Chemistry & ProductsQuestion 64 of 484

Sodium hydroxide hair relaxers (commonly called 'lye relaxers') typically have a pH of approximately:

a.7 to 8
b.5 to 6
c.12 to 14
d.9 to 10

Explanation

Sodium hydroxide relaxers are very alkaline, with a pH of about 12 to 14. The high pH swells and breaks disulfide bonds quickly, so processing must be timed carefully to avoid scalp burns.

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