Barber State Board Exam Complete Practice Test

Oxidation tints, commonly used in hair coloring, require the addition of hydrogen peroxide before application. This is because the hydrogen peroxide serves as an oxidizing agent that activates the color molecules in the tint. During this chemical reaction, the peroxide opens the hair cuticles, allowing the color to penetrate and produce lasting results.

The choice of hydrogen peroxide is essential because it not only facilitates the color change but also helps in lightening the natural pigment in the hair, which is crucial for achieving the desired shade. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide can vary depending on the desired lightening effect and the formulation of the tint being used.

In contrast, other substances such as alcohol, water, or ammonia are not suitable for this purpose. Alcohol might cause the hair to dry out and would not assist in activating the color. Water does not provide any oxidizing properties necessary for oxidation tints. Ammonia, while often part of permanent hair color formulations to open the cuticle, is not typically mixed directly with oxidation tints as a required component for activation with peroxide.