Question

What is one major factor that determines the overall strength of permanent waving lotion?

Answer 1

One major factor that determines the overall strength of permanent waving lotion is the concentration of the active ingredient, usually thioglycolic acid or a derivative of it.

Step-by-step explanation:

Here's an explanation of how the concentration of the active ingredient affects the strength of the permanent waving lotion:

1. Permanent waving lotion is used in the process of perming or curling hair.

2. The active ingredient, usually thioglycolic acid, breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped into curls or waves.

3. The concentration of the active ingredient in the lotion determines how effectively and strongly it breaks these bonds.

4. Higher concentrations of the active ingredient will result in stronger and more dramatic curls or waves, as more disulfide bonds are broken.

5. Conversely, lower concentrations of the active ingredient will result in looser or softer curls, as fewer disulfide bonds are broken.

6. The concentration of the active ingredient is typically indicated on the packaging of the permanent waving lotion, allowing stylists to choose the desired strength for their clients' hair.

7. It's important for stylists to consider the hair type, texture, and condition of their clients' hair when selecting the appropriate concentration of permanent waving lotion to achieve the desired results without causing excessive damage.

In summary, the concentration of the active ingredient, such as thioglycolic acid, is a major factor that determines the overall strength of permanent waving lotion. Higher concentrations result in stronger curls, while lower concentrations produce looser curls. Stylists must consider hair type and condition when selecting the appropriate concentration for their clients.

Answer 2

The concentration of ammonium thioglycolate in permanent waving lotion is a critical factor that affects its strength by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds in hair, resulting in permanent curls.

Step-by-step explanation:

One major factor that determines the overall strength of permanent waving lotion is the concentration and effectiveness of the reducing agent used, typically ammonium thioglycolate. This chemical is responsible for breaking the strong disulfide bonds in hair's keratin structure during the permanent waving process. These disulfide bonds must be broken to allow hair to be reshaped into curls or waves. Following the reduction, a neutralizer is applied to re-form new disulfide bonds, fixing the hair in its new shape.

The strength and flexibility of the hair polymer depend on factors such as chain length, the presence of polar side groups leading to hydrogen bonding, branching, and cross-linking. In the context of hair treatments, more extensive cross-linking due to disulfide bonds leads to harder, more permanent curls.