Cosmetology Test Chemical Texture Services 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of ammonium hydroxide in an alkaline permanent wave solution?
- It acts as the neutralizing agent to rebuild bonds
- It swells the hair shaft and raises the cuticle to allow penetration (Correct answer)
- It provides the oxidizing action that reforms curls
- It lowers the pH to protect the scalp
Correct answer: It swells the hair shaft and raises the cuticle to allow penetration
Ammonium hydroxide raises the pH and swells the hair shaft, lifting the cuticle so the thioglycolate can penetrate and break disulfide bonds.
Question 2: A client has a history of scalp sensitivity. Which type of relaxer would be most appropriate?
- Sodium hydroxide (lye) relaxer
- Guanidine hydroxide (no-lye) relaxer (Correct answer)
- Ammonium thioglycolate relaxer
- Calcium hydroxide relaxer without activator
Correct answer: Guanidine hydroxide (no-lye) relaxer
Guanidine hydroxide (no-lye) relaxers have a slightly lower pH than sodium hydroxide relaxers and are generally better tolerated by sensitive scalps.
Question 3: What is 'base relaxer application' used for?
- Applying relaxer only to the new growth area
- Coating the entire scalp with base cream before applying relaxer (Correct answer)
- Using a mild base formula on resistant hair
- Applying a neutralizing base after the chemical service
Correct answer: Coating the entire scalp with base cream before applying relaxer
A base application means the scalp is fully coated with protective base cream before relaxer application to protect sensitive scalp skin.
Question 4: When performing a perm on hair that has been previously highlighted, the cosmetologist should:
- Double the waving lotion strength for better penetration
- Skip the neutralizer since highlighted hair is already porous
- Perform a careful strand test and use a gentle formula (Correct answer)
- Apply the waving lotion only to the roots
Correct answer: Perform a careful strand test and use a gentle formula
Highlighted hair is already porous and potentially weakened; a strand test and gentle perm formula help prevent over-processing and breakage.
Question 5: What is the purpose of using end papers during a perm wrap?
- To protect the rods from chemical damage
- To smooth and control hair ends to prevent fishhook bends (Correct answer)
- To keep waving lotion from dripping onto the face
- To increase tension during the wrapping process
Correct answer: To smooth and control hair ends to prevent fishhook bends
End papers smooth and fold around the hair ends, preventing them from buckling or creating an uneven 'fishhook' curl at the tip.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'smoothing' step in a chemical relaxer service?
- Applying conditioner to detangle before the relaxer
- Using the back of a comb or gloved fingers to straighten the hair during processing (Correct answer)
- Combing out the relaxer immediately after application
- Rinsing the hair to remove excess relaxer
Correct answer: Using the back of a comb or gloved fingers to straighten the hair during processing
Smoothing involves using gloved fingers or the back of a comb to gently straighten the hair while the relaxer processes, helping break down the curl pattern.
Question 7: What chemical process takes place when hydrogen peroxide is used as a neutralizer in a permanent wave?
- Reduction — breaking disulfide bonds
- Oxidation — rebuilding disulfide bonds (Correct answer)
- Hydrolysis — dissolving the protein bonds
- Saponification — converting oils to soaps
Correct answer: Oxidation — rebuilding disulfide bonds
Hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent, donating oxygen to rebuild (re-form) the disulfide bonds in the hair's new curled position.
Cosmetology Test Chemical Texture Services 4
What is the role of ammonium hydroxide in an alkaline permanent wave solution?