Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam

What is not true about chemical depilatories?

1. They remove hair by plucking

2. They dissolve hair at the surface

3. They decompose the papilla

4. They are a permanent hair removal method

The correct answer is: They decompose the papilla

Chemical depilatories are primarily designed to remove hair by using chemicals that dissolve the protein structure of the hair, primarily keratin, near the skin's surface. This process allows the hair to be easily wiped away but does not involve plucking or penetrating the skin. The statement that they dissolve hair at the surface is accurate, as this is indeed how chemical depilatories function; they break down the hair's structure rather than physically removing it from the root. Furthermore, it is essential to clarify that chemical depilatories do not decompose the papilla, which is the structure at the base of the hair follicle responsible for hair growth. The papilla is unaffected by the surface action of these products, making the claim about decomposing the papilla false. It's also important to recognize that chemical depilatories do not provide permanent hair removal. They offer a temporary solution, as hair will eventually regrow after treatment. Unlike methods that target the hair follicle or papilla, such as laser hair removal or electrolysis, depilatories do not achieve long-lasting effects. This distinction is crucial in understanding the limitations of chemical depilatories in hair removal techniques.