Wyoming State Board Cosmetology 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hydrogen peroxide serves as the primary ingredient in most hair bleach products because it acts as the bleaching agent responsible for lightening the hair. When applied, hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the natural pigment in the hair, which leads to a lighter color. Its role is critical in the chemical process of hair bleaching, as it helps to break down the melanin in the hair strands.

While ammonia is often included in bleaches to enhance the lightening effect and raise the cuticle of the hair for better penetration of the bleaching agent, it is not the main bleaching component. Sodium hydroxide is typically used in relaxers and might not be a standard ingredient in all bleaching products, as it can be too harsh for hair lightening. Alcohol could be present in some formulations, mainly as a solvent or stabilizer, but it does not contribute to the bleaching process itself. Thus, hydrogen peroxide is unequivocally recognized as the primary effective agent in hair bleaching.