Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

The type of chemical service used to straighten naturally curly hair is a relaxer. A relaxer works by altering the hair's structure through a chemical process that breaks down the protein bonds in the hair. This process allows the naturally curly or wavy hair to be transformed into a straighter texture. Relaxers are specifically formulated for this purpose, as they penetrate the hair cuticle and relax the curls, resulting in a smoother and straighter appearance. They differ from other services like permanent waves, which are intended to create curls or waves, or texturizers, which are used to loosen curls without fully straightening them. Curly perms, on the other hand, enhance or create curls, making them unsuitable for the desired outcome of straightening curly hair. By understanding the function and outcome of a relaxer, it's clear why this service is the correct choice for straightening naturally curly hair.