Which of the following are reasons to not perm hair?

• A. Abrasions
• B. Breakage
• C. Been treated with sodium hydroxide
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Perming uses chemical solutions to break and re-form disulfide bonds in the hair, so any existing damage or chemical treatment raises the risk of injury or poor results. Abrasions on the scalp mean the skin isn’t intact, making it susceptible to chemical burns, stinging, or infection when the perm solution is applied. Breakage indicates the hair is already structurally compromised, so processing can cause more breakage, uneven curls, or complete hair loss in the affected areas. Hair that has already been treated with sodium hydroxide is chemically altered and more prone to overprocessing, extreme swelling, or further damage when exposed to another strong chemical service. Because all of these conditions are contraindications, the appropriate choice is the one that includes all of them.