California Cosmetology Written ExamChemical Texture ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is preparing a client for a keratin smoothing treatment. The client asks if the treatment will permanently straighten her hair. What is the most accurate response regarding the nature of keratin smoothing treatments?
- AYes, but only if combined with a strong alkaline relaxer for maximum effect.
- BNo, it temporarily smooths the hair by coating it with keratin and semi-permanently altering hydrogen bonds.
- CNo, it's a conditioning treatment that has no effect on the hair's natural curl pattern.
- DYes, it permanently alters the hair's disulfide bonds, similar to a relaxer.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, it temporarily smooths the hair by coating it with keratin and semi-permanently altering hydrogen bonds.
Keratin smoothing treatments are semi-permanent. They work by coating the hair with keratin and using heat to temporarily or semi-permanently alter the hydrogen and salt bonds, which are easily reformed. They do not permanently break the disulfide bonds like traditional chemical relaxers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Combining with a relaxer would be a different service and is generally not recommended due to potential over-processing and damage.
- C. Keratin treatments do more than just condition; they significantly reduce frizz and can loosen the curl pattern, albeit temporarily.
- D. This describes a chemical relaxer, not a keratin smoothing treatment. Keratin treatments do not permanently break disulfide bonds.
Keratin Smoothing Treatment Nature
Keratin smoothing treatments are semi-permanent services that reduce frizz and smooth hair by coating it with keratin and temporarily altering the hair's hydrogen and salt bonds with heat.
- Do not permanently break disulfide bonds.
- Results typically last 2-6 months.
- Mainly reduce frizz and loosen curl, not completely straighten.
- Involves the application of a keratin-based solution and then sealing with heat (flat iron).
Memory trick: Relaxers are Permanent, Keratin is Temporary, Blowouts are Brief.