Types of Relaxers
What type of relaxer is most commonly used for curly or coiled hair?
Sodium hydroxide relaxers.
Are chemical relaxers acidic or alkaline?
Alkaline.
What should be applied to the scalp before applying the relaxer?
Protective base cream.
Why is it important to perform a patch test before applying a relaxer?
To check for any allergic reactions.
What is the term for the process of chemically altering the natural curl pattern of hair?
Chemical relaxing.
Which type of relaxer is recommended for sensitive scalps?
Guanidine hydroxide relaxers.
What is the typical pH range of sodium hydroxide relaxers?
pH 12.5 to 14.
In which section of the hair should the relaxer be applied first?
The most resistant area (often the back of the head).
What should you avoid doing to the hair before a relaxer treatment?
Shampooing the hair right before the treatment.
What is the process called where a relaxer is applied only to new growth to avoid over-processing previously relaxed hair?
Retouch application.
__________ is commonly added to hydroxide relaxers, but it is not used by itself to relax hair.
Calcium hydroxide.
What is the pH range of ammonium thioglycolate relaxers?
pH 9.6 to 10
What test should you perform during the relaxing process to check for the desired straightness?
Strand test.
Why is it important to avoid overlapping relaxer onto previously relaxed hair?
It can cause severe damage and breakage.
What bonds in the hair are broken and restructured during the relaxing process?
Disulfide bonds.
What is a benefit of ammonium thioglycolate relaxers over sodium hydroxide relaxers?
They are milder and can be used on fine or color-treated hair.
Why is it important to know the pH level of relaxers?
The higher the pH, the more the hair's structure is altered, making it crucial to choose the right strength for the hair type.
How long should you wait after a chemical relaxer to shampoo the hair?
Immediately after neutralizing with a neutralizing shampoo.
What is the proper action if relaxer accidentally gets into a client’s eyes?
Rinse immediately with cool water and seek medical attention if necessary.
What is the term for the degree to which a relaxer softens and straightens the hair?
Relaxer strength
Which relaxer type requires the use of a neutralizing shampoo to restore the hair’s natural pH?
All relaxers (sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate).
How does the pH level of the neutralizing shampoo affect the hair after relaxing?
It helps bring the pH level of the hair back to its natural acidic state (pH 4.5-5.5).
What happens if you over-process the hair with relaxer?
The hair can become weak, brittle, and break due to the over-alteration of the disulfide bonds.
Why should chemical relaxers not be used on scalp abrasions?
The chemicals can cause further irritation or injury to the damaged skin.
What does the term “neutralizing” mean in the context of chemical relaxers?
Restoring the hair’s pH balance after relaxing.