What should a stylist check before applying a relaxer?

Before applying a relaxer, it is crucial for a stylist to assess the hair's porosity and any previous chemical treatments. Hair porosity refers to how well the hair can absorb moisture and products, which significantly influences how the hair will process the relaxer. High porosity may indicate that the hair is damaged and could react differently to the chemicals compared to hair with low porosity, which generally retains moisture better.

Additionally, knowing about any previous chemical treatments is essential, as these can impact the hair's structure and strength. If the hair has been recently treated with another chemical service, such as a color or a previous relaxer, this information will help the stylist decide if the hair can safely undergo another chemical process and to what extent they need to adjust the application technique or processing time.

In contrast, checking a client’s preference for curl type or considering weather conditions does not address the immediate health and safety of the hair during the chemical process. While availability of styling products may be relevant for the end results, it does not play a role in the safe application of the relaxer.