California Barber Written ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is performing a chemical relaxer service. After the relaxer has been applied and processed for the appropriate time, what is the critical next step before shampooing the hair?
- ANeutralize with an acid-balanced conditioner
- BRinse thoroughly with warm water
- CApply a protein treatment
- DBlow-dry the hair on a cool setting
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Thorough rinsing with warm water immediately after processing is crucial to remove all traces of the highly alkaline relaxer product and prevent further chemical action and potential scalp irritation or damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Neutralizing shampoo or conditioner is applied AFTER rinsing to re-balance the pH, not before.
- C. A protein treatment might be used later, but not immediately after processing and before rinsing.
- D. Blow-drying wet hair with a relaxer still on would be damaging and ineffective.
Relaxer Rinsing
The immediate and thorough rinsing of chemical relaxer from the hair with warm water after processing to halt chemical action and prevent damage.
- Stops chemical processing
- Prevents scalp irritation
- Must be thorough and complete
Memory trick: Apply, process, rinse, neutralize, condition – in that order, or hair will be gone!