During a relaxer service, which test is conducted to determine if additional smoothing is needed?

The relaxation test is an essential procedure performed during a relaxer service to assess the hair’s texture and determine if additional smoothing is required. This test involves checking specific sections of the hair for curl pattern reduction after applying the relaxer. It helps the stylist gauge the effectiveness of the chemical treatment and decide whether to leave the relaxer on for a longer period or apply further smoothing.

The strand test is used primarily to evaluate the hair's strength and integrity before applying color or chemical treatments, making it less relevant in this context. The patch test is crucial for identifying potential allergic reactions to hair products and is typically performed before any chemical service, ensuring client safety. The color test is used to see how hair will react to color but does not relate to the smoothing process involved in relaxers. Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific purpose of the relaxation test in a chemical relaxer service.