Kentucky Cosmetology State Practice Exam

Keratin treatments primarily rely on chemical bonding for their effectiveness. Chemical bonding involves the formation and breaking of the chemical bonds between atoms, resulting in new structures and properties. In the context of keratin treatments, these processes help to alter the hair's structure, providing smoother, straighter results.

When keratin treatments are applied, they often involve solutions that penetrate the hair shaft. These solutions contain ingredients that create bonds with the existing keratin in the hair, recalibrating its texture and managing frizz. The longevity and effectiveness of these treatments are attributed to the way chemical bonds restructure the hair rather than just temporary physical changes.

Understanding this concept is vital in cosmetology, as it impacts how stylists choose and apply various hair treatment products. The other bonding types—hydrogen, ionic, and covalent—serve different functions in chemistry and biology, but in the context of keratin treatments, it is the chemical bonding that is predominantly responsible for the desired outcomes.