The goal of applying perms to naturally straight hair is to give the hair curls. Chemicals are used in conjunction with rods and rollers to accomplish the operation. The hair assumes the shape of a rod when the chemical is administered, and they are subsequently neutralized. Ammonium thioglycolate, sometimes known as Theo or thiol, is used in perms. Some perms use glyceryl mono thioglycolate and are designed to be mild on hair. We refer to these as acid-balanced permanents.
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The permanent hair straightening technique is called a relaxer. Depending on the chemical’s strength and time, the hair relaxer will either stretch hair with a naturally occurring curl pattern or hair that is firmly curled. Applying the creamy paste relaxer straight to the hair—avoid the scalp—is how it works. You will apply the neutralizing shampoo after completely washing off the relaxer once you’re satisfied with the results. Until new hair grows in, the existing hair will stay straight. Employ sodium hydroxide, relaxers. Nevertheless, some relaxers may employ ammonium thioglycolate, similar to perms, and just forego the usage of rollers and rods, which are often needed to curl hair.
Two such amazing methods that assist folks in achieving the desired appearance are relaxers and permanent hair extensions. But because so few people are aware of these methods, they frequently struggle to choose the best way and look for themselves. For several individuals, relaxers and perms are interchangeable. They are not equivalent, though. They are applied to hair for various reasons, and there are variations in the outcomes that follow.
The method used and the desired result are two further ways that a relaxer and a perm differ from one another. A relaxer is used to release and relax natural curls and waves, whereas a perm uses plastic curling rods to introduce curls to the hair.
However, the chemicals employed in these two techniques are comparable in that they aim to alter the hair’s existing structure.
These days, numerous salons are offering their clients perms and hair relaxers because they are in style. Because these two methods work, more and more people are adopting these hairstyles. Here are some things you should know about hair treatments before deciding on any of them.
Difference Between Permed And Relaxed Hair
We’ve previously seen how varied purposes call for the use of relaxers and perms for hair, as well as how the chemicals alter the texture. Nevertheless, the compounds’ pH values in the two approaches are different.
Both of these methods entail raising the outermost layer of the hair strand and breaking the disulfide bond, which helps to change the natural texture of the hair. This is why they sound similar when discussing mechanical hair manipulation. The future shape of the hair will be determined at this time. To get the desired result, the cosmetologist or hair specialist will know how to hold the hair at this point.
The cosmetologist is required to apply a neutralizing solution to the hair following a thorough rinse and the completion of the perm process. The neutralizer will cause the hair to shrink and re-harden, as well as change the alkaline to acidic pH balance. While the rods are still in place, this neutralizing solution aids in the hair’s regrowth and new form.
The hair cannot be reformed with the use of this neutralizing shampoo. The strength will also be influenced by the PH levels and the manner in which the chemicals are applied to the hair.
Application-wise, both approaches differ as well. While relaxers apply a plaster to the hair, perms are typically liquid in nature. While in the relaxer, the cosmetologist will combine the solutions, form a paste, and then apply it to the hair, the perming solution is applied straight from the bottle to the hair. Using a brush, the cosmetologist will accomplish this.
Relaxers are more alkaline in nature when it comes to the variation in PH levels.
The pH range of a regular relaxer is 12–14, whereas the pH range of a regular permanent is 9.0–9.6. Additionally, there is a significant difference in the PH levels of the two procedures, as well as differences in the acid categories of relaxers and perms. The technique’s PH levels are crucial since the higher the pH level, the more damaging the method is to hair.
To minimize hair damage, the cosmetologist needs to be extremely effective in finishing the procedure in the least amount of time. Second, there is a greater likelihood of scalp burning or irritation the higher the pH levels.
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