← Chemical Services – Illinois Cosmetology State Board Exam

Illinois Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Test

Free 5-question sample test with instant feedback. See how ready you are.

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Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the primary reducing agent found in most alkaline permanent wave solutions?

Answer: Ammonium thioglycolate (ATG) is the primary reducing agent in alkaline permanent waves. It breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex to allow reshaping.

Question 2

What is the pH range of an alkaline (cold wave) permanent wave solution?

Answer: Alkaline permanent wave solutions have a pH range of approximately 9.0 to 9.6. This high pH causes the cuticle to swell and allows the solution to penetrate the cortex.

Question 3

What chemical process does the neutralizer perform during a permanent wave service?

Answer: The neutralizer stops the action of the waving solution and rebuilds the disulfide bonds in the hair's new shape through oxidation. This process is called re-bonding or hardening.

Question 4

What type of permanent wave is recommended for color-treated or damaged hair because of its lower pH?

Answer: An acid wave (true acid wave) with a pH of 4.5 to 7.0 is recommended for color-treated or damaged hair. It is gentler and requires heat to process.

Question 5

What is the term for the processing step where the waving solution breaks the hair's disulfide bonds?

Answer: This step is called reduction. The reducing agent donates hydrogen atoms to break the sulfur-to-sulfur (disulfide) bonds in the hair's cortex.