Shine Bright on the South Carolina Barber Exam 2025 – Snip, Style, and Succeed!

Alkaline products are known for their ability to raise the pH level of hair, which causes the cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, to lift. When the cuticle is lifted, it allows for better penetration of various chemical treatments, such as hair dye or relaxers, into the cortex of the hair. This lifting action is critical in processes that require the hair to absorb or interact with these chemicals, making alkaline products particularly effective in treatments that rely on deep conditioning or altering the hair structure.

In contrast, while alkaline products can lead to some dryness due to the alteration of the hair's natural moisture balance, their primary characteristic is their ability to open the cuticle. This is essential for various salon treatments that require chemical infiltration. Thus, the focus is on how the lifting of the cuticle facilitates these processes, which supports the correct choice regarding the effect of alkaline products on hair.