What is the active ingredient in an alkaline perm?

The active ingredient in an alkaline perm is ammonia. Ammonia plays a crucial role in the perming process by acting as an alkaline agent that opens the hair cuticle, allowing the wave pattern to form as the hair structure is altered. Its alkaline nature enables the disulfide bonds in the hair to break, which is essential for reshaping the hair into curls or waves.

In contrast to other options, calcium and sodium hydroxide can be associated with different types of hair treatments, while hydrogen peroxide is primarily a bleaching agent and does not serve the same purpose in perming. The effectiveness of ammonia in producing a longer-lasting curl makes it a vital component in alkaline perms, catering to a wide range of hair types, especially those looking for strong, defined curls.