What can be mixed with a cream on-the-scalp lightener to speed the process?

• A. Water
• B. Activator
• C. Conditioner
• D. Oil

Answer: (B)

The action of a lightener on the scalp relies on an oxidizing agent to drive the chemical reaction that lifts pigment. Mixing the cream on-the-scalp lightener with an activator provides the peroxide content needed to activate the lightener and speed up the lifting process. Water would only dilute and slow the reaction, conditioner is used for conditioning and can hinder penetration, and oil doesn’t provide oxidation and can create a barrier to even processing. So using an activator is the method that accelerates the lift.