Alkaline perms are associated with which characteristics?

• A. Process Faster and Produce A Stronger Curl
• B. Process Slower and Produce A Weaker Curl
• C. Need No Neutralizer
• D. Do Not Affect Porosity

Answer: (A)

Alkaline perms use a high-pH reducing agent, which causes the cuticle to lift and the hair to swell, allowing rapid penetration and fast breaking of disulfide bonds. Because the bonds are broken quickly, processing happens faster, and when the hair is wrapped and then neutralized, the new curl shape locks in, often resulting in a stronger, more defined curl than with other perm types. Remember, a neutralizer is still required to re-bond the hair, and while porosity can influence how the hair takes the chemical, the standout characteristics of alkaline perms are the faster processing and stronger curl.