Nevada Barber Practice Exam

The primary ingredient in most hair color products is hydrogen peroxide. This compound serves a crucial role in the hair coloring process as it acts as an oxidizing agent. When applied to the hair, hydrogen peroxide helps open the cuticle layer to allow the pigment to penetrate the hair shaft. It also facilitates the development of the dye, allowing the color to adhere to the hair effectively and providing longer-lasting results.

While ammonia is also commonly found in hair color products, its primary purpose is to raise the pH level of the hair, which helps to swell the hair cuticle for better absorption of color. However, hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient that directly contributes to the oxidation process necessary for dye development. Other ingredients like alcohol and glycerin serve different functions, such as acting as solvents or humectants, but they are not as critical as hydrogen peroxide in the actual coloring process.