Minnesota Barber State Practice Exam 2026 - Free Minnesota Barber Practice Questions and Study Guide

The common chemical treatment used to straighten hair is a relaxer. This product is specifically formulated to break down the protein structure in curly or wavy hair, allowing it to become smoother and straighter. The main active ingredients in relaxers, such as sodium hydroxide, work by altering the hair's pH level and causing the bonds that hold the hair's natural texture to be disrupted. This results in a significant reduction of curl or wave in the hair, leading to a straightened appearance.

In contrast, a perm is designed to create curls or waves in the hair, using a different chemical process that sets the hair into a curled shape. Color treatments involve dyeing the hair, which does not necessarily affect the texture or straightness. Conditioning treatments are intended to improve hair health and moisture, but they don't modify the hair's structure or texture. Thus, the relaxer stands out as the most appropriate choice for a treatment specifically aimed at straightening hair.