Hairstyles have been around for as long as humans learned that their hair could be considered beautiful. A perm is one such hairstyle. ‘Perm’ is short for ‘permanent.’ Although, it is not permanent.
As the man developed inventions that could be used in daily life, he realized that those products could also be used in cosmetics and beauty treatments. Perming is an example of one such invention.
Perms can be using different methods, i.e., thermal or chemical. The chemical method uses an acidic or alkaline base to create the hairstyle. You can either choose to color your hair or not.
For creating the hairstyle, the hair is coated with certain chemicals and then wrapped in rods to give them shape. If the chemical contains acid, the hairstyle is called an acid perm. And if the chemical contains a base, it is called an alkaline perm.
Key Takeaways
- Alkaline perms use a higher pH solution to break down and re-form the hair’s bonds, creating a looser curl pattern; acid perms use a lower pH solution to create a tighter curl pattern with less damage to the hair.
- Alkaline perms can be harsher on the hair and scalp but can create longer-lasting curls; acid perms are gentler but may require more frequent touch-ups.
- Alkaline perms are better suited for hair that is less porous and more resistant to chemical processing; acid perms are better for hair that is fine or fragile.
Alkaline vs. Acid Perm
Alkaline perm is used to create soft retro waves in the hair using ammonium thioglycolate with a strong PH of 9.5. This kind of perming lotion is damaging to the hair and can be used in more resistant hair type. Acid perm lotions are made up of glycerol Mono thioglycolate with a PH of 6.7. This type of perming is comparatively soft and less harmful to the hair.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Alkaline Perm | Acid Perm |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | The active ingredient is ammonium thioglycolate. | The active ingredient is glyceryl monothyioglycylate. |
| Alternative Name | Also known as cold perms. | No alternative name. |
| Requirement of heat | Heat is not required to set the hair. | Heat is required for the hair to set. |
| pH Balance | The pH balance for an alkaline perm is between 8.2 to 9.6 | The pH balance for an acid perm is between 4.5 and 6.5 |
| Time of setting | Alkaline perms only take 20 minutes to set. | Acid perms take a longer time to set. |
| Strength | Alkaline perm is stronger. | Acid perms are weaker. |
| Suited for | Alkaline perm is more suited for thick and coarse hair. | Alkaline perm is more suited for thick and coarse hair. |
| Effects | Alkaline perms can be damaging to hair. | Alkaline perms can be damaging to hair. |
What is an Alkaline Perm?
Alkaline perms are much more common than acid perms and are known as cold perms. It has a strong chemical odor like that of ammonia. The chemicals used in alkaline perms are very harsh and can cause hair damage and loss in the long term.
It gives firmer curls that last for a long time. Alkaline perms can cause changes in the texture of your hair too. This perming method was introduced in 1938 as different chemicals started being used in cosmetics and beauty treatments.
Alkaline perming is a harmful method and shouldn’t be done frequently. The perm remains intact for several months, and the new roots of the hair grow to lessen the effect of curls.
What is an Acid Perm?
An acid perm was the first to be invented. It was introduced in the market around the 1970s. The chemicals used in acid perms are not very strong and harmful, so they take a longer time frame to set. In addition to applying chemicals, heat is also needed to set the hairstyle.
The results are much softer curls than seen in an alkaline perm. The effect does not last for a long time and can also cause allergic reactions in some people. A bonus point of getting an acid perm is that it is not as harmful to hair as an alkaline perm.
Acid perming is as harmful as alkaline perming but shouldn’t be done consistently. The perm doesn’t hold for more than a few months and isn’t all that much affected by new hair growing in.
Main Differences Between an Alkaline Perm and an Acid Perm
- Alkaline perm uses the base of a salt known as ammonium thioglycolate, while acid perm uses glyceryl mono thioglycolate.
- Alkaline perms do not require heat to set and are also known as cold perms. Acid perms require heat to set.
- While alkaline perms take only 20 minutes to set, acid perms can take much longer.
- The pH balance for alkaline perms is between 8.2 to 9.6 and 4.5 to 6.5 for acid perms.
- Alkaline perms are much stronger than acid perms and can cause hair damage.
- Acid perms can be used on soft and/or damaged hair, while alkaline perms use harsh chemicals more suitable for thick hair.
- Alkaline perms can cause hair damage, and acid perms may have allergic reactions.
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fiber/70/2/70_28/_article/-char/ja/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962284701381
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096228370188X
- http://www.papersearch.net/google_link/fulltext.asp?file_name=27728739.pdf
Last Updated : 21 July, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
It’s surprising to learn that alkaline perms are more common than acid perms, despite their harsh chemical composition. Hopefully, more people will be aware of the potential damage.
While the choice between alkaline and acid perms is clear, this article could benefit from further exploration of the potential risks associated with each method. A more detailed analysis would enhance the content.
An important consideration highlighted here is the need to avoid consistent use of either alkaline or acid perms. This serves as a valuable cautionary note for individuals interested in hair perming.
Alkaline perms sound very harsh and damaging to the hair, I’ll stick to an acid perm for a soft yet less harmful curl pattern.
I agree, and I appreciate the detailed comparison between the two types of perms. It’s important to know how each will affect your hair.
I find the historical context provided for alkaline and acid perms insightful. Understanding how these methods evolved over time adds depth to the discussion on hair perming.
Absolutely, context is key. It’s fascinating to learn about the introduction of chemical-based hair treatments and the subsequent impact on hair care.
Contextualizing perming methods within the broader historical development of cosmetic treatments is both informative and engaging. A well-rounded perspective.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of perming methods, and I appreciate the clarification about the differences between alkaline and acid perms.
Absolutely, knowing the difference in pH balance and the strength of each perm is essential for making an informed decision about hair treatments.
It’s crucial to emphasize that neither alkaline nor acid perms should be used frequently due to their damaging effects. This information can help people make more informed decisions regarding hair perming.
The comparison table makes it clear that acid perms are more gentle and suitable for long-term hair health. However, I’m curious about the potential risks and side effects associated with both types of perms.
I share your concern. It would be beneficial to include information on the long-term effects and possible damage caused by repeated perm treatments.
The emphasis on the infrequent use of both perm types underscores the importance of responsible hair care practices. It’s essential to prioritize the health and well-being of our hair.
The detailed overview of alkaline and acid perms promotes a thought-provoking reflection on the trade-offs between style and hair health. A well-presented analysis of perming methods.