Arizona Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the effect of applying heat to a relaxer treatment on hair?

1. It weakens the chemical process

2. It dries the hair out

3. It enhances the chemical process, straightening the hair more efficiently

4. It causes hair to frizz

The correct answer is: It enhances the chemical process, straightening the hair more efficiently

Applying heat to a relaxer treatment enhances the chemical process, allowing for more efficient straightening of the hair. Relaxers work by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure, and heat facilitates this process by raising the temperature of the hair and the relaxer. Increased heat can accelerate the chemical reaction, leading to a straighter result more quickly. When heat is applied, the cuticle layer of the hair may also lift slightly, which allows the relaxer to penetrate more effectively into the cortex, resulting in a more uniform straightening. This interaction between heat and the relaxer is crucial because it can help achieve the desired level of straightness while also minimizing the potential for over-processing in cooler conditions. The other options suggest negative consequences, such as weakening the chemical process or causing frizz, which would not apply when heat is properly managed in the context of a relaxer treatment.