What do end papers do?

• A. Protects the client's skin from chemicals when applied around the hairline
• B. Controls the hair ends when wrapping. Equalizes porosity and absorbency
• C. Holds the perm rods in place
• D. Prevents perm solution from drying out during processing

Answer: (B)

End papers are used to control the hair ends during wrapping. They keep the ends smooth and flat, preventing them from poking out or overlapping as you wrap around the perm rod. This ensures the ends absorb the chemical evenly along with the rest of the strand, helping to equalize porosity and absorbency across the wrap. The result is a more uniform processing and curl.

Skin protection, holding the rods, and preventing drying are achieved with other steps and tools—the barrier around the hairline, the rods and wrap technique, and a processing cap or covering—so end papers aren’t responsible for those functions.