CCP Chemical Relaxers & Texturizers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should a relaxer be applied during a retouch service on previously relaxed hair?
- From roots to ends, same as a virgin application
- Only to the new growth, avoiding the previously relaxed hair (Correct answer)
- Only to the ends, then worked toward the roots
- Mixed into shampoo for even distribution
Correct answer: Only to the new growth, avoiding the previously relaxed hair
During a retouch, relaxer is applied only to the new growth to prevent overlapping onto already-processed hair, which would cause over-processing and breakage.
Question 2: What is 'texlaxing'?
- Applying maximum-strength relaxer for a completely straight result
- Intentionally under-processing the hair to retain some natural texture (Correct answer)
- A thermal straightening technique using flat irons
- Relaxing only the ends of the hair shaft
Correct answer: Intentionally under-processing the hair to retain some natural texture
Texlaxing involves using a shorter processing time or milder relaxer formula to loosen the curl pattern while retaining some wave or texture rather than achieving full straightness.
Question 3: What should a cosmetologist do if a client has open sores or abrasions on the scalp before a relaxer service?
- Apply extra base cream over the affected areas and proceed
- Switch to a no-lye formula, which is safer for broken skin
- Postpone the service until the scalp has fully healed (Correct answer)
- Dilute the relaxer with conditioner to reduce irritation
Correct answer: Postpone the service until the scalp has fully healed
Applying a chemical relaxer to broken or irritated skin risks severe chemical burns and serious injury; the service must always be postponed until the scalp has healed.
Question 4: Which hair type requires the most careful monitoring during relaxer processing?
- Coarse, resistant virgin hair
- Fine, color-treated, or previously chemically processed hair (Correct answer)
- Thick, healthy hair with a looser curl pattern
- Gray or white hair on older clients
Correct answer: Fine, color-treated, or previously chemically processed hair
Fine, color-treated, or previously chemically processed hair is already structurally compromised, making it more susceptible to over-processing and breakage.
Question 5: What does the 'smoothing test' determine during a relaxer application?
- How well the base cream is protecting the scalp
- Whether the relaxer has been evenly distributed through the hair
- How straight the hair has become, to gauge processing progress (Correct answer)
- Whether the neutralizer is ready to be applied
Correct answer: How straight the hair has become, to gauge processing progress
The smoothing test involves gently running a comb or finger through the hair to assess the degree of straightening, helping the cosmetologist judge when to stop processing.
Question 6: What is the minimum recommended time between relaxer retouch services?
- 1–2 weeks
- 4–6 weeks
- 6–8 weeks (Correct answer)
- 3–4 months
Correct answer: 6–8 weeks
At least 6–8 weeks between retouches allows sufficient new growth to develop and prevents overlapping onto previously relaxed hair, which causes breakage.
Question 7: Which chemical service should NEVER be performed on the same day as a relaxer?
- Deep conditioning treatment
- Permanent wave (perm) (Correct answer)
- Protein restructuring treatment
- Hot oil scalp massage
Correct answer: Permanent wave (perm)
A permanent wave and a relaxer both chemically break disulfide bonds; performing them on the same day causes severe, irreversible hair damage or complete breakage.
CCP Chemical Relaxers & Texturizers 2
How should a relaxer be applied during a retouch service on previously relaxed hair?