National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cosmetology Practice Exam

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What type of product do hair relaxers typically contain?

An acid product
An alkali product
A neutral product
A conditioning product

The correct answer is: An alkali product

Hair relaxers typically contain alkali products, which are essential for their function. These products usually have a high pH level that helps break down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure. The main active ingredients in many relaxers, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, are strong alkaline agents. This alkalinity is crucial because it allows the relaxer to effectively alter the hair's natural texture, making it straighter and more manageable. In contrast, acid products would not be effective for relaxing hair, as they tend to cause the hair cuticle to tighten rather than loosen. Neutral products do not have the properties necessary to chemically alter the structure of hair, while conditioning products are designed for moisture and softness, not for altering hair texture. Therefore, the alkali nature of hair relaxers is what makes them suitable for this specific purpose in cosmetology.