ABA Chemical Treatments & Relaxers 2

Question 1

Which pH range is typical for lye (sodium hydroxide) relaxers?

Accepted Answer

12.0–14.0

Answer

Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide and have a very high pH of 12–14, making them highly alkaline and potent.

Question 2

A client's scalp has active abrasions before a relaxer service. What is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the service until healed

Answer

Active abrasions or open scalp lesions are a contraindication for relaxer services; the service must be postponed until the scalp heals.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of pre-relaxer base cream?

Accepted Answer

Protect the scalp from chemical burns

Answer

Base cream acts as a barrier on the scalp and previously relaxed hair to protect against chemical irritation and burns.

Question 4

During a thio relaxer process, the active ingredient works by:

Accepted Answer

Reducing disulfide bonds with ammonium thioglycolate

Answer

Ammonium thioglycolate in thio relaxers breaks (reduces) disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to be straightened into a new shape.

Question 5

After applying a sodium hydroxide relaxer, the neutralizing shampoo restores the hair's pH by:

Accepted Answer

Lowering pH to 4.5–5.5

Answer

Neutralizing shampoos are acidic and bring the hair's pH back down to the naturally slightly acidic range of 4.5–5.5.

(ABA) American Barber Association Certified Practice Test