Compared to acid perms, alkaline perms generally:

• A. Produce softer curls and slower processing
• B. Produce stronger curls and faster processing
• C. Have a milder reducing agent
• D. Require less tension during wrap

Answer: (B)

Alkaline perms produce stronger curls and faster processing because they use a higher pH and a stronger reducing agent, which opens the hair cuticle more and breaks disulfide bonds more quickly. That rapid reduction lets the hair wrap take hold into a tighter curl pattern and be reformed during neutralization in less time. In contrast, acid perms use milder reducing agents at a lower pH, so the disulfide bonds break more slowly, resulting in softer curls and longer processing. Tension during wrap is a technique choice and isn’t dictated by whether the perm is alkaline or acid.