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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Which Relaxer Requires Base Cream? Chapter 6 Quiz

Quick, free base cream relaxer quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nikoruu ChanUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art layered natural hair silhouettes chemical straightener scalp prep tools quiz icons on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you check which relaxers need a base cream and how to prep the scalp safely. You will answer short questions on chemical straighteners and get instant feedback to see what to study next. For more practice, try the alkaline perms quiz, review key science in the cosmetology chemistry practice test, and brush up on prep and cleansing with the scalp care shampooing quiz.

What is the main purpose of a clarifying shampoo in natural hair care?
To increase scalp oil production
To moisturize hair strands
To color the hair
To remove product buildup and impurities
Clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove product buildup, sebum, and impurities from the hair and scalp, ensuring a clean base before chemical treatments or deep conditioning. This step helps prevent uneven processing and improves overall hair health. Regular use helps maintain product effectiveness and scalp clarity.
Which pH level is considered ideal for closing the hair cuticle?
pH 7.0
pH 2.0
pH 8.0
pH 4.5-5.5
The ideal pH for hair products to close and smooth the cuticle is slightly acidic, between 4.5 and 5.5. At this pH, the cuticle lies flat, reflecting more light and providing smoother hair. Products outside this range can leave hair porous and prone to frizz.
How often should a natural hair care routine include a deep conditioning treatment?
Once a year
Weekly or biweekly
Never
Every day
Deep conditioning treatments are recommended weekly or biweekly to replenish moisture, maintain elasticity, and strengthen hair strands. Overdoing conditioning can cause buildup, while under-conditioning can lead to dryness and breakage. Adjust frequency based on hair porosity and styling needs.
What is the key benefit of scalp exfoliation before chemical straightening?
Prevents hair growth
Enhances product absorption and reduces buildup
Increases hair color uptake
Adds shine only
Scalp exfoliation removes dead skin cells and product residue, promoting a healthy environment for chemical penetration. It ensures more even distribution of straightening products, reducing the risk of uneven processing. A clean scalp also lowers the chance of irritation during chemical treatments.
Which ingredient is commonly used in blueing shampoos to brighten gray hair?
Green tint
Red dye
Blue pigment
Yellow powder
Blueing shampoos contain blue pigments to counteract yellow tones in gray or platinum hair, restoring a cooler, brighter appearance. The blue pigment neutralizes brassiness through color theory. Regular use maintains a more neutral shade.
What type of straightener uses thio to break hair bonds?
Flat iron
Thioglycolate relaxer
Keratin treatment
Sodium hydroxide relaxer
Thioglycolate relaxers use ammonium thioglycolate to reduce and break disulfide bonds in the hair shaft, allowing hair to be reshaped. This chemical action permanently straightens hair until new growth appears. They require careful timing and proper neutralization.
Which relaxer is considered no-lye?
Sodium hydroxide
Ammonium thioglycolate
Lithium hydroxide
Guanidine hydroxide
No-lye relaxers use guanidine hydroxide, created by mixing calcium hydroxide with guanidine carbonate. These relaxers are gentler on the scalp but can leave calcium deposits, so thorough rinsing is essential. They are preferred for sensitive scalps.
Which tool is essential for hair strand testing during chemical services?
Hair dryer
Diffuser
Roller
Comb
A comb helps test a small strand during chemical processing by gently pulling to check elasticity and break patterns. This strand test ensures the formula and timing are correct, preventing overprocessing or underprocessing. Consistent checks improve safety and results.
What is the recommended minimum processing time for a lye relaxer?
15 minutes
1 hour
5 minutes
30 seconds
Most sodium hydroxide (lye) relaxers require a minimum of 15 minutes to effectively break disulfide bonds and achieve straightening. Underprocessing can lead to uneven texture, while overprocessing may damage hair. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and strand tests.
Which product helps neutralize relaxers?
Protein treatment
Acid-balanced neutralizing shampoo
Clarifying shampoo
Moisturizing conditioner
Acid-balanced neutralizing shampoos stop the chemical reaction by lowering the hair's pH, closing the cuticle and restoring natural acidity. This step is crucial to prevent ongoing relaxer activity that can weaken hair. Proper neutralization also reduces scalp irritation.
