Arizona Cosmetology Practice Exam

What are the three main types of hair bonds affected by chemical treatments?

1. Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and covalent bonds

2. Hydrogen bonds, salt bonds, and disulfide bonds

3. Salt bonds, disulfide bonds, and metallic bonds

4. Disulfide bonds, covalent bonds, and peptide bonds

The correct answer is: Hydrogen bonds, salt bonds, and disulfide bonds

The three main types of hair bonds affected by chemical treatments include hydrogen bonds, salt bonds, and disulfide bonds. Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between the positively charged hydrogen atom and negatively charged atoms, playing a significant role in determining the hair's shape and style. These bonds can easily be broken and reformed with changes in moisture and heat, which is why hairstyles can often be altered with the application of heat or humidity. Salt bonds are formed between the acidic and basic groups of the keratin protein in hair. They are stronger than hydrogen bonds but can still be broken and reformed through changes in pH levels or the presence of certain chemicals. Chemical treatments that alter the hair's pH can effectively disrupt these bonds. Disulfide bonds are the strongest bonds affecting hair structure. They form between the sulfur atoms in cysteine amino acids and provide strength and rigidity to the hair. Chemical treatments, especially those involving permanent waves or relaxers, can break and reform these bonds, allowing for significant changes in hair texture. Understanding these bonds is crucial for anyone in the cosmetology field, as this knowledge helps in predicting how hair will react during various chemical processes, ensuring better outcomes for clients.