Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

To effectively penetrate the hair and reach the cortex, chemical hair treatments must have what type of pH?

1. Neutral pH

2. Acidic pH

3. Alkaline pH

4. Variable pH

The correct answer is: Alkaline pH

Chemical hair treatments need an alkaline pH to effectively penetrate the hair and reach the cortex. Alkaline products, typically with a pH level above 7, open up the cuticle layer of the hair, allowing the active ingredients in the treatment to access the inner layers, including the cortex. This is essential for processes like perming and coloring, which require the restructuring of the hair's internal bonds. In contrast, neutral pH products do not facilitate the lifting of the cuticle, making it difficult for the treatment to penetrate effectively. Acidic pH products can often seal the cuticle, which is useful for smoothing but not for penetration. Variable pH does not provide a consistent environment needed for effective chemical reactions within the hair. Understanding the role of pH in chemical treatments empowers stylists to select the appropriate products for desired results.