Red Seal Cosmetology Practice Exam

Chemical services performed on hair with low porosity require what type of solution?

1. Neutral

2. Acidic

3. Alkaline

4. Pure water

The correct answer is: Alkaline

Chemical services, such as coloring or perming, require the use of an alkaline solution for hair with low porosity. This is because hair with low porosity has a tightly closed cuticle layer, making it more difficult for chemicals to penetrate and for the desired results to be achieved. An alkaline solution helps to open up the cuticle and allow the chemicals to enter the hair shaft. Using a neutral or acidic solution would not provide enough of a pH change to open the cuticle, and using pure water would not have any effect on the hair's pH.