In chemical texturizing, what is the role of side bonds?

In chemical texturizing, side bonds play a critical role in determining the strength and elasticity of the hair. These bonds, which include hydrogen bonds, salt bonds, and disulfide bonds, help maintain the structural integrity of hair fibers. When conducting chemical texturizing procedures, such as perming or relaxing, understanding the role of side bonds is essential since changes to these bonds directly affect the hair's behavior and response to the treatment.

For instance, the process involves breaking and reforming disulfide bonds to achieve a new shape, such as curls or waves. This manipulation of side bonds is fundamental to achieving the desired texture while ensuring the hair remains strong and elastic enough to withstand styling and environmental stressors. Hence, recognizing how side bonds influence hair properties is crucial for hair professionals when performing chemical texturizing services.