What is sebum?
A cleansing agent
Natural oil produced by the scalp
A type of hair protein
Skin cell
Sebum is the natural oil secreted by sebaceous glands in the scalp, providing moisture and protection for hair and skin. Balanced sebum helps maintain a healthy scalp environment. Excess sebum buildup can lead to product residue and clogged follicles.
Why is pH important in natural hair care products?
It determines packaging quality
It measures product temperature
It indicates color accuracy
It affects hair cuticle lift and closure
pH determines the acidity or alkalinity of a product, which directly affects hair cuticle behavior. Acidic formulas (below pH 7) close and smooth the cuticle, while alkaline formulas (above pH 7) open it for chemical treatments. Balancing pH prevents damage and keeps hair healthy.
What does "porosity" refer to in hair?
Hair density
Hair's ability to absorb moisture
Hair strand length
Hair color retention
Porosity indicates how well hair absorbs and retains moisture, based on cuticle condition and gaps. High-porosity hair absorbs products quickly but loses moisture just as fast, while low-porosity hair resists moisture intake. Knowing porosity helps tailor treatments.
Which of these is a common scalp condition requiring gentle cleansing?
Melanoma
Alopecia
Pediculosis
Dandruff
Dandruff is characterized by flaking and itching of the scalp, often worsened by harsh products. Gentle cleanse formulations with ingredients like pyrithione zinc can soothe and treat moderately. Overly harsh shampoos can exacerbate symptoms.
Which hair tool is used to apply relaxer product evenly?
Diffuser
Applicator brush
Wide-tooth comb
Blow dryer
An applicator brush allows for precise, even distribution of relaxer cream directly onto the hair strands and scalp. This tool helps avoid overapplication in some areas and ensures full coverage. Correct application reduces patchiness and potential damage.
What is the ideal temperature range for heat application during thermal straightening?
150°F-200°F
400°F-450°F
100°F-150°F
300°F-350°F
Thermal straightening tools are typically set between 300°F and 350°F to effectively smooth hair without causing excessive heat damage. Lower temperatures may not straighten properly, while higher temperatures risk burning the hair. Always use a heat protectant.
What is the active base in lye relaxers that breaks hair disulfide bonds?
Ammonium thioglycolate
Calcium carbonate
Sodium hydroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline agent that breaks disulfide bonds in keratin, permanently straightening textured hair. Proper application and timing are critical to avoid overprocessing. Struand tests help ensure safety.
Why is a preliminary strand test crucial before applying a relaxer?
To determine processing time and formulation
To check for allergic reactions
To style the hair
To measure hair length
A strand test reveals how hair will respond to the relaxer, indicating ideal processing time and ensuring desired straightness without damage. It also helps assess porosity and elasticity under chemical stress. This test minimizes guesswork and promotes consistent results.
How does high hair porosity affect relaxer processing?
Prevents neutralization
Has no effect
Accelerates processing due to cuticle gaps
Slows down chemical action
High-porosity hair absorbs chemicals more quickly because raised cuticles allow faster penetration, leading to shorter processing times. Without adjusting application, this can cause overprocessing and breakage. Tailoring timing avoids damage.
What benefit does a protein treatment provide for chemically straightened hair?
Rebuilds keratin bonds and strengthens hair
Lightens hair tone
Adds permanent color
Removes sebum
Protein treatments supply amino acids like keratin to reinforce weakened hair bonds after chemical straightening. This care improves elasticity, reduces breakage, and enhances overall strength. Regular use maintains integrity.
What scalp preparation step ensures even relaxer distribution?
Apply oil base and protective cream
Clarify with hard water
Use only conditioner
Skip shampooing
Applying a protective oil or base cream around the hairline and scalp shields skin from chemical burns and promotes even relaxer application. This barrier prevents irritation while ensuring smooth product flow. It also helps maintain consistent results.
Which neutralizing agent is used when a relaxer overprocessing occurs?
Moisturizing conditioner only
Chelating neutralizer with acidic pH
Oil-based serum
Strong alkaline shampoo
Chelating neutralizers are acid-balanced formulas that remove hydroxide ions, close the cuticle, and halt the relaxing action. They restore pH and remove residual chemicals, preventing further damage. Prompt neutralization is essential.
