Buzz Your Way to Success – Iowa Barber Practice Exam 2025!

The primary ingredient in most hair relaxers is lye, or sodium hydroxide. This chemical is used because of its strong alkaline properties, which enable it to break down the bonds in curly or textured hair, effectively straightening it. Hair relaxers work by chemically altering the structure of the hair, allowing it to be shaped more easily. Sodium hydroxide is particularly effective for this purpose, as it can penetrate the hair shaft and alter the hair's natural texture.

Other options, such as alcohol, while commonly found in various hair products, do not serve the primary function of altering the hair structure but may instead be used for preservation or as a solvent. Likewise, protein is more often used in conditioning products to strengthen hair rather than as a component for relaxation. Honey, while beneficial for moisture and nourishment, does not possess the chemical properties needed to relax hair. Hence, lye or sodium hydroxide stands out as the essential ingredient for this process.