NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a chemical relaxer service on a client with tightly coiled hair. After applying the relaxer, the 'strand test' is performed to determine if the hair is sufficiently relaxed. Which of the following indicates that the hair is adequately relaxed?
- AThe hair feels rough and resistant to further stretching.
- BThe hair forms an S-pattern or lies completely straight with little resistance.
- CThe hair strands curl tightly when stretched.
- DThe hair stretches significantly and returns to its original curl pattern.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The hair forms an S-pattern or lies completely straight with little resistance.
During a relaxer strand test, the hair is adequately relaxed when it forms an S-pattern (for a partial relax) or lies completely straight with minimal resistance (for a full relax), indicating the disulfide bonds have been sufficiently broken.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Roughness and resistance indicate the hair is either under-processed or becoming damaged, not adequately relaxed.
- C. Tight curling when stretched indicates the hair is not relaxed enough.
- D. Returning to its original curl pattern means the relaxer has not processed sufficiently.
Chemical Relaxer Strand Test
A test performed during a chemical relaxer service to determine if the hair's disulfide bonds have been sufficiently broken to achieve the desired level of straightness.
- Performed by gently stretching a small section of hair.
- Adequate relaxation shows an S-pattern or straightness.
- Prevents over-processing or under-processing.
Memory trick: Relaxed hair makes an S-curve or just S-traightens.