New Mexico Cosmetology Practice Exam

Alkaline-based products play a crucial role in chemical hair straightening by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair. Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which is held together by various types of bonds, including disulfide bonds. These bonds are responsible for the natural shape and structure of the hair.

When an alkaline product is applied, it raises the pH level of the hair and opens the cuticle layer, allowing the chemical straightening solution to penetrate more effectively. As the disulfide bonds are broken down, the hair can be reshaped and straightened. Once the desired straightness is achieved, a neutralizer is typically applied to reform the disulfide bonds in a new configuration, solidifying the straightened state.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of alkaline-based products in this context. While adding moisture and enhancing shine are beneficial effects achieved through various hair care treatments, they are not the main purpose of alkaline products in chemical straightening. Similarly, while alkaline products can play a role in managing hair integrity during the straightening process, their primary function is the breaking down of disulfide bonds to facilitate the straightening procedure.