Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

What are sodium hydroxide relaxers commonly known as?

1. Lye relaxers

2. Thio relaxers

3. Ammonium relaxers

4. Perm relaxers

The correct answer is: Lye relaxers

Sodium hydroxide relaxers are commonly known as lye relaxers because they contain sodium hydroxide as their active ingredient, which is a powerful chemical that alters the protein structure of the hair. This alteration allows for effective straightening of naturally curly or frizzy hair by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair’s keratin structure, resulting in a smoother texture. This term "lye" specifically refers to the presence of sodium hydroxide, which distinguishes it from other types of relaxers that utilize different chemicals. For instance, thio relaxers, which are often referred to as ammonium thioglycolate relaxers, leverage a different active ingredient that works in a distinct manner. Similarly, ammonium relaxers are based on the ammonium compound, and perm relaxers are typically associated with creating curls rather than straightening them. Therefore, the nomenclature is important in understanding the function and composition of these relaxers in the hairstyling industry.