Hawaii Barber Operator Practice Exam

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Study for the Hawaii Barber Operator Exam. Tackle realistic questions with multiple choice formats, hints, and explanations designed for success. Prepare confidently for your certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Alkalis have a pH of about 7.00 and they _______ and _________ the hair.

Color and perm
Soften and swell
Dry and break
Strengthen and smooth

The correct answer is: Soften and swell

Alkalis are substances that have a pH of greater than 7, meaning they have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions. When applied to the hair, alkalis work to open up the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) and soften and swell the hair fibers. This allows for the penetration of hair color molecules and also aids in the process of perming, making the hair more malleable and able to hold a new shape. While alkalis may have other effects on the hair, such as potentially making it more resilient and smoother, they are primarily known for their ability to soften and swell the hair. The other options, color and perm, do not accurately describe the properties of alkalis and therefore are incorrect choices. Additionally, alkalis typically do not have a drying effect on the hair, so the option "dry and break" is not an accurate description. "Strengthen and smooth" is also not a direct result of the effects of alkalis on the hair, making it an incorrect choice as well.