How much relaxer do I need?

For a full head application on medium-length hair, approximately 60g of relaxer cream is standard. Fine hair needs around 40g while long, coarse hair may require 100g+. Touch-up applications (roots only) use approximately 40% of a full head quantity. Always ensure full product coverage without over-application.

What relaxer strength should I use?

Mild/gentle relaxers suit fine, colour-treated or previously relaxed hair. Regular strength works for normal, unprocessed hair. Super/strong formulations are for very coarse, resistant virgin hair only. Using too strong a formula risks over-processing and chemical damage, so always err on the side of caution.

How long should relaxer processing time be?

Processing time is typically 12-18 minutes depending on strength and hair type. Mild formulas process in 10-12 minutes, regular in 13-16 minutes, and super in 15-18 minutes. Never exceed the manufacturer maximum processing time. Perform a strand test first to determine the exact timing needed.

How often should relaxer touch-ups be done?

Relaxer touch-ups should be done every 8-12 weeks, only on new growth. Overlapping relaxer onto previously processed hair causes breakage and damage. Mark the line of demarcation carefully and apply a protective cream to previously relaxed lengths before applying fresh relaxer to new growth.

CutCalcs

Relaxer Calculator — Quantity & Processing Time

Calculate relaxer quantity and processing time based on hair type, length and condition.

Hair Length

Hair Type

Relaxer Strength

Application Type

Product Jar Cost

Price per 500g jar (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates relaxer product quantity, processing time and product cost based on hair characteristics and application type.

The formula

Product amount (g) = Base amount x Hair type factor x Application factor

Product cost = (Amount used / Jar size) x Jar price

Touch-up uses ~40% of a full head quantity
Coarse hair needs ~30% more product
Total service time includes application, processing and neutralising

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always perform a strand test before chemical services.