What does the term "over-processing" refer to in hair treatment?

The term "over-processing" specifically refers to damage that occurs when hair undergoes excessive chemical treatments. This can include processes such as perming, coloring, or relaxing the hair. When these treatments are applied too frequently or are too harsh for the hair type, the hair can become weak, brittle, and more prone to breakage. This excessive chemical exposure ultimately compromises the integrity of the hair structure, leading to undesirable results such as split ends, dryness, and loss of elasticity.

Other options relate to hair care but do not capture the essence of over-processing. For instance, inadequate shampooing may lead to product buildup or scalp issues, heat styling can certainly damage hair but is separate from chemical treatments, and using inappropriate products can harm hair but does not encompass the specific context of repeated chemical exposure inherent in over-processing.