What is the primary oxidizing agent used in hair coloring?

• A. Hydrogen Peroxide
• B. Water
• C. Ammonia
• D. Sodium Chloride

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen peroxide is the oxidizing agent used in hair coloring. In permanent or oxidative color systems, dye precursors start out colorless and require oxidation to form the colored molecules that stay in the hair. The peroxide supplies oxygen that oxidizes these precursors, creating the new pigment and, at the same time, lightening natural melanin to help the color appear true. Ammonia raises the pH to lift the cuticle so the color can develop, but it isn’t an oxidizer. Water is a solvent and isn’t involved in the oxidation reaction, and sodium chloride doesn’t participate in the chemical change that creates color.