Question 1

What is the primary reducing agent used in alkaline (cold wave) permanent wave solutions?

Accepted Answer

Ammonium thioglycolate (ATG) is the primary reducing agent in alkaline permanent waves. It breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex to allow reshaping.

Question 2

What chemical process do permanent wave neutralizers perform on the hair?

Accepted Answer

Neutralizers re-form (re-oxidize) the disulfide bonds broken during waving, locking the hair into its new curled shape. This process is called oxidation.

Question 3

What type of permanent wave is recommended for color-treated or damaged hair because it processes at a lower pH?

Accepted Answer

An acid wave (true acid wave) with a pH of 4.5–7.0 is recommended for color-treated or damaged hair because it is gentler and causes less swelling of the cuticle.

Question 4

What is the term for the damage caused by over-processing a permanent wave, resulting in limp, mushy curls?

Accepted Answer

Over-processing causes a condition known as a 'soggy' or overly processed curl, sometimes called a 'fishhook' or simply over-processed hair, where too many disulfide bonds are broken and hair loses elasticity.

Question 5

How does rod size affect the resulting curl pattern in a permanent wave?

Accepted Answer

Smaller rods produce tighter, smaller curls, while larger rods produce looser, larger waves. Rod diameter directly determines the size of the curl.

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