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Alkaline Perms Quiz: Check Your Permanent Waving Skills

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This alkaline perms quiz helps you check core permanent waving steps and choices. Practice parting size, rod placement, solution strength, and resistant hair cues, then compare with our permanent waving quiz, refresh chemistry with an acid vs alkaline quiz, or explore styles with a perm type quiz.

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1What is the primary reducing agent used in an alkaline perm solution?
2Which type of hair bond is primarily broken during the perming process?
3What is the typical pH range of an alkaline perm solution?
4Which product is used to stop the perming process by reforming disulfide bonds?
5Alkaline perms are commonly referred to by which alternative name?
6Which rod diameter produces the tightest curls in a perm?
7Which rod diameter produces the loosest waves in a perm?
8Which hair type is considered resistant and typically requires more processing time?
9What basic sectioning pattern uses rectangular subsections for perm wrapping?
10Which product is applied around the hairline to protect the skin from perm solution?
11During a test curl for an alkaline perm, what curl shape indicates proper processing?
12Which layer of the hair shaft is primarily affected during the perming process?
13What characteristic odor is commonly associated with alkaline perm solutions?
14Approximately how long is the standard processing time for an alkaline perm on average hair?
15Before applying perm solution, hair should be which of the following?
16Which of these factors does not typically influence perm processing time?
17Which base placement creates maximum root lift and volume during an alkaline perm?
18Which base placement is best for fine or damaged hair to reduce tension and prevent breakage?
19Which base placement provides moderate root lift and balanced tension in a perm?
20Which wrapping technique is best suited for creating uniform spiral curls from roots to ends on long hair?
21Which perm wrap technique uses two rods on one strand, each handling a portion of the hair?
22Which perm pattern staggers rods in an offset, like bricks, to create a more natural wave?
23How many panels are typically created in the basic perm wrap sectioning method?
24Which end paper technique involves folding a single paper around the hair ends like an envelope?
25If a test curl shows incomplete formation of an S-shape, what should you do next?
26How should processing time be adjusted for porous hair compared to normal hair?
27Which tool is most commonly used to create clean subsections for perm wrapping?
28In a spiral perm wrap, what direction are the perm rods positioned?
29What pattern of partings produces zigzag wave effects in a perm wrap?
30Which solution factor most directly influences the speed at which disulfide bonds are reduced?
31During a test curl, hair breaks easily and lacks elasticity. What does this indicate?
32Which of the following hair conditions is a contraindication for an alkaline perm service?
33Which reducing agent is commonly used in acid-balanced perm solutions, distinguishing them from alkaline perms?
34What is the typical pH range for acid-balanced perm solutions?
35Which ingredient in an alkaline perm solution primarily aids in swelling the hair cuticle for better penetration?
36What is the main active ingredient used in thio-free perm systems?
37Which hair characteristic most significantly impacts perm solution penetration in resistant hair?
38What is the key difference between croquignole and spiral perm wrapping techniques?
39Which neutralizer ingredient can cause hair lightening if left on too long?
40What is the primary purpose of a preliminary strand test before full perm application?
41How long should you rinse the perm solution from the hair before applying neutralizer?
42What is the typical concentration range of ammonium thioglycolate in alkaline perm solutions?
43Which oxidizing agent besides hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used in perm neutralizers?
44Theoretically, how does increasing the pH of a perm solution by one unit affect its reducing action?
45What modification is recommended when perming hair previously chemically relaxed with a sodium hydroxide relaxer?
46How does a thicker cortex in coarse hair affect alkaline perm processing compared to finer hair?
47Which environmental factor can significantly accelerate acid-balanced perm processing?
48Why must hair containing metallic salts be treated with caution during an alkaline perm service?
49Given that the pKa of thioglycolic acid is approximately 9.3, why must alkaline perm solutions operate above this pH to be effective?
50When using an acid-balanced perm solution that requires external heat, what is the typical hood dryer temperature range recommended?
51What is the primary benefit of using a curvature perm sectioning pattern on a client?
52Why is glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMTG) considered gentler on hair compared to ammonium thioglycolate (ATG)?
53Which quick diagnostic test can identify residual alkaline relaxer on the hair before perming?
54Which simple at-home test can help detect the presence of metallic salts in hair before perming?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify True Statements about Alkaline Perms -

    Differentiate correct from incorrect claims regarding alkaline perm chemistry and processes to answer which of the following statements is true about alkaline perms.

  2. Determine Appropriate Parting Sizes -

    Apply knowledge of sectioning to select what size partings are generally used for a double-process technique for consistent wave patterns.

  3. Analyze Chemical Actions in Perm Solutions -

    Break down how alkaline solutions interact with hair structure and compare their effects to other perm types.

  4. Apply Techniques for Resistant Hair -

    Implement strategies such as using heat and a stronger solution when perming resistant hair may require heat and a stronger solution to achieve desired curls.

  5. Evaluate Perming Strategies -

    Assess different perm methods and know when to adjust solution strength or processing time for optimal results.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Chemistry of Alkaline Perms -

    Alkaline perms rely on ammonium thioglycolate at a pH of 8.0 - 9.5 to swell the hair cuticle and break disulfide bonds rapidly. This high-pH environment drives faster processing than acid perms, making them ideal for coarse or resistant hair. Mnemonic: "High pH = High Speed" helps you remember why alkaline perms work so quickly.

  2. True Statement about Alkaline Perms -

    Which of the following statements is true about alkaline perms? They process faster and create stronger curls than acid perms because the higher pH opens the hair shaft more fully. This rapid action can lead to increased elasticity but requires careful monitoring to avoid overprocessing.

  3. Parting Sizes for Double-Process Techniques -

    What size partings are generally used for a double-process technique? Professionals typically use 1/4-inch sections to ensure even solution saturation and consistent curl patterns. Smaller partings help deliver uniform results, reducing the risk of patchy or under-processed areas.

  4. Perming Resistant Hair Strategies -

    Perming resistant hair may require heat and a stronger solution, such as an endothermic heat source plus a 9 - 10% ammonium thioglycolate formula. Applying gentle heat opens the cuticle further, allowing the solution to penetrate deeply and form reliable curls. Always conduct a strand test to fine-tune timing and heat settings.

  5. Neutralization and Bond Reformation -

    After waving, a neutralizer containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to reform broken disulfide bonds via oxidation (2R - S - + H₂O₂ → R - S - S - R + 2OH - ). Proper neutralization locks in curl shape and restores hair strength. Remember: "Oxidize to Stabilize" when you think of bond reformation.

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Updated Feb 21, 2026