Oregon Cosmetology State Board – Hair Practice Test

When a client's hair has been treated with a hydroxide relaxer, the hair undergoes a chemical process that removes the natural curl or wave pattern. Hydroxide relaxers work by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair structure, which are responsible for the hair's natural curl formation.

Once these bonds are altered, the hair becomes significantly straighter and is unable to return to its original curl pattern—therefore, it will not hold a curl. This means that irrespective of styling techniques used afterward, such as curling or the use of heat, the hair will not revert to its previous wavy or curly state. This fundamental understanding of how hydroxide relaxers alter hair structure is crucial for professionals in the cosmetology field, as it directly impacts how they approach styling options for clients who have undergone this chemical treatment.