California Barber Written ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is preparing to perform a chemical relaxing service on a client with tightly coiled, resistant hair. Which of the following active ingredients is most commonly used and effective for this hair type?
- AAmmonium thioglycolate
- BSodium hydroxide
- CGlyceryl monothioglycolate
- DHydrogen peroxide
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide relaxers, also known as lye relaxers, are highly effective for clients with tightly coiled, resistant hair due to their strong alkaline pH and ability to break a significant number of disulfide bonds.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ammonium thioglycolate is a milder relaxer, often used for permanent waving or less resistant hair.
- C. Glyceryl monothioglycolate is a 'no-lye' perm/relaxer ingredient, milder than sodium hydroxide.
- D. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer, primarily used in coloring or to neutralize thioglycolate relaxers.
Sodium Hydroxide Relaxers
A strong alkaline chemical relaxer used to permanently straighten tightly coiled or resistant hair by breaking disulfide bonds.
- Also known as lye relaxers.
- High pH (10-14).
- Not compatible with thioglycolate products.
Memory trick: Strong hair needs strong lye to lie down straight.