Texas Class A Barber Written ExamChemical ServicesMedium

A barber is preparing to apply a no-lye relaxer to a client's hair. What is the primary active ingredient typically found in no-lye relaxers?

  1. AGuanidine hydroxide
  2. BSodium hydroxide
  3. CLithium hydroxide
  4. DAmmonium thioglycolate
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Guanidine hydroxide

No-lye relaxers typically use guanidine hydroxide as their primary active ingredient, which is considered less irritating than sodium hydroxide (lye relaxers).

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Sodium hydroxide is the active ingredient in 'lye' relaxers, not 'no-lye' relaxers.
  • C. Lithium hydroxide is another type of hydroxide relaxer, sometimes considered a 'no-lye' but less common than guanidine.
  • D. Ammonium thioglycolate is used in thio relaxers and permanent waves, not no-lye relaxers.

No-Lye Relaxer Active Ingredient

No-lye relaxers primarily use guanidine hydroxide as their active ingredient, offering a milder alternative to lye relaxers.

  • Less irritating to scalp than lye
  • Requires mixing of two components
  • Can be more drying to hair

Memory trick: No-lye has 'Guan' (one) ingredient, not 'Sodium' (two-part lye).

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