What does a processing strand test determine?

A processing strand test is a critical step in the chemical texturizing process, specifically used to assess the effectiveness of a chemical relaxer. This test is performed by applying the relaxer to a small strand of hair and monitoring how the hair responds to the product. The primary objective is to determine if the hair has been sufficiently relaxed to achieve the desired texture change without compromising its integrity.

When the relaxer is applied, the stylist checks to see if the hair has reached the appropriate level of straightness or curl reduction after the recommended processing time. If the strand has been adequately relaxed, it indicates that the chemical treatment can be applied to the entire head with confidence. Hence, the correct choice reflects the test's purpose in evaluating the effectiveness of the relaxer on the hair strands before proceeding with the full application.

Other choices, while relevant to hair care, do not align with the specific function of a processing strand test. For example, assessing moisture levels, thickness, or overall health does not directly relate to the immediate goal of determining the relaxer's efficacy in altering hair texture.