Vermont Barbers and Cosmetologists Practice Exam

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What is the main reducing agent in an acid wave?

Hydrogen peroxide
Thioglycolic acid
Sodium hydroxide
Formaldehyde

The correct answer is: Thioglycolic acid

Thioglycolic acid is the main reducing agent utilized in an acid wave because it breaks down the disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing for restructuring and styling. This is opposed to options A, C, and D, which can also be found in some hair treatments, but do not have the same reducing ability and therefore are not used as the main reducing agent in an acid wave. For example, hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching or lightening hair, sodium hydroxide is used in chemical straightening treatments, and formaldehyde is used in keratin treatments. In an acid wave, thioglycolic acid is the most suitable reducing agent as it allows for permanent styling without damaging the hair.