Utah Cosmetology and Barbering Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology and Barbering Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What is the primary ingredient in most hair relaxers?

Ammonium thioglycolate

Sodium hydroxide

The primary ingredient in most hair relaxers is sodium hydroxide. This chemical is highly effective for altering the structure of the hair, making it straighter by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair shaft. Sodium hydroxide is known as a lye relaxer, and it's widely used due to its potency in providing lasting straightness and its relatively quick processing time.

While ammonium thioglycolate is also used in some hair relaxers, it is more commonly associated with perming solutions, which curl hair rather than straightening it. Calcium hydroxide, on the other hand, is sometimes found in no-lye relaxers but is not as prevalent as sodium hydroxide in traditional relaxers. Glycerin is a moisturizing agent and does not play a role in the relaxing process itself. Thus, sodium hydroxide stands out as the central ingredient in the composition of most hair relaxers.

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Calcium hydroxide

Glycerin

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