Rhode Island Barbering Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline compound used in hair relaxers, and its primary function is to straighten the hair. This is achieved by breaking the disulfide bonds that provide the hair with its natural curl and wave pattern.

When sodium hydroxide is applied to the hair, it penetrates the hair shaft and alters the chemical structure of the hair. By breaking these disulfide bonds, the hair's curl pattern is loosened or eliminated, resulting in straighter hair. This process is known as chemical hair relaxation, which is specifically designed for individuals with tightly curled or coiled hair types looking to achieve a smoother and straighter appearance.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of sodium hydroxide in hair relaxers. Enhancing natural curls is the opposite of what relaxers do. While sodium hydroxide can sometimes make hair feel softer initially due to the chemical processes involved, it is not primarily intended as a conditioning agent nor does it serve to color the hair.