Which component in alkaline perms acts as the base to raise pH?

Which component in alkaline perms acts as the base to raise pH?

• A. Ammonium hydroxide
• B. Thioglycolic acid
• C. Glyceryl monothioglycolate
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

In alkaline perms, the base is the element that raises the solution’s pH, creating a strongly alkaline environment that lets the reducing agent work to loosen the hair’s disulfide bonds. Ammonium hydroxide does this by releasing hydroxide ions, pushing the pH up into the alkaline range. That higher pH is essential for swelling the hair and enabling the reducing agent to break bonds so the hair can be reconfigured on a rod. Water stays neutral and doesn’t raise pH, so it doesn’t serve this role. The other substances listed are part of the reducing system or conditioners, not the base that raises pH.

In alkaline perms, the base is the element that raises the solution’s pH, creating a strongly alkaline environment that lets the reducing agent work to loosen the hair’s disulfide bonds. Ammonium hydroxide does this by releasing hydroxide ions, pushing the pH up into the alkaline range. That higher pH is essential for swelling the hair and enabling the reducing agent to break bonds so the hair can be reconfigured on a rod. Water stays neutral and doesn’t raise pH, so it doesn’t serve this role. The other substances listed are part of the reducing system or conditioners, not the base that raises pH.