How long should you wait before washing hair after a keratin treatment?
1 week
10 minutes
48 hours
Immediately
Keratin treatments require at least 48 hours without washing to allow the product to fully bond to the hair. Washing too soon can reduce longevity and effectiveness. Heat styling should also be avoided in this period.
Which additive in relaxers helps reduce scalp irritation?
Menthol
Coconut or olive oil
Hydrogen peroxide
Salicylic acid
Oils like coconut or olive oil create a protective barrier on the scalp, mitigating the harsh effects of the relaxer's alkali. They also provide slip for easier application and reduce friction. This helps minimize discomfort and irritation.
What characteristic defines lipophilic ingredients in hair products?
Bind to oils and fats
Act as protein fillers
Attract water molecules
Provide alkaline pH
Lipophilic ingredients have an affinity for oils and fats, allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft's lipid layer. They help seal in moisture, improve shine, and protect against external damage. Common examples include esters and silicones.
What does alkalinity do to the hair cuticle during chemical services?
No effect
Opens the cuticle
Closes the cuticle
Removes the cuticle
Alkaline formulas raise the hair's pH, causing the cuticle scales to lift and separate. This opening allows chemicals to penetrate the cortex for structural changes like straightening or perming. Proper neutralization afterward is critical to close the cuticle again.
Why is a post-chemical protein treatment recommended?
To restore hair strength and integrity
To prevent color fading
To lighten hair tone
To increase sebum production
Chemical straightening can weaken keratin bonds, so a protein treatment rebuilds these bonds, improving elasticity and reducing breakage. It fortifies the hair structure, making it more resilient to environmental stress. Regular treatments maintain health.
How does humidity affect chemically straightened hair?
Promotes straightening
No effect
Reduces sebum
Causes reversion in high humidity
High humidity introduces moisture that can force the cuticle to lift, leading straightened hair to revert to its natural pattern. Using humidity-resistant products and sealing routines helps maintain results longer. Proper conditioning also combats frizz.
Which amino acid is crucial for rebuilding hair strength after a chemical relaxer?
Cysteine
Tryptophan
Methionine
Lysine
Cysteine contains sulfur groups that form disulfide bonds in keratin, giving hair its structural strength. Chemical relaxers break these bonds, so replenishing cysteine helps rebuild the hair's internal matrix. Treatments often include cystine or keratin to restore integrity.
What is the consequence of under-neutralizing a hair relaxer?
Hair color intensifies
Cuticle permanently closes
Relaxing action continues, causing damage
Hair will remain overly smooth
If a relaxer isn't fully neutralized, residual alkali continues to break disulfide bonds, resulting in brittle, weak hair prone to breakage. Proper neutralization stops the chemical process and restores the hair's pH. Skipping this step can cause ongoing damage.
How does water temperature affect relaxer efficacy?
Evaporates relaxer quicker
No effect on chemical action
Colder water increases relaxer activity
Warmer water increases processing speed
Warm water can slightly raise hair temperature, enhancing cuticle lift and allowing the relaxer to penetrate faster. However, excessive heat can cause uneven processing. Use lukewarm water for consistent results.
What is the recommended overlap technique to avoid breakage during a relaxer retouch?
Apply relaxer just behind the last processed area
Comb relaxer through entire length
Apply directly over previously relaxed hair
Use a heat cap during retouch
Applying relaxer just behind the previously processed area ensures new growth is treated without overlapping on relaxed hair, which prevents breakage and damage. Overlapping weakens and thins hair. Controlled application maintains integrity.
How do chelating agents benefit pre-chemical hair treatments?
They remove mineral and hard water build-up
They lighten hair color
They add shine
They increase sebum production
Chelating agents bind to minerals and hard water deposits on the hair, removing them during cleansing. This process prevents uneven chemical absorption and ensures more uniform straightening or coloring. They also improve overall hair manageability.
What role do enzymes play in certain scalp treatments?
They act as surfactants
They permanently straighten hair
They digest and remove buildup gently
They raise hair pH
Enzymatic scalp treatments use enzymes like protease to break down dead skin cells and excess sebum gently without harsh scrubbing. This promotes healthier follicles and encourages hair growth. Enzymes maintain balanced scalp microbiome.
