What is the modern-day term for the waving lotion used in cold waving developed in 1941?

• A. Alkaline perms
• B. Acid perms
• C. Neutral perms
• D. Temporary perms

Answer: (A)

Alkaline perms are the modern term for the waving lotion used in cold waving. Cold wave systems rely on a highly alkaline solution that contains a reducing agent to break the hair’s disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to rearrange around perm rods. This high-pH formula, developed for cold waving in 1941, is why we group these under the alkaline perm category today. Acid perms and neutral perms use different pH levels and chemistries, so they aren’t described by the same waving lotion. Temporary perms aren’t permanent straightening or curling methods and don’t use the same permanent-waving chemistry.