Final answer:
Soft curl permanents use ammonium thioglycolate to break disulfide bonds in hair, which are then reformed into a new shape with an oxidation neutralizer such as hydrogen peroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soft curl permanents use ammonium thioglycolate, a basic reducing substance, to reduce and rupture some of the disulfide cross-links in the hair. The process involves putting hair on rollers or curlers to reshape it, and, similar to thio permanent waves, an oxidation neutralizer is used to reform the disulfide bonds in their new positions. This usually involves a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide which stabilizes the hair's new shape by re-establishing the disulfide bonds.