New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a perm solution?

1. To condition the hair

2. To break down the disulfide bonds in the hair for reformation

3. To add shine to the hair

4. To clean the hair deeply

The correct answer is: To break down the disulfide bonds in the hair for reformation

The primary function of a perm solution is to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair for reformation. When a perm solution is applied, it contains active ingredients, typically ammonium thioglycolate or similar chemicals, that penetrate the hair shaft and reform its structure. This process allows the stylist to reshape the hair into curls or waves by changing the hair's natural configurations. Disulfide bonds are one of the three types of bonds that contribute to the strength and shape of hair strands, and they are pivotal in determining the hair's overall texture. By breaking these bonds, the hair becomes more pliable and easier to manipulate into the desired shape during the perming process. After the hair has been reshaped, a neutralizer is used to reform the disulfide bonds in their new position, thereby maintaining the style once the perm solution has been rinsed out. The other options—conditioning the hair, adding shine, and deeply cleaning the hair—do not accurately describe the primary action of a perm solution, which is specifically focused on restructuring the hair's internal bonds.