South Carolina Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The primary function of a base in chemical reactions related to hair treatments is to increase the pH level for relaxation treatments. In the context of hair chemistry, bases have the ability to raise the pH level of hair products, which facilitates the relaxation process. This is particularly important in treatments such as chemical relaxers, where the hair's natural bonds are broken and restructured to straighten or relax the hair's natural curl pattern.

By increasing the pH, bases open the cuticle layer of the hair, allowing the active ingredients in the relaxer to penetrate and alter the internal structure of the hair. This process is essential for effectively reducing curl or wave patterns, resulting in smoother, straighter hair. Understanding this function is crucial for professionals performing hair treatments, as it directly influences the effectiveness and outcome of the service.

In contrast, other options focus on different functions or processes. For example, neutralizing acids is a necessary step after a chemical treatment but not the primary function of a base. Retaining moisture is more associated with conditioning products rather than the role of a base in chemical reactions. Enhancing the color of hair dye involves color chemistry and does not pertain to the base's function in hair treatments. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the