Which statement correctly describes two-component relaxers?

• A. They are single-component products
• B. They must be mixed immediately prior to use
• C. They require no activator
• D. They are applied with heat

Answer: (B)

Two-component relaxers rely on a base and an activator that are kept separate until use. Mixing them immediately before applying to the hair starts the chemical reaction that relaxes the strands, and doing it right before application ensures the active ingredients are fresh and at the intended strength. If the components are mixed too early, they can lose potency, change in pH, or produce uneven results, increasing the risk of damage or over-processing. This separating-and-musing-of-activation is what makes a relaxer truly two-component—the activation happens at the moment of use, not before. The other statements don’t fit because one-component products are already mixed and ready to apply, activators are required to initiate the relaxation reaction, and heating is not a defining requirement for two-component systems.