What was the pH of early relaxers?

• A. 12
• B. 14
• C. 9
• D. 7

Answer: (B)

High alkalinity drives chemical hair relaxers. Relaxers work by breaking the hair’s disulfide bonds in the cortex so the keratin can reorganize into a straight configuration. To break those bonds effectively, the product must create a strongly alkaline environment, pushing the pH well above 7. Early relaxers used the strongest alkalis available, bringing their pH to about 14. That extreme alkalinity is why they could permanently relax resistant curl patterns. A neutral solution (pH 7) wouldn’t relax hair at all, and mildly alkaline solutions (around pH 9) wouldn’t be sufficient for full processing; even a highly alkaline formula like pH 12 isn’t as extreme as 14, which is why the historical relaxers are associated with the top of the pH scale. Safety and scalp care are crucial given how harsh that high pH can be if misused.