Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamHair ServicesMedium
A client requests a permanent wave. Upon examination, the cosmetologist notes that the client's hair has been previously highlighted and is highly porous, exhibiting a tendency to frizz. Which type of perm solution would be most suitable to minimize damage and achieve a soft, natural-looking curl?
- AExothermic perm
- BTrue acid wave
- CAlkaline perm (cold wave)
- DThio-free perm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. True acid wave
True acid waves are the gentlest type of permanent wave, operating at a lower pH (4.5-7.0) and requiring external heat. They are ideal for porous, damaged, or previously highlighted hair, producing soft, natural curls with minimal risk of further damage or frizz.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Exothermic perms are self-heating and often have a higher pH, which could be too strong for highly porous, highlighted hair, potentially causing damage.
- C. Alkaline perms are very strong and have a high pH, making them too harsh for highly porous, highlighted, or frizz-prone hair, leading to potential damage and over-processing.
- D. While 'thio-free' perms exist and can be less damaging, the question asks for the most suitable *type* of perm solution given the specific hair condition, and true acid waves are specifically designed for this level of fragility.
True Acid Waves
Permanent wave solutions that operate at a low pH (4.5-7.0), use glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMTG) as the primary reducing agent, and require external heat to process.
- The gentlest type of perm solution.
- Ideal for fragile, damaged, porous, or previously colored/highlighted hair.
- Produces soft, natural curls and waves.
Memory trick: For FRAGILE hair, ACID is the GENTLEST path.