Red Seal Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the role of the alkalizing ingredient in hair coloring?

1. To fix the color on the surface of the hair

2. To deeply cleanse the hair before coloring

3. To raise the cuticle of the hair for colour penetration

4. To neutralize unwanted tones

The correct answer is: To raise the cuticle of the hair for colour penetration

The role of the alkalizing ingredient in hair coloring is to raise the cuticle of the hair for color penetration. Alkaline substances have a high pH which causes the hair cuticle to open, allowing the coloring product to penetrate the hair shaft and deposit color. Option A is incorrect because fixing the color on the surface of the hair is not the primary role of the alkalizing ingredient. Option B is also incorrect because cleansing the hair before coloring is typically done with a clarifying or pre-color treatment, not an alkalizing ingredient. Option D is incorrect because neutralizing unwanted tones is the job of a toning product, not the alkalizing ingredient. Therefore, option C is the best answer as it explains the specific role of the alkalizing ingredient in the hair coloring process.