Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamChemical ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is preparing to perform a chemical relaxer service on a client with tightly coiled, resistant hair. During the consultation, the client expresses concern about potential scalp irritation. Which type of relaxer is generally considered to be less irritating to the scalp due to its lower pH and conditioning properties?
- AGuanidine hydroxide relaxer
- BNo-lye relaxer (calcium hydroxide)
- CThio relaxer (ammonium thioglycolate)
- DLye relaxer (sodium hydroxide)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No-lye relaxer (calcium hydroxide)
No-lye relaxers, primarily calcium hydroxide, are formulated with a lower pH and are often marketed as being less irritating to the scalp compared to lye relaxers, making them suitable for sensitive scalps.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Guanidine hydroxide relaxers are a type of no-lye relaxer, formed by mixing calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, and while generally less irritating than lye, 'no-lye relaxer' is the broader, more commonly recognized category for this benefit.
- C. Thio relaxers (ammonium thioglycolate) are generally milder than lye relaxers but can still cause irritation, and are not typically marketed specifically for sensitive scalps like no-lye relaxers.
- D. Lye relaxers (sodium hydroxide) have a very high pH and are known for causing significant scalp irritation.
No-Lye Relaxers
Chemical hair relaxers that do not contain sodium hydroxide. They typically use calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate.
- Main active ingredient: Calcium hydroxide, often mixed with guanidine carbonate
- Lower pH than lye relaxers (9.0-11.5)
- Marketed as less irritating to the scalp
- Can leave calcium deposits, requiring clarifying shampoo
Memory trick: When the scalp says 'No!', choose 'No-Lye' to soothe the 'Calcium' concerns.