National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cosmetology Practice Exam

What primary chemical component is found in the solution that processes a chemical permanent wave?

1. Ammonium sulfite

2. Ammonium thioglycolate

3. Sodium hydroxide

4. Calcium carbonate

The correct answer is: Ammonium thioglycolate

The primary chemical component found in the solution that processes a chemical permanent wave is ammonium thioglycolate. This compound is a key ingredient in perm solutions because it acts as a reducing agent, which is essential for breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure. When hair is treated with ammonium thioglycolate, it allows the hair to become more malleable and enables the stylist to reshape the hair into waves or curls. Ammonium thioglycolate works by softening the hair's protein structure, making it possible to set the hair into a new shape when it is wrapped around perm rods. Upon neutralization with a suitable solution, the bonds reform in the new shape, resulting in long-lasting waves or curls. Other choices, such as ammonium sulfite, sodium hydroxide, and calcium carbonate, serve different purposes in hair treatments or chemical processes but are not the primary ingredients used in the formulation of a chemical permanent wave solution. Ammonium sulfite is often used in low-pH perms, sodium hydroxide is the active ingredient in relaxed hair systems, and calcium carbonate does not have a role in the perm process. Therefore, the role of ammonium thioglycolate as the