What is the process of rearranging the basic structure of curly hair into a straighter or smoother form?

• A. Thermal straightening
• B. Chemical hair relaxing
• C. Keratin smoothing
• D. Permanent waving

Answer: (B)

Rearranging the hair’s basic structure to hold a straighter form relies on changing the internal chemical bonds within the cortex. Chemical hair relaxing uses a relaxer to break the disulfide bonds and then re-form them in a straight configuration, often with a neutralizer to lock in the new bond pattern. This creates a long-lasting straight or smoother result because you’re altering the actual bond structure, not just the surface or temporary shape.

Thermal straightening relies on heat to temporarily reshape hair by hydrogen bonds and isn’t a permanent bond change. Keratin smoothing coats the hair with keratin and smooths the surface with heat, but it doesn’t permanently rearrange the bonds. Permanent waving breaks and re-forms bonds to create curls, which is the opposite effect of straightening.