Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

Which chemical process changes the structure of the hair to create curls?

1. Cutting

2. Coloring

3. Permanently waving

4. Perming

The correct answer is: Perming

The process that effectively changes the structure of the hair to create curls is known as perming. Perming involves the use of chemical solutions that break down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure. Once these bonds are altered, the hair can be wrapped around rods or rollers to form curls. After the chemical treatment sets, a neutralizer is applied to re-form the disulfide bonds in their new shape, resulting in lasting curls or waves. While permanently waving is often used interchangeably with perming in casual conversation, it typically refers to the broader category of techniques that include various methods of creating curls and waves. However, specifically, perming is a more precise term that denotes the specific chemical process used to permanently alter the hair's structure for curl formation. Therefore, understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for accurately discussing the practices involved in hairstyling and chemical treatments.