Final answer:
For hair with low porosity, an alkaline solution is required to raise the cuticle and allow better absorption of the chemical service being performed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical services performed on hair with low porosity require a solution that is alkaline. Low porosity hair strands have tightly bound cuticle layers, which are hard for moisture and chemicals to penetrate. Therefore, an alkaline solution can help to raise the cuticle, allowing for better absorption of the chemical treatment.
According to the pH scale, an alkaline solution has a pH greater than 7, with common examples like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide being used in certain hair treatments. These agents are effective in processes such as hair relaxing, where the disulfide bonds of hair are broken down, allowing the hair to be reshaped. Moreover, since protein structures like hair can be broken down by highly acidic or alkaline conditions, it is essential to use the correct pH level to minimize damage.