Which outcome is achieved by directing the hair into a straighter form during a chemical relaxer?

• A. A crimped wave
• B. A straighter form
• C. A curlier texture
• D. No change

Answer: (B)

Directing the hair into a straighter form during a chemical relaxer causes the hair to set in that straight configuration as the bonds are broken and then rebuilt. The relaxer breaks disulfide bonds in the cortex, allowing the strands to be reshaped, and when the hair is held straight during processing, the new bonds re-form in a straight pattern. That’s why the result is a straighter form—the hair takes on the straight shape it’s being positioned into while the chemical is working. It wouldn’t produce a crimped wave or curlier texture, and there would be change from the natural texture once processing occurs.