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Chemical Services Flashcards

6 cards from real Cosmetology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the primary active ingredient in most permanent wave (perm) solutions?

    Answer: Ammonium thioglycolate

    Ammonium thioglycolate is the reducing agent in most alkaline perm solutions that breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex to allow reshaping.

  2. A virgin relaxer application is applied from which area first?

    Answer: Crown to nape, then sides and front

    For a virgin relaxer application, the product is applied starting at the crown/most resistant area and working toward the nape, then finishing at the sides and front.

  3. The pH of a lye relaxer (sodium hydroxide) typically falls in what range?

    Answer: 12–14

    Sodium hydroxide (lye) relaxers have a very high pH of 12–14, making them extremely alkaline and capable of permanently straightening tightly coiled hair.

  4. What is the purpose of a neutralizer after a perm service?

    Answer: Remove the waving lotion and re-form disulfide bonds

    The neutralizer stops the chemical action of the waving lotion and uses oxidation to re-form the disulfide bonds around the new shape of the perm rod.

  5. What does the term 'double-process color' refer to?

    Answer: Lightening the hair first, then applying a toner

    Double-process color involves first pre-lightening (bleaching) the hair and then applying a toner or haircolor to achieve the desired shade.

  6. Which haircolor classification can only deposit color and cannot lighten the natural hair?

    Answer: Both B and C

    Both semi-permanent and demi-permanent haircolors do not contain the developer strength needed to lighten the natural melanin, so they can only deposit color.