Which phase of perming is the most important?

• A. The chemical phase is the most important
• B. The physical phase is the most important
• C. Physical and chemical phases are equally important
• D. Neither phase is important

Answer: (C)

Both chemical and physical phases are equally important. The chemical phase uses a reducing agent to open the hair’s disulfide bonds, allowing the strands to take on the new shape when wrapped on rods. The physical phase shapes and holds that arrangement by wrapping, tension, processing time, and applying the neutralizer to reform the bonds in the new configuration. If the chemical step isn’t thorough, bonds won’t break enough and the curl won’t form. If the physical step isn’t done correctly, the reshaped bonds won’t set evenly or hold. Since successful perming depends on both breaking and rebuilding bonds plus guiding and fixing that new shape, both phases must work together.