What percent of curl is typically removed when relaxing?

• A. 85%
• B. 60%
• C. 25%
• D. 100%

Answer: (A)

Relaxing aims to permanently loosen the curl by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds in the hair, so the cortex can reorganize into a straighter shape when the bonds reset during neutralization. In practice, the amount of curl removed is typically around 85%. This level provides a noticeably smoother, easier-to-manage result without pushing the hair into extreme straightness that can lead to excessive damage. The remaining curl helps preserve some elasticity and reduce breakage, and it accounts for differences in hair type, porosity, and how the technique is applied. While more or less curl can be removed depending on those factors, 85% is the common target in professional practice.