What does an alkaline perm do to the hair during processing?

An alkaline perm processes hair by expanding it. This is due to the high pH level of the alkaline perm solution, which causes the cuticle layer of the hair to lift, allowing the chemical solution to penetrate more effectively. When the cuticle scales open, the hair strand absorbs the chemicals, causing the internal protein structure to break down and restructure. This expansion is essential for creating curls or waves, as it allows the hair fibers to be reshaped into the desired pattern during the perming process. The expansion and subsequent restructuring are key factors in achieving long-lasting curls or waves with an alkaline perm.