Why may virgin relaxers be applied ¼" to ½" away from the scalp?

The application of virgin relaxers is often done ¼" to ½" away from the scalp primarily to take advantage of body heat. The heat generated from the scalp can help the relaxer to spread more effectively towards the roots. This technique ensures that the chemical process for relaxing the hair is uniform and controlled, allowing for the best results without over-processing the hair closest to the scalp, which can be more susceptible to damage due to the added heat.

Using this method maximizes the effectiveness of the relaxer while minimizing the risk of scalp irritation or burns. Understanding the interaction between hair treatments and body heat is crucial for achieving optimal results in hair services, especially when working with chemical relaxers.