NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesHard
A barber is preparing to perform a chemical relaxing service on a client with fine, delicate hair that has been previously color-treated. Which type of chemical relaxer would be the safest and most appropriate choice for this hair type?
- AGuanidine hydroxide relaxer
- BAmmonium thioglycolate (thio) relaxer
- CLye relaxer
- DSodium hydroxide relaxer
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Ammonium thioglycolate (thio) relaxer
Ammonium thioglycolate (thio) relaxers are generally considered milder than hydroxide relaxers and are suitable for fine, delicate, or color-treated hair. They work by breaking disulfide bonds and then reforming them, allowing for a gentler process compared to the irreversible bond breakage of hydroxide relaxers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Guanidine hydroxide (no-lye) relaxers are less irritating than lye but still strong and can be drying; thio relaxers are generally preferred for delicate hair.
- C. Lye relaxer is another name for sodium hydroxide relaxer, which is too strong for the described hair type.
- D. Sodium hydroxide (lye) relaxers are very strong, irreversible, and too harsh for fine, delicate, or color-treated hair.
Chemical Relaxer Selection (Hair Type)
Choosing the appropriate chemical relaxer type based on the client's hair texture, condition (e.g., fine, coarse, color-treated), and desired results to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Thio relaxers are generally milder and suitable for fine, delicate, or color-treated hair.
- Hydroxide relaxers (lye/no-lye) are stronger and used for coarse or resistant hair.
- Hair integrity must be a primary consideration for relaxer choice.
Memory trick: Fine, delicate, colored? Thio is the gentle savior!