Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamHair ServicesHard
A client with thick, coarse, and resistant hair wants to achieve a significant curl reduction and a smoother, straighter look. During the chemical relaxer service, which type of relaxer is generally considered the strongest and most effective for this hair type?
- ALye-based relaxers
- BHydroxide relaxers
- CAmmonium sulfite relaxers
- DThio relaxers
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hydroxide relaxers
Hydroxide relaxers, particularly lye-based (sodium hydroxide), are potent and highly effective for straightening extremely curly, coarse, and resistant hair due to their strong alkalinity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lye-based relaxers are a type of hydroxide relaxer and are indeed very strong, but 'Hydroxide relaxers' is the broader and more encompassing correct category.
- C. Ammonium sulfite relaxers are typically milder, often used for body waves or very gentle relaxing, not for strong curl reduction on resistant hair.
- D. Thio relaxers (ammonium thioglycolate) are milder and require neutralization, generally used for less resistant hair.
Hydroxide Relaxers
A class of chemical relaxers with a very high pH, containing a metal hydroxide compound (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide), highly effective for straightening very curly, coarse, and resistant hair.
- Strongest type of relaxer
- Typically pH 12.5-13.5
- Breaks disulfide bonds permanently
- No-lather shampoo required for rinsing, no separate neutralizer (neutralization is rinse-based)
- Cannot be used on hair previously treated with thio relaxers
Memory trick: Remember 'High-Tide' for the main relaxer categories.