Alkaline Perms Quiz: Check Your Permanent Waving Skills
Quick, free quiz to test your knowledge of perm rod placement and disulfide bonds in perming. Instant results.
This alkaline perms quiz helps you check core permanent waving steps and choices. Practice parting size, rod placement, solution strength, and resistant hair cues, then compare with our permanent waving quiz, refresh chemistry with an acid vs alkaline quiz, or explore styles with a perm type quiz.
Study Outcomes
- Identify True Statements about Alkaline Perms -
Differentiate correct from incorrect claims regarding alkaline perm chemistry and processes to answer which of the following statements is true about alkaline perms.
- Determine Appropriate Parting Sizes -
Apply knowledge of sectioning to select what size partings are generally used for a double-process technique for consistent wave patterns.
- Analyze Chemical Actions in Perm Solutions -
Break down how alkaline solutions interact with hair structure and compare their effects to other perm types.
- Apply Techniques for Resistant Hair -
Implement strategies such as using heat and a stronger solution when perming resistant hair may require heat and a stronger solution to achieve desired curls.
- Evaluate Perming Strategies -
Assess different perm methods and know when to adjust solution strength or processing time for optimal results.
Cheat Sheet
- Chemistry of Alkaline Perms -
Alkaline perms rely on ammonium thioglycolate at a pH of 8.0 - 9.5 to swell the hair cuticle and break disulfide bonds rapidly. This high-pH environment drives faster processing than acid perms, making them ideal for coarse or resistant hair. Mnemonic: "High pH = High Speed" helps you remember why alkaline perms work so quickly.
- True Statement about Alkaline Perms -
Which of the following statements is true about alkaline perms? They process faster and create stronger curls than acid perms because the higher pH opens the hair shaft more fully. This rapid action can lead to increased elasticity but requires careful monitoring to avoid overprocessing.
- Parting Sizes for Double-Process Techniques -
What size partings are generally used for a double-process technique? Professionals typically use 1/4-inch sections to ensure even solution saturation and consistent curl patterns. Smaller partings help deliver uniform results, reducing the risk of patchy or under-processed areas.
- Perming Resistant Hair Strategies -
Perming resistant hair may require heat and a stronger solution, such as an endothermic heat source plus a 9 - 10% ammonium thioglycolate formula. Applying gentle heat opens the cuticle further, allowing the solution to penetrate deeply and form reliable curls. Always conduct a strand test to fine-tune timing and heat settings.
- Neutralization and Bond Reformation -
After waving, a neutralizer containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to reform broken disulfide bonds via oxidation (2R - S - + H₂O₂ → R - S - S - R + 2OH - ). Proper neutralization locks in curl shape and restores hair strength. Remember: "Oxidize to Stabilize" when you think of bond reformation.