South Carolina Cosmetology Practice Exam

Deep conditioning treatments are designed to penetrate the hair shaft, providing moisture, strength, and repair to damaged hair. Hydrolyzed proteins are commonly used in these treatments because they are broken down into smaller molecules that can easily penetrate the hair structure. These proteins help to rebuild hair strength, enhance elasticity, and improve overall hair health by filling in gaps and aiding in repair.

In contrast, sodium chloride, often found in salt, is generally used as a thickening agent or preservative in formulations but does not offer the conditioning benefits vital for deep conditioning. Sucrose, a form of sugar, can provide moisture but does not specifically address structural repair or conditioning in the same way that proteins do. Silicone, while it can add shine and reduce frizz by coating the hair, does not penetrate the hair shaft in the way that hydrolyzed proteins can; therefore, it might not provide the long-term conditioning benefits that deep treatment aims for.