NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is performing a permanent waving service. After winding the hair on perm rods, the next critical step is to apply the permanent waving solution. What is the primary purpose of this solution?
- ATo condition the hair and prepare it for neutralization.
- BTo re-harden the hair's disulfide bonds in the new shape.
- CTo cleanse the hair and remove any residual styling products.
- DTo swell the hair and break the disulfide bonds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To swell the hair and break the disulfide bonds.
The permanent waving solution, often an alkaline chemical, penetrates the hair shaft, swells the cuticle, and breaks the disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to be reshaped by the perm rods.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Conditioning is usually done after neutralization, and this solution is not designed for cleansing.
- B. Re-hardening of disulfide bonds is the function of the neutralizer, not the waving solution.
- C. Cleansing is done during shampooing before applying the perm rods, not with the waving solution.
Permanent Waving Solution Function
The permanent waving solution (reducing agent) breaks the hair's disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to be molded into the shape of the perm rod.
- Main ingredient is usually ammonium thioglycolate.
- Alkaline pH swells the hair cuticle.
- Breaks disulfide bonds through a chemical reduction process.
Memory trick: Waving Solution Breaks Bonds for Bendy Hair.