NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesHard
A barber is performing a hair coloring service and has mixed a permanent hair color with 20 volume hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide acts as the oxidizing agent in this mixture. What is the primary role of the oxidizing agent in permanent hair coloring?
- ATo swell the hair shaft and open the cuticle layer
- BTo neutralize any existing artificial hair color
- CTo create the color pigment inside the hair cortex
- DTo remove the hair's natural melanin and develop artificial color
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To remove the hair's natural melanin and develop artificial color
In permanent hair coloring, the oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide) has a dual role: it releases oxygen which decolorizes the hair's natural melanin (lifting action) and simultaneously oxidizes the colorless dye precursors, causing them to swell and combine to form larger, permanent color molecules within the cortex (developing artificial color).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ammonia primarily swells the hair shaft and opens the cuticle, allowing the color molecules to penetrate.
- B. Neutralizing existing artificial color is typically done with color removers or lighteners, not the developer in a standard permanent color application.
- C. The dye precursors themselves, once oxidized, form the color pigment; the oxidizing agent facilitates this reaction.
Oxidizing Agent (Hair Color)
Also known as a developer or catalyst, typically hydrogen peroxide, it is a chemical compound that supplies the oxygen necessary to decolorize the hair's natural melanin and develop the artificial dye molecules in permanent hair color.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is common
- Removes natural melanin (lift)
- Develops artificial color molecules
- Different volumes determine strength of action
Memory trick: Oxidizer Opens, Lifts, and Develops the new color.