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Chemical Texture Services Flashcards

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

    Answer: Disulfide bond

    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.

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

    Answer: Ammonium thioglycolate

    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.

  3. What is the purpose of the neutralizer in a perm?

    Answer: To oxidize and reform the disulfide bonds in their new configuration

    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.

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

    Answer: The size of the perm rod used

    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.

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

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

    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.

  6. What is a base cream or barrier cream used for in permanent waving?

    Answer: To protect the scalp and skin around the hairline from chemical irritation

    A base cream or barrier cream is applied to the scalp and skin around the hairline before a perm to protect these areas from chemical irritation and potential burns from the perm solution.

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  1. skilledtradesontario.ca — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, retake policy, score release, renewal · verified Oct 2026
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