Missouri Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

What type of product is used to prepare hair for a chemical service?

1. Bonding serum

2. Clarifying shampoo

3. Leave-in conditioner

4. Moisturizer

The correct answer is: Clarifying shampoo

The correct choice involves using a clarifying shampoo to prepare the hair for a chemical service. Clarifying shampoos are specifically formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp by removing buildup from products, oils, and other residues. This thorough cleansing is essential before a chemical service, such as coloring or perming, as it ensures that the hair is in the optimal condition for better chemical penetration and more even results. On the other hand, a bonding serum is typically used to help repair and strengthen hair bonds after damage has occurred from chemical processes rather than prepping the hair. Leave-in conditioners are meant to provide moisture and protection after washing, which is not conducive to preparing hair for a chemical treatment. Moisturizers are used to hydrate, but they do not effectively remove buildup and other impurities from the hair, which is necessary before applying any chemical products. Thus, the use of a clarifying shampoo leads to the most effective preparation for hair undergoing chemical services.