Cosmetology Test Chemical Texture Services Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with fine, color-treated hair requests a permanent wave. Which type of perm solution would be the most appropriate choice to minimize potential damage?
- Alkaline wave
- Exothermic wave
- True acid wave (Correct answer)
- Ammonia-free wave
Correct answer: True acid wave
True acid waves have a pH between 4.5 and 7.0 and require heat to process. They process more slowly and are ideal for extremely porous or damaged hair, such as hair that has been color-treated, because they are less damaging than alkaline waves.
Question 2: During a chemical relaxer service, the primary role of the neutralizer is to:
- Swell the cuticle and soften the hair.
- Break the disulfide bonds.
- Harden and reform the disulfide bonds in their new, straighter alignment. (Correct answer)
- Condition the hair and scalp.
Correct answer: Harden and reform the disulfide bonds in their new, straighter alignment.
After the relaxer has broken the disulfide bonds to straighten the hair, the neutralizer is applied to rebuild these bonds in their new shape. This process is what permanently locks the hair into its new, straighter form.
Question 3: A stylist is performing a virgin sodium hydroxide relaxer application. Where should the relaxer cream be applied first?
- The entire hair shaft at once.
- The scalp area.
- The hair ends.
- The mid-shaft, staying 1/2 inch away from the scalp. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The mid-shaft, staying 1/2 inch away from the scalp.
The scalp generates heat, which can cause the relaxer to process faster near the roots. Therefore, in a virgin application, the relaxer should be applied to the mid-shaft first, then the ends, and finally to the scalp area to ensure even processing.
Question 4: Which of the following chemical texture services rearranges overly curly hair into a looser curl or wave pattern, rather than straightening it completely?
- Japanese thermal straightening
- Soft curl permanent (Correct answer)
- Hydroxide relaxer
- Keratin smoothing treatment
Correct answer: Soft curl permanent
A soft curl permanent is a thio-based chemical service that restructures overly curly hair into a larger, looser curl pattern. It is essentially a combination of a relaxer and a permanent wave.
Question 5: Before applying any chemical texture service, a stylist must perform a strand test. What is the primary purpose of this test?
- To check for the presence of metallic salts and determine processing time. (Correct answer)
- To determine the final cost of the service.
- To select the appropriate shampoo and conditioner.
- To see if the client likes the smell of the product.
Correct answer: To check for the presence of metallic salts and determine processing time.
A strand test is crucial for safety and to ensure a successful outcome. It reveals how the hair will react to the chemical, indicates the presence of metallic salts which could cause severe damage, and helps the stylist accurately determine the required processing time for the desired result.
Question 6: The active ingredient in alkaline permanent waves is ammonium thioglycolate (ATG). What is the main characteristic of these types of waves?
- They require an external heat source to process.
- They have a low pH, typically below 7.0.
- They are best for damaged or porous hair.
- They process at room temperature and have a high pH (9.0-9.6). (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They process at room temperature and have a high pH (9.0-9.6).
Alkaline waves, also known as cold waves, have a high pH (typically 9.0 to 9.6) due to the ammonium thioglycolate. This allows them to swell the hair cuticle and process quickly at room temperature without the need for an external heat source.
Cosmetology Test Chemical Texture Services Questions and Answers
A client with fine, color-treated hair requests a permanent wave.
Which type of perm solution would be the most appropriate choice to minimize potential damage?