I've followed the one week rule for before and after and I've done then right before the relaxer as well as right after. I've also done two in the same day right before AND after the relaxer.
I was serious about not loosing hair at the time. I always DCed after each and my hair was fine (as a relaxed/texlaxed head).
The one week rule isn't a bad start but you may need to tweak it according to your hair's needs and the type of "heavy/hardcore" treatment you do.
I've added Aphogee Two-step to a DC and used it right after neutralizing for soft AND strong hair. It depends on what works best for you and your hair.