Relaxers are applied away from the scalp to prevent what effect?

• A. Burning the scalp
• B. Spreading upward due to body heat
• C. Uneven coloring
• D. Hair breakage

Answer: (B)

Relaxers are strong chemicals that change hair structure, and keeping the application away from the scalp helps prevent the product from migrating upward along the hair shaft toward the scalp. Body heat and the weight of the product can cause this upward movement, which can lead to over-processing near the scalp and potential irritation. By applying away from the scalp, you limit this spread, yielding safer, more controlled processing and a more even result. The other issues—burning, uneven coloring, or breakage—can occur from different factors, but the main reason for this technique is to stop the chemical from traveling upward because of body heat.