What is the purpose of the "base" in a no-base chemical relaxer?

The purpose of the "base" in a no-base chemical relaxer is specifically to protect the scalp during the relaxing process. No-base relaxers typically have a formulation that does not require a separate base cream to be applied beforehand; however, they still include conditioning agents in their formulation that act as a protective barrier. This is crucial because chemical relaxers can be quite harsh and can cause irritation or chemical burns if they come into direct contact with the sensitive skin of the scalp.

While adding moisture, improving scent, and conditioning the hair are important factors in hair care products, they are not the primary purpose of the base in a no-base relaxer. The base is fundamentally there to safeguard the scalp from the potentially damaging effects of the chemicals in the relaxer.