332A Chemical Texture Services

Question 1

What chemical bond in the hair is permanently rearranged during a perm?

Accepted Answer

Disulfide bond

Answer

Permanent waving works by breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex. The perm solution (reducing agent) breaks the bonds, the rods provide the new shape, and the neutralizer reforms them in the new position.

Question 2

What is the active ingredient in most alkaline (cold wave) perm solutions?

Accepted Answer

Ammonium thioglycolate

Answer

Ammonium thioglycolate (ATG) is the primary reducing agent in alkaline permanent wave solutions. It has a pH of 9.0-9.6 and breaks disulfide bonds through a chemical reduction process.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the neutralizer in a perm?

Accepted Answer

To oxidize and reform the disulfide bonds in their new configuration

Answer

The neutralizer (typically hydrogen peroxide-based) is an oxidizing agent that reforms the disulfide bonds in their new position around the perm rod. This locks the hair into its new curl pattern.

Question 4

What determines the size of the curl in a permanent wave?

Accepted Answer

The size of the perm rod used

Answer

The diameter of the perm rod determines the size of the resulting curl. Smaller rods produce tighter curls, while larger rods produce looser waves. The rod size should be chosen based on the desired result.

Question 5

What is the difference between an alkaline perm and an acid perm?

Accepted Answer

Alkaline perms have a higher pH and process faster; acid perms have a lower pH and are gentler on the hair

Answer

Alkaline perms (pH 9.0-9.6) process at room temperature, work faster, and produce stronger curls but can be more damaging. Acid perms (pH 4.5-7.0) require heat, process more slowly, and are gentler, making them suitable for damaged or fragile hair.

Red Seal Hairstylist 332A Practice Test

Red Seal Hairstylist 332A Practice Test

332A Chemical Texture Services