What should be applied to the ends of hair during a chemical hair relaxer retouch to protect them?

Applying a cream conditioner or a porosity control conditioner to the ends of the hair during a chemical hair relaxer retouch serves a crucial protective function. The primary reason for this choice is that these types of conditioners help to seal the cuticle and maintain moisture, which is particularly important for the ends of hair that can often be more porous and prone to damage.

During a relaxer treatment, the chemical agents work to alter the structure of the hair, which can lead to increased porosity and dryness. By using a cream conditioner or porosity control conditioner, you are providing a barrier that mitigates the harsh effects of the relaxer on already processed ends. This reduces the likelihood of over-processing, which can result in breakage and split ends.

In contrast, other options like moisturizing spray, leave-in conditioner, or hair oil might provide some benefits, but they don’t specifically address the cuticle sealing and moisture retention in the same way that a cream conditioner or porosity control conditioner does. They may not be as effective in protecting the hair from the aggressive nature of the relaxer during the retouch process.