Minnesota Cosmetology State Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

When working with coarse or resistant hair, performing a strand test is essential when using a chemical relaxer. This process involves taking a small section of hair to evaluate how it reacts to the relaxer. The strand test helps determine the appropriate processing time needed for the chemical treatment, ensuring that the hair is not over-processed or damaged.

Coarse or resistant hair may require different timing or product formulation than finer or less resistant textures. The results of the strand test will guide the stylist in making necessary adjustments for optimal results while maintaining hair integrity and health. This approach ultimately contributes to achieving the desired level of relaxation without compromising the condition of the client's hair.

In contrast, while patch tests help ensure there are no allergic reactions to the chemicals used, and moisture tests assess the overall health of the hair, they do not specifically address how a particular hair type will respond to the relaxing procedure. Color tests are not relevant in this context as they pertain to hair dye rather than relaxers. The strand test, therefore, is the most critical step for tailoring the chemical relaxer application to coarse or resistant hair textures.