Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamChemical ServicesHard
A cosmetologist is performing a chemical relaxer service on a client whose hair has been previously lightened. To minimize damage and ensure the best results, what is the safest and most recommended approach?
- AApply a mild lye relaxer to the entire head.
- BUse a thio relaxer on the new growth only.
- CPerform a virgin relaxer application to the previously lightened hair.
- DApply a no-lye relaxer to the entire head.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Use a thio relaxer on the new growth only.
Relaxing previously lightened hair is highly risky. If a relaxer must be used, a mild thio relaxer applied only to the new growth, avoiding the lightened hair, is the safest approach to prevent severe damage. Ideally, chemical relaxers should not be performed on previously lightened hair.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lye relaxers are too strong for previously lightened hair and will cause severe damage.
- C. A virgin relaxer application would be applied to the entire head, including previously lightened hair, which is highly damaging.
- D. Applying any relaxer to previously lightened hair is dangerous; even no-lye relaxers can cause significant damage.
Relaxing Previously Lightened Hair
The practice of chemically relaxing hair that has undergone a lightening (bleaching or high-lift color) service, which is generally discouraged due to extreme risk of damage.
- Lightened hair is already compromised and porous
- Combining relaxers and lighteners can lead to severe breakage and melting
- If absolutely necessary, use a mild thio-based relaxer ONLY on new growth
- Thorough strand testing and client consultation are paramount
Memory trick: Lightened hair and relaxers don't mix, use 'Thio' on 'New Growth' for a quick fix (if absolutely needed).