How does protein sensitivity manifest in treated hair?
Faster hair growth
Excessive elasticity
Improved shine
Stiffness and increased breakage
Protein-sensitive hair reacts to protein overload by becoming stiff, brittle, and prone to breakage. Signs include a dry, straw-like texture. Balancing moisture and protein treatments is key.
What is the effect of using acidic conditioners post-relaxer?
Closes the cuticle and balances pH
Increases hair porosity
Opens the cuticle further
Neutralizes acid in hair
Acidic conditioners lower hair pH, helping to seal lifted cuticles and restore the hair's natural acidity. This process locks in moisture and smooths the hair shaft for shine. Balanced pH also reduces frizz.
Why is a base cream applied to the scalp before relaxer application?
To protect the scalp from chemical burns
To moisturize ends
To add color
To speed up relaxing
Base cream provides a protective barrier that prevents scalp irritation and chemical burns from the strong alkali in relaxers. It also helps lubricate hair roots for smooth application. Proper base application is a safety cornerstone.
What ingredient helps to bind moisture in hair as a humectant?
Silicon dioxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Sodium hydroxide
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture from the environment into the hair shaft. It improves elasticity and helps prevent dryness. Effective use requires balanced humidity levels.
Which chemical reaction reforms disulfide bonds after thermal straightening?
Reduction
Esterification
Hydrolysis
Oxidation
Oxidation re-establishes the disulfide bonds between keratin proteins after they have been reduced and reshaped during straightening. Applying an oxidizing neutralizer or allowing air exposure completes this bond reformation. This step finalizes the hair's new structure.
How does hair elasticity change immediately after relaxer processing?
Becomes water-resistant
Permanently decreases
Remains unchanged
Increases temporarily then decreases
During relaxing, hair initially swells as bonds break, increasing elasticity. Once neutralized and dried, elasticity often decreases due to structural changes, making hair less stretchy. This underscores the need for conditioning.
What is the mechanism by which thioglycolate straighteners break hair bonds?
By cross-linking cuticle scales
By oxidation of disulfide links
By hydrolysis of keratin proteins
By reduction of disulfide bonds via thiol exchange
Thioglycolate straighteners reduce disulfide bonds in keratin through thiol exchange, converting strong S - S bonds into weaker SH bonds. This reduction allows hair to be reshaped straight. A subsequent oxidation step reforms some bonds in the new configuration.
How does water hardness impact relaxer performance?
No discernible effect
Minerals cause uneven processing and scaly buildup
Soft water inactivates relaxers
Speeds up neutralization
Hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium form insoluble salts with relaxer hydroxides, leading to buildup and uneven chemical action. This can result in patchy straightening and scalp deposits. Chelating pre-treatments are recommended to remove minerals.
Which scalp microbiome imbalance should be addressed before a chemical service?
Excess melanin
Yeast overgrowth causing dandruff
High collagen levels
Low keratin production
An overgrowth of Malassezia yeast leads to dandruff and inflammation, compromising scalp barrier function. Treating this imbalance before chemical services reduces irritation risk and promotes uniform processing. Scalp health is crucial for service outcomes.
How do ammonium bisulfite straighteners differ from hydroxide relaxers?
They use a milder pH and shorter processing times
They have a higher pH than lye relaxers
They only work with heat application
They require no neutralization step
Ammonium bisulfite straighteners operate at a lower pH than hydroxide relaxers, breaking disulfide bonds more gently and requiring shorter processing times. They need proper rinsing but often less intensive neutralization. This gentler method suits finer and chemically processed hair.
In chemical straightening, how does higher melanin content in hair affect processing?
Low pH formulas are needed
Requires longer processing times
Requires milder formulas to prevent overprocessing
Has no effect on processing
Melanin granules in highly pigmented hair absorb chemicals and heat differently, requiring milder formulas or shorter processing to avoid damage. Adjusting relaxer strength and timing preserves hair integrity in darker hair. Stylists must account for pigmentation during services.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Chemical Straightener Fundamentals -

