Ace Your Nevada Cosmetology Board Exam 2025 – Glow and Go with Confidence!

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in hair bleach products because it acts as an oxidizing agent. Its primary function in the bleaching process is to break down the natural pigment (melanin) in the hair, leading to a lighter color. When applied to the hair, hydrogen peroxide penetrates the hair shaft and reacts chemically with the melanin, effectively lifting the color.

In addition to its role in hair bleaching, hydrogen peroxide can also be found in various concentrations depending on the desired level of lift and the specific formulation of the hair bleach. This versatility makes it a key component in many hair lightening products, enabling stylists to achieve a wide range of lightened shades.

Other chemicals listed, such as sodium hydroxide, ammonia, and formaldehyde, are not primarily used for the same purpose. Sodium hydroxide is typically used in relaxers to straighten hair, ammonia is often included in various color treatments to help open the hair cuticle, and formaldehyde is mainly associated with certain types of hair smoothing treatments rather than being a direct agent in the bleaching process.