Arizona Barber Practice Exam

What type of pH must oxidation tints and other chemical haircolors have to penetrate the hair and reach the cortex?

1. Neutral

2. Acidic

3. Alkaline

4. Basic

The correct answer is: Alkaline

Chemical hair colors, such as oxidation tints, need to have an alkaline pH in order to effectively penetrate the hair and reach the cortex. This is because alkaline substances have a higher pH than hair and can open up the cuticle layer, allowing the color molecules to enter the hair shaft. Neutral, acidic, and basic pH levels do not have the same ability to open the cuticle layer and may result in a less effective color application. It is important to note that while acidic pH levels may be gentler on the hair, they do not have the same ability to penetrate and deposit color as effectively as an alkaline pH would. Therefore, it is essential for oxidation tints and other chemical hair colors to have an alkaline pH in order to achieve desired results.