Milady Cosmetology Chemical Texture Services Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave service. What is the primary purpose of the neutralizer in this process?
- To soften and swell the cuticle
- To break the disulfide bonds
- To reform the disulfide bonds into their new curled shape (Correct answer)
- To increase the pH of the hair to an alkaline state
Correct answer: To reform the disulfide bonds into their new curled shape
After the waving lotion breaks the disulfide bonds, the neutralizer, which is an oxidizing agent (commonly hydrogen peroxide), reforms these bonds in the new shape created by the perm rod. This locks the curl into place.
Question 2: A client with extremely curly hair wants to permanently straighten it. The process involves a relaxer that removes a sulfur atom from a disulfide bond, converting it into a lanthionine bond. What is this chemical process called?
- Oxidation
- Reduction
- Hydrolysis
- Lanthionization (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lanthionization
Lanthionization is the process where hydroxide relaxers permanently straighten hair by removing a sulfur atom from a disulfide bond and converting it into a new lanthionine bond. This change is permanent and the broken disulfide bonds can never be reformed.
Question 3: Which of the following chemical texture services uses the same primary reducing agent, ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), as a traditional alkaline perm but in a different concentration and pH?
- Sodium hydroxide relaxer
- Guanidine hydroxide relaxer
- Thio relaxer (Correct answer)
- Keratin smoothing treatment
Correct answer: Thio relaxer
Thio relaxers use ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), the same active ingredient as in alkaline perms, but at a higher concentration and a higher pH (typically above 10) to straighten the hair. Sodium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide are lye and no-lye relaxers, respectively, which work through a different chemical process.
Question 4: A stylist is preparing for a soft curl permanent on a client. This two-step process involves first relaxing the hair and then wrapping it on larger rods. What type of chemical is used for this service?
- A hydroxide-based chemical
- A thio-based chemical (Correct answer)
- A glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMTG) based chemical
- A sulfite-based chemical
Correct answer: A thio-based chemical
A soft curl permanent is a thio-based chemical service that first uses a thio relaxer to straighten the hair, followed by a thio permanent wave on larger rods to create a looser, larger curl pattern. It should not be performed on hair previously treated with a hydroxide relaxer.
Question 5: During a perm consultation, a client mentions they have a sensitive scalp. The cosmetologist chooses a relaxer that is advertised as a "no-lye" formula. Which of the following is most likely the active ingredient in this type of relaxer?
- Sodium hydroxide
- Ammonium thioglycolate
- Guanidine hydroxide (Correct answer)
- Glyceryl monothioglycolate
Correct answer: Guanidine hydroxide
No-lye relaxers, which are generally milder and better for sensitive scalps, commonly use guanidine hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or lithium hydroxide as the active ingredient instead of sodium hydroxide (lye).
Question 6: To achieve maximum volume at the scalp during a permanent wave, which tool placement technique should be used, keeping in mind it also creates the most tension on the hair?
- Off-base placement
- Half-off-base placement
- On-base placement (Correct answer)
- Under-directed placement
Correct answer: On-base placement
On-base placement involves wrapping the hair at a 45-degree angle beyond perpendicular to its base section, positioning the rod directly on its base. This technique creates the most volume but also puts the most tension and stress on the hair, which can lead to breakage.
Milady Cosmetology Chemical Texture Services Questions and Answers
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave service.
What is the primary purpose of the neutralizer in this process?