National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the ideal temperature for rinsing a chemical relaxer from the hair?

1. Cold

2. Hot

3. Tepid

4. Warm

The correct answer is: Tepid

The ideal temperature for rinsing a chemical relaxer from the hair is tepid. Tepid water, which is about room temperature, helps to neutralize the relaxer effectively without causing shock or further damage to the hair and scalp. Using tepid water ensures that the relaxer is removed thoroughly while maintaining the integrity of the hair, as extreme temperatures can lead to further processing or damage. Cold water may not effectively remove all residues of the relaxer, as it does not encourage the product to wash away thoroughly. Hot water, on the other hand, can open the hair cuticles more than desired, potentially leading to increased damage or mishandling of the relationship between the relaxer and the hair structure. Warm water, while closer to the right temperature than hot or cold, is still not as optimal as tepid water for achieving a balanced cleanse after relaxer application. Thus, tepid is the ideal choice for rinsing to ensure the health of the hair remains intact while effectively removing the chemical product.