    Learn how chemical straighteners alter hair structure by studying common relaxer formulas and their effects. Use this chemical straighteners trivia to deepen your chapter 6 natural hair care knowledge.

  2. Identify Scalp Care Best Practices -

    Recognize crucial scalp care before relaxers to protect skin and stimulate healthy growth. This outcome reinforces strategies for preparing the scalp in your natural hair care quiz journey.

  3. Apply Safe Relaxer Application Techniques -

    Master step-by-step application methods to minimize breakage and uneven texture. Applying these techniques ensures consistency across varied hair types.

  4. Distinguish Relaxer Types and Their Uses -

    Differentiate between lye and no-lye relaxers, mild versus strong formulas, and ideal scenarios for each. Understanding these categories improves decision-making in chemical straightener selection.

  5. Evaluate Hair Relaxer Side Effects -

    Assess common hair relaxer side effects, such as dryness and scalp irritation, and learn mitigation strategies. This evaluation guides you toward safer styling choices.

  6. Analyze Quiz Feedback to Improve Skills -

    Interpret instant quiz results to target areas for growth in natural hair care. Use this feedback loop to refine techniques and boost your confidence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Scalp Health Assessment -

    Perform a thorough scalp care before relaxers routine by cleansing with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and exfoliating lightly to remove sebum and product build-up, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. A well-prepped scalp ensures even relaxer penetration and reduces the risk of irritation - key knowledge for your natural hair care quiz. Try a simple DIY scrub of sugar and shampoo for safe, DIY prep that's quiz-ready!

  2. Understanding Relaxer Chemistry -

    Chemical straighteners trivia comes down to pH: most relaxers operate between pH 12 and 14 to break disulfide bonds in the hair cortex, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Science. Remember the mnemonic "High pH, Hair Lies Straight" to recall that stronger alkalinity equals faster straightening - but also higher risk of damage. Distinguish between lye (sodium hydroxide) and no-lye (calcium hydroxide) formulas to match the hair's porosity and sensitivity.

  3. Selecting the Right Relaxer for Hair Type -

    Chapter 6 natural hair care guidelines emphasize selecting a mild cream relaxer for fine or low-porosity hair and a stronger lye formula for coarse, high-porosity textures, as per L'Oréal Professional. Conduct a strand porosity test: drop a wet hair strand in water to see if it sinks (high porosity) or floats (low porosity). This ensures safe, effective results and boosts your confidence in the natural hair care quiz's chemical straighteners section.

  4. Timing & Application Technique -

    Accurate processing time is crucial: use the "1-minute strand test" method to check straightness before full rinse, as outlined by Milady's Cosmetology Standards. Section hair into 1-inch parts and apply relaxer root to mid-shaft, avoiding overlapping previously relaxed ends to prevent breakage. Consistency in sectioning and timing will help you ace the natural hair care quiz's application technique questions.

  5. Neutralization & Post-Relaxer Care -

    Neutralization stops the chemical reaction - rinse with an acid-balanced shampoo (pH 4.5 - 5.5) to restore cuticle integrity and lock in smoothness, based on research from the International Journal of Trichology. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment using a 70% moisture/30% protein ratio to replenish elasticity and strength. Understanding hair relaxer side effects and how to reverse them is a must for top scores on scalp care before relaxers and aftercare queries.

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