What is the initial treatment step before performing a virgin ammonium thioglycolate relaxer service?

Before performing a virgin ammonium thioglycolate relaxer service, the initial treatment step is to conduct a light shampoo. This step serves several critical purposes. First, it helps remove any product buildup, dirt, or oils from the hair and scalp, which ensures that the relaxer can penetrate the hair more effectively during the treatment. A clean surface allows for better absorption of the chemical, leading to a more uniform and controlled relaxer application.

Additionally, a light shampoo prepares the hair for the chemical process without stripping it of essential moisture. This balance is crucial since excessive cleansing can lead to weaker hair, potentially complicating the chemical treatment.

The other options, although beneficial in different contexts, do not serve as the initial step before applying a relaxer. Deep conditioning might be useful post-process to restore moisture, a scalp massage serves a different purpose, and applying a moisturizing cream doesn't adequately prepare the hair for the chemical relaxer application.