Alaska Barber Certification Practice Exam

What is required to be broken by the permanent wave solution?

1. Peptide links

2. Hydrogen bonds

3. Sulfur bonds

4. Polypeptides

The correct answer is: Sulfur bonds

The permanent wave solution consists of an alkaline which softens and breaks down the disulfide bonds (also known as sulfur bonds) found in the hair. This process alters the shape of the hair, allowing it to be reformed into a new style. Peptide links, though they are important in the structure of hair, are not affected by the permanent wave solution. Hydrogen bonds are also not the target of the permanent wave solution, as they are easily formed and broken, and do not provide enough hold for a long-lasting hairstyle. Polypeptides, while also essential to the structure of hair, are not affected by the alkaline solution in the same way that disulfide bonds are. Therefore, C Sulfur bonds are the only bonds required to be broken by the permanent wave solution.