Massachusetts Barber Practice Exam

What type of chemical treatment can be used to relax curly hair?

1. Chemical straightener

2. Curl enhancer

3. Chemical relaxer

4. Conditioning treatment

The correct answer is: Chemical relaxer

Chemical relaxers are specifically formulated to break down the bonds in curly hair, allowing it to be straightened and relaxed. These treatments alter the hair's structure by using alkaline solutions, which penetrate the hair shaft and reform the protein bonds, resulting in a smoother, less curly texture. In contrast, products like chemical straighteners and curl enhancers do not perform the same function. While a chemical straightener may seem similar, it generally refers to a broader category that includes various methods of achieving straight hair, but it is not as precise as a chemical relaxer. Curl enhancers, on the other hand, aim to enhance and define curls rather than relax them. Conditioning treatments primarily focus on moisturizing and restoring health to the hair without altering its structure or texture, which is not the goal in relaxing curly hair.