New Hampshire Barber Practice Exam

What common chemical is often found in hair color treatments?

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

2. Ammonia

3. Alcohol

4. Formaldehyde

The correct answer is: Ammonia

In hair color treatments, ammonia is commonly used because it serves a vital function in the hair coloring process. Ammonia acts as an alkalizing agent, which helps open the hair cuticle, allowing the color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. This penetration is essential for ensuring that the hair color adheres properly and lasts longer once applied. While other chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide can be present in hair color formulations as well—often used for its role in the oxidative process to develop the color—ammonia is specifically notable for its role in altering the pH and facilitating the opening of the hair cuticle. This property makes it a key ingredient in many permanent hair color formulations. In contrast, other options like alcohol and formaldehyde have different functionalities in cosmetics and personal care products and are not commonly integral to the hair coloring process itself. Alcohol may be used in some formulations as a solvent or to help with product consistency, but it is not directly involved in the hair coloring action. Formaldehyde, on the other hand, is more closely associated with hair straightening treatments than with hair coloring. Thus, ammonia stands out as the primary and most relevant chemical compound used in hair color treatments, making it the correct choice in this