How are relaxers characterized in terms of pH?

Relaxers are characterized as extremely alkaline, typically having a pH level above 10. This high level of alkalinity is essential for the chemical process that allows relaxers to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure. By raising the pH, relaxers penetrate the hair cuticle more effectively and alter its natural shape, enabling the transformation from curly or wavy hair to a straight texture.

The strong alkalinity of relaxers is a critical factor in their effectiveness, as it facilitates the necessary bond-breaking reaction without which the hair cannot be restructured. This characteristic is particularly important for professionals to understand, as working with alkaline products requires knowledge of the potential effects on hair health and the importance of neutralizing the hair after the treatment to restore its optimal pH balance.