COS 202B: Chemical Texture

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 100
Lecture Hours : 60
Lab Hours: 40
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 120
Total Student Learning Hours: 220
Prerequisite: COS 141, or COS 141A and COS 141B.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000.
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An introduction to the science and theories of chemical straighteners and chemical waves. Lectures, demonstrations and practical experience in the following areas: chemical waving, and chemical straightening. 60 lecture hours, 40 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Practice safety, sanitation, and disinfection procedures for chemical services, tools, implements, and equipment.
  • Comprehend the role of density, porosity, hair texture, and wave pattern of the hair in the proper analysis and choice of chemicals.
  • Differentiate and comprehend the various chemicals used for a chemical wave.
  • Differentiate and comprehend the various chemicals used for a chemical relaxer/straightener.
  • Differentiate and comprehend the various chemicals used for a chemical curl reformation.
  • Comprehend the various base sizes, base placements, and sectioning patterns used to position tools and the outcome.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to perform the most widely used perm patterns using advanced techniques: rectangle, contour, bricklay, spiral, and "beach waves."
  • Demonstrate and perform virgin and retouch applications for a chemical relaxer/straightener.
  • Demonstrate and perform virgin and retouch applications for curl reformation.
  • Develop strong communication skills regarding chemical texture services.

Major Course Content

Health and Safety

  1. Infection control
  2. Draping
  3. Tools 
  4. Predisposition test
  5. Disinfecting procedures

Hair Analysis

  1. Wave pattern
  2. Texture
  3. Porosity
  4. Elasticity
  5. Density

Product Knowledge and Chemistry (relaxers and perms)

  1. Sodium hydroxide relaxers
  2. Thioglycolic relaxers
  3. Ammonium thioglycolate
  4. Acid waves
  5. Alkaline waves
  6. Exothermic waves
  7. Endothermic waves
  8. "American" waves

Chemical Texturizing Tools/Equipment

  1. Rods (straight/concave)
  2. Spiral rods
  3. Soft bender rods, loops
  4. Combs
  5. Picks
  6. Heated dryer/open air machine

Communication

  1. Record keeping
  2. Consultation

Lab Content

Chemical Texturizing Techniques

  1. Virgin/retouch chemical relaxer/straightener
  2. Virgin/retouch curl reformation
  3. Virgin/retouch soft curl relaxer
  4. 8-9 Block basic perm application

  5. Advanced spiral application 

  6. Advanced bricklay pattern

  7. Advanced loop pattern 
  8. Advanced contour/block pattern
  9. Advanced relaxer application
  10. American wave application

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Modern Salon Magazine American Salon Magazine Behind the Chair Magazine

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Compare and contrast a permanent wave acid solution vs. permanent wave alkaline solution.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Demonstrate a bricklay pattern application using a non-metal permanent wave tool on a mannequin.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture