What is a common effect of a chemical relaxer on the hair structure?

Chemical relaxers are specifically designed to transform the hair's natural curl pattern into a straighter appearance. This effect is achieved by breaking the disulfide bonds that provide structure and shape to the hair strand. When these bonds are broken, the hair structure is altered, allowing the hair to be reshaped into a straighter form.

The process of relaxing hair is a permanent one because the bonds do not simply revert back to their original state. As a result, once the curl pattern is altered, it stays that way until the hair grows out or is cut off. This chemical treatment allows individuals with curly or textured hair to achieve a smoother and straighter look, making it a popular choice for various hair types.

Other options like strengthening the hair, adding moisture, or increasing shine do not accurately describe the primary action of chemical relaxers. Rather, while some might expect these benefits, the main characteristic of a relaxer is that it changes the hair's structural bonds.