Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

Coarse, resistant hair with a strong compact cuticle requires a chemical solution that is:

1. Highly Acidic

2. Neutral

3. Highly Alkaline

4. Low Alkaline

The correct answer is: Highly Alkaline

Coarse, resistant hair has a dense structure with a strong compact cuticle, making it difficult for chemical solutions to penetrate effectively. In these cases, a highly alkaline chemical solution is necessary. Alkaline solutions work by raising the pH level of the hair, which helps to open the cuticle layer. This allows the chemicals to penetrate the hair shaft more thoroughly. Highly alkaline solutions also facilitate chemical processes such as relaxing or perming, creating the desired alterations in the texture or structure of the hair. Without the sufficient alkalinity, the chemical reactions may not take place adequately, leaving the desired results unattainable. In contrast, highly acidic solutions would close the cuticle, impeding penetration, while neutral solutions may not provide enough change in pH to affect coarse hair effectively. Low alkaline solutions might also struggle to penetrate resistant hair adequately for effective chemical treatment. Therefore, highly alkaline solutions are essential for treating such hair types.