NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is preparing to perform a chemical relaxing service on a client with fine, color-treated hair. Which type of relaxer would be most appropriate to minimize damage?
- AGuanidine hydroxide relaxer
- BAmmonium thioglycolate relaxer
- CSodium hydroxide relaxer
- DLye relaxer
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Ammonium thioglycolate relaxer
Ammonium thioglycolate relaxers are generally considered milder and suitable for fine, color-treated, or porous hair types, as they do not swell the hair as much as hydroxide relaxers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Guanidine hydroxide relaxers are no-lye but still strong and can be drying, potentially damaging fine, color-treated hair.
- C. Sodium hydroxide relaxers are very strong and can cause significant damage to fine or color-treated hair.
- D. Lye relaxers are another term for sodium hydroxide relaxers, which are too strong for this hair type.
Relaxer Types for Hair
Different chemical relaxers (e.g., sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate) are chosen based on hair type and condition to achieve desired straightening while minimizing damage.
- Sodium hydroxide (Lye) is strongest, for coarse, resistant hair.
- Guanidine hydroxide (No-Lye) is strong, for sensitive scalps but can be drying.
- Ammonium thioglycolate (Thio) is milder, for fine, color-treated, or porous hair.
Memory trick: Relaxer choices depend on hair's 'Fine-ness', 'Color', and 'Strength' needed.