CCP Chemical Relaxers & Texturizers

Question 1

What is the primary active ingredient in a lye relaxer?

Accepted Answer

Sodium hydroxide

Answer

Sodium hydroxide (lye) is the active ingredient in lye relaxers and works by breaking the disulfide bonds that give hair its curl pattern.

Question 2

Which type of relaxer is classified as 'no-lye'?

Accepted Answer

Guanidine hydroxide

Answer

Guanidine hydroxide is the active ingredient in no-lye relaxers, formed by mixing guanidine carbonate activator with a calcium hydroxide base cream.

Question 3

What is the typical pH range of sodium hydroxide relaxers?

Accepted Answer

12–14

Answer

Sodium hydroxide relaxers have a very high pH of 12–14, which is required to swell and penetrate the hair shaft and break disulfide bonds.

Question 4

Which bonds in the hair are permanently altered by chemical relaxers?

Accepted Answer

Disulfide bonds

Answer

Chemical relaxers permanently break and restructure disulfide (cystine) bonds, which are responsible for the hair's natural curl pattern.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of applying base cream before a relaxer service?

Accepted Answer

To protect the scalp and skin from chemical burns

Answer

Base cream creates a protective barrier on the scalp, hairline, and ears to prevent burns from the highly alkaline relaxer chemicals.

(CCP) Certified Cosmetology Professional Practice Test