When is the appropriate time to stop processing a relaxer?

The appropriate time to stop processing a relaxer is when the hair is assessed for smoothness and texture. This is crucial because the primary goal of relaxing hair is to achieve a desired level of straightness while considering the health of the hair. Assessing the hair at this stage allows the stylist to determine if the relaxer has been effective in providing the desired results without over-processing.

After applying the relaxer, it’s important to regularly check both the texture and smoothness of the hair during processing. Once the desired straightness is achieved, the relaxer should be neutralized to prevent further chemical action that could lead to damage.

While other factors such as the feeling of softness, condition of the scalp, or the wetness of the hair can be important in the overall process, they do not directly determine the right moment to stop processing the relaxer. The focus should always be on the smoothness and texture, as this not only indicates the effectiveness of the relaxer but also helps in protecting the integrity of the hair.