Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

Perms use a reducing agent to alter the hair structure. This chemical process involves breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure. When the hair is treated with a reducing agent, it effectively reshapes the protein structure, allowing the hair to be set into new styles, such as curls or waves.

The reducing agent typically contains chemicals like ammonium thioglycolate, which facilitate the softening of the hair and enable it to take on a new shape when wrapped around rods or rollers. Once the desired shape is achieved, another chemical is usually applied to reform the bonds and make the new style permanent.

Understanding this process is crucial for anyone in the field of cosmetology, as it highlights the importance of using the appropriate chemicals to achieve desired hair textures safely and effectively.