NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent waving service on a client with coarse, resistant hair. After applying the waving solution, the cosmetologist notices that the hair is not processing effectively. What is the most likely cause for this issue?
- AThe hair's disulfide bonds were not sufficiently broken.
- BThe hair was not thoroughly rinsed before applying the solution.
- CThe waving solution was too strong.
- DThe hair was over-processed.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The hair's disulfide bonds were not sufficiently broken.
For a permanent wave to take, the waving solution must sufficiently break the hair's disulfide bonds. Coarse, resistant hair often requires a stronger solution or longer processing time to break these bonds, and insufficient breakage leads to ineffective processing.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rinsing issues are more relevant to neutralization or product interaction, not initial processing efficacy.
- C. A solution that is too strong might lead to over-processing or damage, not a lack of processing.
- D. Over-processing would result in frizziness and damage, not ineffective processing.
Disulfide Bond Breakage
The essential chemical process in permanent waving where the waving solution breaks the hair's disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to be reformed into a new shape.
- Required for permanent wave
- Achieved by reducing agents (thioglycolate)
- Insufficient breakage leads to poor curl formation
Memory trick: No broken bonds, no new 'do'!