Which perms have a pH of approximately 8.0 to 9.5?

Which perms have a pH of approximately 8.0 to 9.5?

• A. Alkaline perms
• B. Acid perms
• C. Neutral perms
• D. Acidic perms

Answer: (A)

Alkaline perms rely on highly alkaline processing solutions, typically around pH 8.0 to 9.5. At this high pH, the hair cuticle swells and lifts, allowing the reducing agent to penetrate into the cortex and break the strong disulfide bonds that hold the hair in its natural shape. With the bonds broken, the hair can be wrapped around rods to take on a new configuration. After wrapping, a neutralizing agent re-forms those bonds in the new shape, locking in the wave. This level of alkalinity is not reached by milder, acid or neutral perms, which is why they don’t sit in that pH range. Because the processing solution is so strong, alkaline perms can produce more dramatic reshaping but also carry a higher risk of damage if not used with proper care and follow-up conditioning.

Alkaline perms rely on highly alkaline processing solutions, typically around pH 8.0 to 9.5. At this high pH, the hair cuticle swells and lifts, allowing the reducing agent to penetrate into the cortex and break the strong disulfide bonds that hold the hair in its natural shape. With the bonds broken, the hair can be wrapped around rods to take on a new configuration. After wrapping, a neutralizing agent re-forms those bonds in the new shape, locking in the wave. This level of alkalinity is not reached by milder, acid or neutral perms, which is why they don’t sit in that pH range. Because the processing solution is so strong, alkaline perms can produce more dramatic reshaping but also carry a higher risk of damage if not used with proper care and follow-up conditioning.