Georgia Cosmetologist License Practice Exam

Ammonium thioglycolate is a common chemical used in hair perming solutions due to its ability to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair structure, allowing it to be reshaped and set into a new style. This compound works on a molecular level by softening the hair, making it malleable enough to curl or wave when wrapped around rods during the perming process. Once the desired shape is achieved, a neutralizer is applied to reform the disulfide bonds in their new configuration, effectively locking in the curls or waves.

Hydrogen peroxide is often used in hair coloring and lightening processes but is not the primary agent in perm solutions. Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, does not serve a purpose in the perming process itself. Glycolic acid is primarily associated with skin care and exfoliation rather than hair perming. This highlights why ammonium thioglycolate is the best answer, as it is specifically designed for altering hair texture and structure during perming.