Style Your Success: Rock the 2026 Red Seal Hairstylist Exam!

The first step in performing a chemical wave is to assess the hair's condition and conduct a strand test. This step is crucial because it allows the stylist to evaluate the hair’s health, elasticity, porosity, and overall texture. By understanding the specific characteristics of the hair, a stylist can determine its suitability for the chemical process, predict how it will react, and anticipate any potential damage.

A strand test is particularly important as it provides insight into how the hair will take the wave solution. It involves applying the waving solution to a small section of hair, allowing the stylist to observe the reaction and adjust the technique or products accordingly. This helps ensure that the final result will be healthy and aesthetically pleasing, as well as minimizing the risk of over-processing the hair.

The other options, while important steps in the overall process, do not precede the initial assessment phase. Choosing a styling product and applying a deep conditioning treatment are actions that usually occur after the initial assessment to address specific needs or to prepare the hair further. Detangling the hair, while necessary for the application of products, should also follow the preliminary assessment to ensure that the hair is in the best possible condition before beginning any chemical treatment.