The most common reason a keratin or reconstruction service disappoints has nothing to do with the product. It's skipping the diagnosis. Two quick tests at the chair tell you how the hair will absorb product, how much heat it can take, and which protocol will give a safe, long-lasting result.
Test 1: Porosity (2 minutes)
Porosity shows how open the cuticle is, which tells you how fast the hair will absorb and lose product.
- Float test: drop a few clean, product-free strands into a glass of room-temperature water. Floating means low porosity, slowly sinking means medium, and sinking fast means high.
- Slide test: run your fingers from ends to roots. Smooth means a closed cuticle. Rough or bumpy means a raised cuticle and high porosity.
What it means for the service: low-porosity hair needs thorough clarifying and patience during application. High-porosity hair, which is common after bleach, absorbs fast, so use a lighter application on the ends and pay close attention to heat.
Test 2: Elasticity (3 minutes)
Take one wet strand from the crown and one from the nape and stretch them gently.
- Good: stretches about 30–50% and springs back.
- Low: snaps almost right away, meaning protein loss.
- Over-elastic, "gummy": stretches and doesn't return, meaning severe bond damage. Do not apply high heat.
Gummy or snapping hair needs reconstruction before, or instead of, a smoothing service. That's where Brasil Cacau Reconstruction Kit comes in. It rebuilds the fiber so your next keratin service is safe and lasts longer.
Turn diagnosis into a protocol
- Write down porosity and elasticity on the client card.
- Healthy elasticity: go ahead with smoothing and adjust iron temperature to porosity.
- Compromised elasticity: start with Brasil Cacau Thermal Reconstruction, then re-test in 2–3 weeks.
- Send clients home with the 300 ml home-care set to keep results going.
Clients notice when you test before you treat. It builds trust, prevents breakage and turns one-time visits into loyal regulars. Getting ready for the holiday rush? Stock up on salon sizes now with code STOCKUP15.
