Oklahoma Cosmetology Board Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct choice highlights that the key ingredients in most hair relaxers are lye or no-lye chemicals. Hair relaxers are specifically formulated to alter the structure of curly or wavy hair, making it straighter. Lye, commonly known as sodium hydroxide, is a potent chemical that effectively relaxes the hair by breaking down the protein structure that maintains its curl pattern. No-lye relaxers, on the other hand, utilize different active ingredients such as calcium hydroxide or guanidine carbonate, which are less harsh and milder compared to lye.

These active chemicals are essential because they penetrate the hair shaft and weaken the disulfide bonds that give hair its curl. The effectiveness of both lye and no-lye chemicals is well-recognized in the industry for achieving lasting results in hair straightening treatments.

While the other options present ingredients that may have their own uses in hair care products, they do not serve as the primary active components in hair relaxers. Natural oils and mineral water typically serve to moisturize or nourish hair rather than alter its structure. Sulfates and parabens are often associated with cleansing and preservation, respectively, rather than the relaxing process. Aloe vera and glycerin are well-known