair fibre. Allergy, sensitivity and contraindication screening belong in consultation and professional product procedures.
Make the test represent the real service.
Select + baseline
Choose a discreet representative strand and note its condition before product.
Professional note
Prefer a nape or mid-head section where previous lightening or weakness needs assessing.
Apply
Use the selected system according to its current application instructions and scalp clearance.
Professional note
Do not mix the Brazilian Keratin and BTX 50 protocols.
Process + rinse
Complete the relevant processing and rinse stages for the selected system.
Professional note
A test judged before processing is complete is not representative of the actual service.
Dry + heat
Complete the drying and heat stages required by the selected system and hair condition.
Professional note
Brazilian Keratin requires mandatory flat ironing; BTX 50 flat ironing is optional.
Cool + inspect
Let the strand cool. Compare with the baseline and make the PASS or STOP decision.
Professional note
Fresh shine is not enough. The strand must remain satisfactory in integrity and overall response.
Integrity first. Appearance second.
Before
- Strength / resilience
- Dryness / brittleness
- Existing breakage
- Colour / tone
- Previous processing
After cooling
- Still strong?
- Any new fragility?
- Mushy / overly dry?
- Colour changed?
- Overall satisfactory?
PASS or STOP.
PASS
Proceed only when the cooled strand remains satisfactory.
- Strong and resilient
- No abnormal breakage
- No mushiness / severe dryness
- No unacceptable colour response
STOP
Do not continue with the full-head application.
- Weak / fragile
- Breakage
- Mushy / compromised
- Excessive dryness / colour change
Keep hair testing and allergy screening separate.
During consultation
Review relevant known allergies, sensitivities, previous reactions and the current product instructions. Follow salon, training and insurer requirements.
During the service
If irritation or another adverse reaction develops, stop use and follow the product instructions and appropriate first-aid or medical guidance.
Then begin the full application.
Before you continue.
The final check should be quick enough to use in practice.
Quick professional questions
Is a strand test required before every KERASMOOTH application?
Yes. Complete the relevant protocol on a small discreet strand and proceed only when the result is satisfactory.
Is a strand test the same as an allergy test?
No. The strand test assesses the hair fibre. Allergy and sensitivity screening are separate parts of consultation.
Where should the test strand be taken from?
Use a small, discreet and representative section, preferably around the nape or mid-head where practical.
Can I lower the temperature and continue if the test fails?
No. An unsatisfactory test is a STOP decision for the full service.
What if the client insists on continuing?
Do not proceed. Client preference should not override an unsatisfactory professional assessment.