Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

Which bonds are broken and rearranged during a permanent wave?

1. Disulfide

2. Hydrogen

3. Ionic

4. Sulfur

The correct answer is: Disulfide

The correct answer is disulfide bonds. During a permanent wave, the process involves the use of chemicals that break the disulfide bonds, which are strong bonds formed between the sulfur atoms in the amino acids of the hair proteins. By breaking these bonds, the hair can be restructured into a new shape, allowing for the formation of curls or waves. Once the disulfide bonds are broken, the hair can be set in a new configuration, and then a neutralizing solution is applied that allows the disulfide bonds to reform in their new position. This chemical process is crucial for creating long-lasting waves or curls in the hair, which is the primary goal of a permanent wave treatment. While hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds also play a role in the overall structure and behavior of hair, it is specifically the disulfide bonds that undergo significant alteration during the permanent waving process. Sulfur, while related to the disulfide bonds, does not directly refer to the bond type that is broken in this context.