What is the pH range of sodium hydroxide relaxers?

Sodium hydroxide relaxers are known for their strong alkaline properties, which are essential in the chemical process of hair straightening. The pH range of sodium hydroxide relaxers typically falls between 11.5 and 14. This high pH level is effective in breaking down the hair's protein structure, allowing it to reshape and relax from its natural curl.

The reason this range is particularly significant is that the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide as a relaxer is directly tied to its alkalinity. Higher pH levels facilitate the cuticle lifting and cortex penetration, which are crucial for altering the hair's natural formation. As such, a pH of 11.5 to 14 ensures that the product performs optimally while allowing for the necessary safety precautions when using such potent chemical treatments on hair.

Other ranges provided in the choices do not accurately reflect the strength of sodium hydroxide relaxers, as they indicate significantly lower pH levels that are not characteristic of this particular type of chemical relaxer.