Final answer:
Do not apply ammonium thioglycolate or other acidic solutions to hair previously treated with sodium hydroxide, as it can cause severe damage to the hair and scalp.
Step-by-step explanation:
Products containing ammonium thioglycolate or other acidic solutions should not be applied to hair that has been previously treated with sodium hydroxide.
Sodium hydroxide, commonly referred to as lye or caustic soda, is a highly alkaline chemical used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of soaps and drain cleaners. Its high pH can cause severe chemical burns if mishandled.
When used in hair treatments, sodium hydroxide is employed to straighten hair through a process called relaxing. Applying an acidic product such as ammonium thioglycolate, which is used in perm solutions to create curls, can lead to a violent chemical reaction that breaks the hair's disulfide bonds, potentially resulting in significant damage to the hair's structure and scalp irritation.
Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, is a strong base commonly used for various purposes including as a cleaning agent. When hair has been previously treated with sodium hydroxide, it is important to avoid applying products that can react with it and potentially cause damage. One product that should not be applied to hair treated with sodium hydroxide is an alkaline drain cleaner, which contains sodium hydroxide and can dissolve greases and hair.