Wisconsin Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The chemical process commonly used to straighten hair is a keratin treatment. This method involves applying a keratin-based product to the hair, which is then activated with heat. Keratin is a natural protein found in hair, and the treatment works by sealing the keratin into the hair strand, resulting in smoother, straighter hair that can last for several weeks to months. The heat from styling tools helps to bond the keratin with the cuticle of the hair, reducing frizz and making the hair more manageable.

In contrast, perming is primarily used to create curls or waves in the hair rather than straightening it. Hair coloring involves altering the hair's pigmentation and does not inherently change the structure of the hair to make it straighter. Gel application is a styling product used to maintain a certain style or hold but does not chemically alter the hair or straighten it. Each of these alternatives serves a different purpose and does not achieve the same long-lasting straightening effect as a keratin treatment.